PDA
Also written as: PDA — Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent ductus arteriosus; a persistent connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery that normally closes after birth.
Full Definition
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the lungs during fetal development, fails to close after birth. This creates an abnormal connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery, causing increased blood flow to the lungs and extra work for the heart. Small PDAs may close spontaneously, while larger ones typically require surgical or catheter-based closure. PDA is more common in premature infants and can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from PDA meaning personal digital assistant in non-medical contexts.
In Context
- "The preterm infant developed congestive heart failure secondary to a large PDA." — NICU progress note
- "Transcatheter PDA closure was performed successfully using an Amplatzer occluder device." — Interventional procedure report