Patent Ductus ArteriosusNancy McDaniel M.D.In this heart defect the heart has four chambers and four valves. In this defect there is a blood vessel which connects the lung artery to the aorta called a patent ductus arteriosus. This blood vessel helps the baby's blood circulate when the baby is in the mother's womb. After birth, this blood vessel usually closes or clots off. When this stays open the blood vessel may cause breathing problems if the baby is premature. A medicine (indomethacin) can be used to close the blood vessel. Surgery may be required to close the vessel if it is still open when the child is older.
 Normal Heart  |