Pulmonary Atresia
Pronunciation: PUHL-mon-air-ee ah-TREE-zhah
A congenital heart defect where the pulmonary valve fails to form properly, blocking blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Full Definition
Pulmonary Atresia is a complex congenital heart defect in which the pulmonary valve is completely blocked or absent, preventing normal blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. This condition may occur with an intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) or with a ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD), each presenting different anatomical and physiological challenges. Blood flow to the lungs must occur through alternative pathways such as a patent ductus arteriosus or aortopulmonary collateral vessels. Treatment typically requires staged surgical reconstruction or palliation.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as PA. Specify whether with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) or with VSD (PA-VSD) as treatment differs.
In Context
- "The neonate was diagnosed with Pulmonary Atresia with intact ventricular septum requiring immediate intervention." — Emergency cardiology consultation
- "Pulmonary Atresia with VSD often requires assessment of aortopulmonary collateral vessels." — Pre-surgical cardiac catheterization report