PDA

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart.

An opening called the ductus arteriosus is part of the blood flow system in the womb for an unborn baby, also called a fetus. It usually closes shortly after birth. If the opening remains open, it's called a patent ductus arteriosus. A PDA is a type of congenital heart defect.

A small PDA might never need treatment. But a large, untreated patent ductus arteriosus can let oxygen-poor blood move the wrong way. This can make the heart muscle weak, causing heart failure and other complications.

Treatments for patent ductus arteriosus may include regular health checkups, medicines, and a procedure or surgery to close the opening.