How do I close a PDA?

How Is a PDA Closed?

When a baby is born, a small blood vessel called the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) often remains open. In many cases, especially with premature infants or those with heart conditions, this vessel doesn’t close on its own as it should shortly after birth. While small PDAs may close spontaneously within the first few months of life, some require medical intervention.

For children who need treatment, doctors typically use a minimally invasive procedure rather than open surgery. This involves a technique known as cardiac catheterization. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel—usually in the leg—and carefully guided up to the heart and into the PDA.

Once in place, a small device is passed through the catheter and positioned within the PDA, acting like a plug to seal it off. Over time, the body’s natural healing process takes over, and the tissue grows around the device, permanently closing the vessel. This approach avoids the risks and longer recovery time associated with surgery and is now the preferred method for most patients.

The entire procedure is done under imaging guidance, often with X-rays or echocardiography, ensuring precision and safety. Most children go home within a day or two and resume normal activities quickly.

While every case is different, advances in cardiac care mean that closing a PDA is now safer, less invasive, and highly effective. If your child has been diagnosed with a PDA, your pediatric cardiologist will help determine the best course of action based on the size of the vessel, symptoms, and overall health.