Patent ductus arteriosus stenting for ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow

Abstract

Neonates with ductal-dependent blood flow require a stable source of pulmonary blood flow as their initial palliative procedure. This may be accomplished with either a surgical shunt, e.g., a Blalock- Taussig- Thomas (BTT) shunt, or with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent. Based on recent data, including data from large multicenter studies, PDA stenting has not only emerged as an acceptable alternative to the BTT shunt but the preferred method to establish a stable source of pulmonary blood flow in most circumstances. Advances in procedural details, technical aspects, and an understanding of ductal morphology have greatly facilitated PDA stenting in the current era, though a steep learning curve is involved. A collaborative effort from multiple specialties including congenital interventional cardiology and congenital heart surgery is needed to take care of this high-risk patient population.