PDA Device Closure or Patent ductus arteriosus closure is a procedure done to close an opening in a normal blood vessel.
Some facts about PDA Device Closure:
- Oxygenated blood is supplied to the whole body and Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs in a normal human heart.
- Both blood vessels are separated from each other.
- There is a small duct that connects the aorta and the pulmonary artery when a baby is in the womb which is called as Ductus Arteriosus.
- Pure blood is supplied from the placental connection with its mother.
- This ductus arteriosus gets closed within one to two days and in some conditions, up to one year when the baby gets birth.
- There lies a defect when the opening doesn't close and Aorta and pulmonary artery still has an open connection between them.
- The oxygen-rich blood from aorta gets leaked into the pulmonary artery because of this resulting in an overpressure to the lungs
- It may cause permanent damage to the lung blood vessels over time.
- A bounding pulse, fast breathing, not feeding well, shortness of breath and sweating while feeding are symptoms in babies with a large PDA.
- PDA is more often found in premature babies and generally accompanied by Down's syndrome and some genetic abnormalities
Preparation for PDA Device Closure:
- Your cardiologist should be informed if you have ever had a problem with sedation or if you have allergies.
- Health problems, like diabetes or kidney problems should also be informed to your cardiologist.
- Tell your cardiologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before the procedure of PDA Device closure should be avoided.
- An echocardiogram test will be done to decide the suitability of PDA for device closure.
- A special echocardiogram known as transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be used in addition to a echocardiogram to assess the finer details of the ASD.
- The exact location of the defect and the distance from other important parts of the heart like aorta and heart valves are measured as a reasonable distance from all these vital structures is required to place the device in order to avoid immediate and long term complications.
Procedure for PDA Device Closure:
- Chest X-ray and EKG is done to diagnose the patent ductus arteriosus.
- A contrast dye is also administered in a catheterization if required.
- This ductus arteriosus is either sewed or closed by a PDA Device Closure method.
- Typically surgery is used to close a PDA in premature and small babies.
- The minimally invasive route will be taken by your cardiothoracic surgeon to make an incision in the left side of your chest, between the ribs.
- The PDA will be closed by tying it with suture which is a thread like material or by placing a small metal clip permanently around it to squeeze it closed.
- A surgical patch is sometimes used.
