Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA):

Transcatheter closure of your child's PDA is done to close the opening between you child's aorta and pulmonary artery. Normally, the opening closes shortly after birth. Transcatheter closure may be done if your child is having symptoms. It also may be done to reduce the risk of infection, if your child does not have symptoms.

How to prepare your child for transcatheter closure:

Your child's healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare your child for this procedure. You may be told that your child should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure. Your child's provider will tell you which medicines your child should take or not take on the day of the procedure.

What will happen during transcatheter closure:

• General anesthesia will be given to keep your child asleep and free from pain during the procedure. Antibiotics will be given during the procedure to prevent an infection. Catheters will be put into the blood vessels in your child's groin through an incision. The catheters are gently pushed through the blood vessels and into the heart. Your child's healthcare providers may use dye and x-rays during the procedure. The dye helps the pictures show up better. Healthcare providers will use 1 or more tiny coils or a mushroom shaped device to close your child's PDA. The catheters will be removed after the coils or device are in place. Your child may need stitches to stop the bleeding. A pressure bag or bandage may also be put on the incisions for 2 or more hours to help stop bleeding.
• Your child will have a chest x-ray and an echocardiogram. Healthcare providers will use the results to make sure the coil or the device is in good position.

Call 911 for any of the following:

• Your child feels lightheaded, short of breath, and has chest pain.
• Your child coughs up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your child starts to bleed from his or her catheter site.
• The bruise where the catheter was placed gets bigger.
• The limb where the catheter was placed is numb, painful, or changes color.
• Your child's wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Contact your child's healthcare provider or cardiologist if:

• Your child has a fever or chills.
• Your child develops a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Follow up with your child's healthcare provider or cardiologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Activity:

Encourage your child to rest as much as possible for at least 2 days after a PDA closure. Ask when your child can return to his or her normal daily activities.

Bathing:

You may give your child a sponge bath or shower after your child goes home. Do not let your child take a bath or go swimming until the scabs fall off the area where the catheter was placed. This usually takes about 1 week.

Wound care:

Carefully wash your child's wound with soap and water. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your child's bandages when they get wet or dirty. Dress your child in loose clothing for the first few days after the PDA closure. This will keep the skin around the catheter wound from being irritated while it heals. It is normal for your child to have a small amount of bruising and soreness where the catheter was placed.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer