Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) - series

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Indications

The type and timing of surgical repair depends on the child's condition and the type and severity of heart defects.

In general, symptoms that indicate that surgery is needed are:

• difficulty breathing because the lungs are wet, congested, or fluid-filled (congestive heart failure)
• problems with heart rate or rhythm (arrhythmias)
• excessive work load on heart that interferes with breathing, feeding, or sleeping

Update Date: 12/5/2011

Updated by: Kurt R. Schumacher, MD, Pediatric Cardiology, University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center, Ann Arbor, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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