What Is PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) Ligation?
PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) ligation is a corrective surgical procedure for children whose ductus arteriosus did not close after birth. The congenital heart defect can lead to congestive heart failure in older children and adults if left untreated. With the patient under general anesthesia, the pediatric cardiologist makes a small incision on the left side of the chest through the ribs. Upon reaching the ductus arteriosus, the surgeon either ties it off or has it divided and cut. Once the patent ductus arteriosus ligation is complete, the surgeon closes the wound and moves the patient to the intensive care unit. Several days may pass in monitoring the patient’s progress. If the child is on a respirator, he or she is kept sedated. IV lines and nasogastric tubes provide fluid and medication during the recovery period in the ICU. Chest tubes may be necessary to drain excess fluid, blood, and air from the chest. A catheter in the bladder drains urine from the body. In most cases, childr
