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What is Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

A heart condition known as patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, may appear shortly after birth.

A persistent gap between the two main blood arteries that emerge from the heart is known as the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

The blood flow system for an unborn child, often known as a fetus in the womb, includes an entrance known as the ductus arteriosus. Usually, it shuts down soon after delivery. It is referred to as a patent ductus arteriosus if the opening stays open.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is necessary to avoid consequences such as inadequate oxygenation, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure.

PDA raises the risk of infective endocarditis and strains the heart, which can cause long-term lung and heart damage if treatment is not received.

Early intervention promotes children's improved growth and general health while preventing developmental delays.

For those impacted, timely intervention guarantees fewer complications and enhances their quality of life.

What are the Common Symptoms of Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

A large PDA diagnosed during infancy or childhood might cause :

  • Poor feeding, which results in poor growth
  • Crying or eating while perspiring
  • Breathing too quickly or feeling out of breath all the time
  • Easy tiring
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Inadequate growth or weight gain

Taking Care of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus During Pregnancy

  • A small patent ductus arteriosus may not hinder a successful pregnancy. However, the risk of significant pregnancy issues is increased in case of a large PDA or a condition such as heart failure, lung injury, or irregular heartbeats.
  • Discuss potential pregnancy risks and consequences with your healthcare provider before getting pregnant. Certain cardiac medications may be harmful to a developing fetus. Before you get pregnant, your doctor may decide to stop or modify your medication.
  • The healthcare team can plan any particular care required during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related genetic testing and screening may be performed if you are at a high risk of giving birth to a child who has a cardiac problem.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Causes

The cause of this illness is unknown to researchers. A family history of the disease or genetic problems are two possible causes of patent ductus arteriosus. Additional PDA reasons could be:

  • Pregnancy-related German measles
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonates

Risk Factors

Risk factors for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) include:

  • Premature birth
  • Family history and other genetic conditions
  • German measles during pregnancy
  • Being born at a high altitude
  • Female sex assigned at birth

Complications

A small patent ductus arteriosus might not cause complications. Larger, untreated PDAs could cause:

  • High blood pressure in the lungs is also called pulmonary hypertension
  • Heart failure
  • A heart infection called endocarditis

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Singapore

  • In Singapore, there are successful therapeutic options for patients of all ages with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), including indomethacin for premature newborns, transcatheter device closure for older children and adults, and surgical ligation when required.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) Prevention Tips

The prevention of patent ductus arteriosus is unknown. But it's essential to take every precaution to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few essentials:

  • Take folic acid now
  • Stay active and engage in exercise
  • Get early prenatal care, even before you're pregnant
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
  • Obtain the recommended vaccinations
  • Manage your blood sugar levels

Treatment options for Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Cardiac catheterisation: Cardiac catheterisation involves inserting a flexible tube, threading it through a blood vessel to the heart, closing the patent ductus arteriosus and stopping blood flow.

PDA closure: Surgery for patent ductus arteriosus involves a lateral chest incision made by the surgeon. They use a metal clip or sutures to close the PDA.


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The diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus can be aided by tests.

  • Echocardiogram: Images of the beating heart are created by sound waves. This test illustrates the blood flow of the heart and its valves. It can determine whether the heart has a persistent opening.
  • Chest X-ray: This test reveals the state of the lungs and heart.
  • EKG, or electrocardiogram: This quick and easy test captures the electrical signals that comprise the heartbeat.
  • Cardiac catheterisation: This test isn't usually needed to diagnose patent ductus arteriosus.

The primary components of PDA rehabilitation are monitoring and supportive care. But in more serious situations or following surgery, rehabilitation might entail:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation: The goal is to strengthen the heart and enhance cardiovascular health.
  • Physical therapy: To aid in recuperation, particularly in cases of developmental delays, post-operative muscle weakness, or chronic heart strain.
  • Respiratory Therapy: If increased blood flow to the lungs has caused injury, respiratory therapy restores lung function.
  • Monitoring and Ongoing Care: To guarantee long-term health and keep an eye on heart function, schedule routine check-ups with medical professionals.

PDA medicines, which decrease blood flow through the vessel, aid in stimulating the closure of the ductus arteriosus, particularly in moderate cases or preterm infants.

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Hospitals for Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in Singapore

Gleneagles Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Gleneagles Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Gleneagles Hospital, located on Napier Road in Singapore, is a leading private healthcare institution offering comprehensive medical services and advanced clinical care. With 221 beds and a strong team of medical specialists, the hospital holds the Singapore Quality Class certification for excellence in healthcare. Its state-of-the-art facilities include ICU, HDU, NICU, Urgent Care Centre, operating theatres, radiology, endoscopy, laboratories, and rehabilitation units. Gleneagles specializes in orthopaedics, oncology, women’s health, and gastroenterology, offering tailored programs for cancer, bone, and gut health. With modern maternity packages and patient-friendly rooms, the hospital ensures compassionate, high-quality care focused on safety, comfort, and recovery.

Farrer Park Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Farrer Park Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Farrer Park Hospital located in Connexion, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A medical centre is linked to the Farrer Park Hospital Complex, Connexion, Singapore
  • The focus of the hospital is to bring together two essential elements: those of healthcare combined with hospitality.
  • There is a building with 20 different stories which comprises Owen Link, hotel and spa.
  • Personal attention and patient care focus is maintained with a system in place of listening, analysing, evaluating and then implementing a treatment plan.
  • 121 bed capacity
  • Technology and innovations help provide the best of medical and surgical treatment options.
  • Professionally implemented international patient care systems
  • Suites: Cardiovascular, day surgery, endoscopy, major surgery, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and inpatient suite
  • Diagnostic imaging and intensive care unit
  • 24 hour emergency clinic and pharmacy
  • Facilities such as dialysis, nutrition services, rehab centre, and teaching clinic
Mount Elizabeth Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Hospital located in Singapore, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 345 bedded Hospital
  • Maternity wards
  • The Mount Elizabeth Patient Assistance Centre (MPAC)
  • 1 major operating unit with 12 operating rooms and 1 operating theatre dedicated to in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • High Dependency Unit (HDU)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Accident & Emergency Department
  • Rooms are categorized as Single rooms, 2-bedded rooms, 4-bedded rooms, Executive deluxe suite, Daffodil/Magnolia suite, VIP Room, and Royal Suite
  • All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
  • Parking lot

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Why choose Singapore for Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons to choose Singapore:

  • Advanced Medical Technology: Singapore provides cutting-edge facilities that use minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat coronary artery disease.
  • World-Class Experts: Highly experienced cardiologists and surgeons with international training, backed by JCI-accredited healthcare facilities.
  • Cost-Effective Treatment: Compared to many Western countries, treatment in Singapore is less expensive while maintaining high quality.
  • International Patient Services: Singapore hospitals offer exceptional multilingual care and assistance to international patients.
  • Innovative Treatment Options: Modern technologies include biologic medicines and recent research on Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. If your infant develops new symptoms, notify your healthcare provider immediately and keep all scheduled follow-up appointments.

Healthcare professionals can fix a PDA if it doesn't close. If moderate and large-sized PDAs in babies and children are not treated on time, they may be more likely to develop cardiac problems as adults.

Studies have shown that transcatheter procedures with tools such as the Amplatzer Duct Occluder can close Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) with up to 100% effectiveness in Singapore. These minimally invasive procedures are safe, efficient, and associated with a low rate of complications and a rapid recovery.

The majority of PDA newborns who receive therapy go on to lead active, healthy lives.

Sometimes, the PDA may spontaneously close in the initial days or weeks following birth, especially in premature babies. However, medical attention could be required if it persists or produces symptoms.

If there are no more cardiac abnormalities, blood flow quickly returns to normal following catheterisation or surgery.

The most prevalent cardiac issue affecting newborns is patent ductus arteriosus. Premature babies are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition by medical professionals. The earlier the infant is born, the higher the risk.

  • About 10% of babies born between weeks 30 and 37 of pregnancy have PDA.
  • Eighty per cent of babies are born between weeks 25 and 28 of pregnancy.
  • 90% of kids are born before the 24-week mark.

There is a very low chance of recurrence if the wound has been effectively closed through medication, catheterisation, or surgery. However, routine follow-ups are crucial for monitoring heart health and preventing issues.

Author

Nimra Haseeb
Nimra Haseeb

MSc Biochemistry

4 Years of Experience

Miss Nimra Haseeb is a medical researcher and a scientific content writer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and a Master’s in Biochemistry from Integral University, Lucknow. With strong experience in healthcare research, she specializes in secondary research, clinical data analysis, and evidence-based medical writing. Her work focuses on transforming complex scientific and medical information into clear, accurate, and reliable healthcare content for patients and healthcare audiences. She is also experienced in interpreting medical studies and healthcare trends to deliver well-researched and informative content that supports better health awareness and decision-making. View More

Reviewer

Dr. Nityanand Tripathi
Dr. Nityanand Tripathi

Interventional Cardiologist

29 Years of Experience

With a rich experience of more than 29 years, Dr. Nityanand has gained a vast spectrum of skills and expertise in performing all types of complex cardiac procedures. He is an expert in clinical & interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. He studied his medicine (MBBS) and MD from the Institute of Medical Sciences of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and later completed his DM in Cardiology from the prestigious King George Medical University, Lucknow. View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026