Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) defect
The ductus arteriosus is a normal part of a fetus’s circulation. It is a blood vessel that connects the two large arteries coming out of the heart: the aorta and the pulmonary artery. With the baby’s first breath, the lungs fill with air and become the source of oxygen for the newborn once the umbilical cord is cut. At that moment, blood from the right ventricle changes course and begins to flow to the lungs. The ductus is no longer necessary for diverting blood from the lungs. Some blood from the aorta may cross the PDA to also help fill the lungs. In some children, the ductus does not close or remains partially open.
When the ductus does not close within the first few days of life, it is called a persistently Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). Patent means open.1
When a patient has a PDA, the following symptoms can occur:
A. If the PDA is small, there might not be any symptoms, therefore some patients will not be diagnosed until later in childhood.1
- Tiredness and Sweating1
- Strong and forceful pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Poor feeding habits
- Shortness of breath
- Poor growth1
Closure of the PDA
A transcatheter closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option available for patients. The closure is performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory, a cath lab. A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin area and guided to the heart. The size and type of the PDA is determined by the doctor. Once completed, a PDA occluder can be positioned.
The Occlutech PDA occluder has a flat disc with a champagne cork-like shape, the main part of which is called a shank. It collapses down to fit into the catheter. When ejected, the occluder returns to its original shape. The flat disc is designed to prevent protrusion to the aorta and the shank part is designed to allow stable anchorage inside the ductus. Once in place, your physician will confirm the proper placement before releasing the occluder and withdrawing the catheter.2
The device is now in the correct position and the defect is closed. In most cases only a pressure bandage is required to close the access point in the groin. After a few months, the device will be covered by a thin layer of cells, then covered by the heart’s tissue. Over time the opening should be completely covered.2
Things to think about
If you or your child experience unexpected symptoms after the procedure such as dizziness, pain, sudden weakness and rapid heartbeat, immediately seek medical help.2
Occluders and airports
The device will not set-off any metal detectors at an airport security scan.2
If you have additional questions or need additional information, please contact Occlutech’s service center via email: order@occlutech.com
PDA procedure
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
1. A heart with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
2. Closing the PDA defect
3. Occlutech PDA device in position
PDA Occluder
- Campbell M. Natural history of patent ductus arteriosus. Br Heart J. 1968; 30: 4–13
- P17F03.114.02 ; Occlutech PDA Instructions for use