What is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?
Patent ductus arteriosus is a heart defect present at birth. Ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel present between the aorta and the pulmonary artery during the fetal life. This closes shortly after birth. When it remains open after few days of birth, it is termed as Patent ductus arteriosus. Patent simply means open. This defect is more common in premature babies and may close spontaneously in time.
