Patent ductus arteriosus

The ductus arteriosus is the blood vessel in the foetus through which blood passes from the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the lungs (which do not function during intra-uterine life). The ductus normally ceases to function soon after birth and within a few weeks is reduced to a fibrous cord. Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital defect in which this conversion does not happen. It can be surgically corrected.