Introduction to the radical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus

What is the radical cure for patent ductus arteriosus? Patent ductus arteriosus is a common congenital cardiovascular malformation. Some children with patent ductus arteriosus can recover on their own without treatment, but there are still many children with patent ductus arteriosus who need treatment to recover. So, what are the radical cures for patent ductus arteriosus?

Patent ductus arteriosus that does not necessarily require treatment

For patent ductus arteriosus with an ultrasound-measured diameter of less than 2 mm and no obvious auscultatory murmur, it indicates that the shunt volume is very small and it is a "silent" ductus arteriosus, which will not have an adverse effect on the child and does not require treatment. For those with no continuous murmur on auscultation but a relatively obvious systolic murmur and no change in follow-up for more than one year, it means that there is still a considerable shunt volume and treatment needs to be considered as appropriate.

Drug closure of patent ductus arteriosus

Generally, it is suitable for premature infants with patent ductus arteriosus. The drugs that can be used include anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs such as indomethacin and ibuprofen. The effect is better when used in the early stage (within 72 hours after birth). The effect of application in full-term infants is generally poor.

Special circumstances requiring patency of the ductus arteriosus

Some complex congenital heart malformations rely on the patency of the ductus arteriosus to maintain the life of the child. For example, pulmonary atresia or severe pulmonary artery stenosis can be treated with drugs (prostaglandins) or interventional stent placement to keep the ductus arteriosus open.

Interventional treatment

Except for the window-type ductus arteriosus, all other types of patent ductus arteriosus can be treated with cardiac catheterization. Generally, the patient must be over 6 months old and weigh more than 8 kg; in special cases, 4-8 kg is also acceptable. The disadvantage is that it is radioactive (equivalent to a CT scan).

Surgery

It is suitable for all types of patent ductus arteriosus and does not require extracorporeal circulation. The disadvantage is that it is still somewhat traumatic.