What is patent ductus arteriosus?
An infant with patent ductus arteriosus is born with abnormal blood flow through the large vessels that deliver blood from the heart to the body and lungs. During development in the womb, the fetus receives oxygen from the mother's bloodstream. The developing fetus has a blood vessel, called the ductus arteriosus, which allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs. At birth, this blood vessel normally closes, allowing blood to flow to the lungs. In an infant with patent ductus arteriosus, the ductus arteriosus does not close properly at birth. Patent ductus arteriosus results in low blood oxygen levels and lung damage. Patent ductus arteriosus may occur in premature infants, or in infants born with an abnormal heart.

What are the symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus?
Symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus include rapid pulse, breathing difficulty, an enlarged heart, and a heart murmur.

How does the doctor treat patent ductus arteriosus?
Treatment for patent ductus arteriosus includes medications that help stimulate the patent ductus to close, and surgery to close the patent ductus arteriosus.