Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview
Patent Ductus Arteriosus is a congenital (present at birth) heart-related blood vessel connection that stays open when it should close. It involves the ductus arteriosus, a normal fetal vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. After birth, this vessel usually closes on its own, but in Patent Ductus Arteriosus it remains open (“patent”). It is commonly discussed in neonatal care, pediatric cardiology, and adult congenital heart disease clinics.