Duct Arteriosus (Ductus Arteriosus)

Article "Ductus Arteriosus (Ductus Arteriosus)"

The Duct Arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery directly to the ascending aorta, bypassing the pulmonary circulation. Typically, the ductus arteriosus closes after the baby is born. Incomplete closure of the duct (patent ductus arteriosus) leads to the appearance of a characteristic murmur in the heart; the observed symptoms in this case are the same as with a defect of the intracardiac septum. The ductus arteriosus can close on its own during childhood, but surgical closure is often required.

The Duct Arteriosus, also known as the Ductus Arteriosus, is a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery directly to the ascending aorta. This vessel is necessary for the proper functioning of the fetal cardiovascular system. It allows blood to bypass the pulmonary circulation of the fetus, since the lungs are outside the mother's body and do not perform their function of carrying out gas exchange.

Under normal conditions, after the birth of a child, the ductus arteriosus closes and its function is transferred to other vessels. However, if the duct does not close completely, then a patent ductus arteriosus occurs, which leads to the appearance of a characteristic heart murmur. At the same time, the observed symptoms are similar to those of an intracardiac septal defect.

Patent ductus arteriosus is the most common cardiovascular defect in newborns. In most cases, the duct closes on its own during the first months of the child's life. However, in some cases, surgery may be required to close the duct.

What happens when the ductus arteriosus is patent?

With a patent ductus arteriosus, blood from the pulmonary artery constantly moves into the aorta, bypassing the pulmonary circulation. This results in the blood not reaching the lungs and going through the gas exchange process. In turn, this can lead to disruption of oxygen supply to the child’s body and other health problems.

How is patent ductus arteriosus diagnosed?

A patent ductus arteriosus can be diagnosed by a doctor by listening to the baby's heart. The doctor will hear a characteristic noise associated with abnormal blood flow through the duct. Additional tests, such as echocardiography, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

How is patent ductus arteriosus treated?

In most cases, the patent ductus arteriosus closes on its own within the first few months of life. However, if the duct does not close, surgery may be required. The surgical method of closing the duct is often used in cases where the duct does not close on its own or when other complications develop.

In conclusion, the ductus arteriosus is an important component of the proper functioning of the fetal cardiovascular system. Incomplete closure of the duct can result in a patent ductus arteriosus, which can cause serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor the health of newborns and conduct regular examinations with a pediatrician. If a patent ductus arteriosus is detected, it is important to promptly seek medical help to prevent possible complications.

During prenatal development, every person has a blood channel that connects the lungs with the heart directly, thereby performing the function of blood circulation. This canal is called the Duct Arterialis or Ductus Arterialis.

However, after birth the Duct usually closes, and the function of blood transmission passes from it to a full branch of the pulmonary artery. The exception is when the duct remains open (Open ductus Arterious) or incompletely closed (Patent Duitu Arteriois).

Symptoms of a patent ductus manifest as a heart murmur. In addition, patients with an open ductus are characterized by shortness of breath and sometimes heart failure. Many patients turn to cardiologists to eliminate these symptoms.

Repairing a patent duct is a difficult task. For this purpose, medication is used