How is PDA treated in adults?
Closure of the defect is generally recommended (as long as advanced pulmonary
hypertension is not present) because of the high risk for cardiac complications
and early death related to PDA. Closing the PDA can reduce complications,
restore normal circulation, eliminate symptoms and reduce the risk of death. An
open surgical procedure was the standard for decades. In this procedure, the
surgeon opens the chest and closes the opening with stitches or permanent
titanium clips. Today, adult congenital heart disease experts prefer to reserve
an open surgical procedure for those patients with large PDAs. More than 95
percent of PDAs can now be closed by catheter-based techniques.

Patent ductus arteriosus ligation – is indicated in all cases
of symptomatic or asymptomatic patent ductus arteriosus, with left-right shunt
that does not close spontaneously after drug theraphy. This treatment is done to
avoid cardio-pulmonary decompensation, irreversible vascular pulmonary disease
or infection. This can be done surgically or videoscopic.

Repairing a PDA in an adult is a more complicated procedure than performing the
procedure in children. Adults with PDAs should be under the care of an adult
congenital heart disease specialist with experience in treating this particular
defect. The specialist will evaluate all considerations, such as the size of the
PDA, complications related to the PDA and the patient’s overall health, to make
a recommendation on which approach is most likely to have the best outcome.
What is the prognosis after PDA closure?
Closing the PDA restores normal circulation to the heart and reduces the
risk of endocarditis, pulmonary hypertension, aneurysm formation and death. But
closing the defect may not reverse the damage already done to the heart, such as
congestive heart failure, pulmonary vascular disease or calcium deposits at the
site of the defect. Endocarditis prophylaxis (antibiotics) is recommended for 6
months following closure of a PDA or for life if any residual defect is present.
Patients with repaired PDAs should remain under the care of a cardiologist
experienced in adult congenital heart problems.
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