Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects seen in newborns and infants. Before birth, the ductus arteriosus is a normal blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the lungs. After birth, it usually closes naturally within the first few days. When it remains open, it is called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). The size of the PDA and the baby’s overall condition determine whether observation, medication, catheter-based closure, or surgery is required.
Many families from Zimbabwe choose India for specialised paediatric cardiac care because of experienced congenital heart specialists, advanced diagnostic facilities, and dedicated children’s heart programmes.
Also Read :- PDA Treatment in India for Zambian Patients
What Are the Symptoms of PDA?
Some infants have no symptoms, while others may develop:
- Rapid breathing
- Poor feeding
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Frequent chest infections
- Excessive sweating during feeding
- Fatigue
- Heart murmur detected during examination
Large PDAs can place extra strain on the heart and lungs if left untreated.
How Is PDA Diagnosed?
|
Investigation |
Purpose |
|
Echocardiography |
Confirms PDA and measures its size |
|
Electrocardiogram (ECG) |
Evaluates heart rhythm |
|
Chest X-ray |
Assesses heart size and lung blood flow |
|
Pulse Oximetry |
Measures oxygen levels |
|
Clinical Examination |
Detects heart murmurs and symptoms |
These investigations help paediatric cardiologists decide the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for PDA
Treatment depends on the infant’s age, symptoms, and the size of the PDA.
|
Treatment |
When It May Be Recommended |
|
Observation |
Small PDA that may close naturally |
|
Medication |
Mainly for selected premature infants |
|
Catheter-Based Device Closure |
Suitable for many infants and older children when anatomy permits |
|
Surgical PDA Ligation |
Large PDA, very small infants, or when catheter closure is unsuitable |
Small PDAs in full-term infants may close spontaneously during the first few months, while larger PDAs are less likely to close without treatment. Medication is mainly effective in selected premature newborns.
Advantages of Treatment in India
Many leading paediatric cardiac centres in India provide:
- Experienced paediatric cardiologists
- Dedicated paediatric cardiac surgeons
- Advanced echocardiography and cardiac imaging
- Cardiac catheterisation laboratories
- Neonatal and paediatric intensive care units
- Multidisciplinary rehabilitation and nutritional support
- Comprehensive international patient services
Preparing Before Travelling from Zimbabwe
Parents can usually obtain an initial medical opinion before travelling by sharing:
- Echocardiography report
- Birth history
- Growth chart
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Blood investigation reports
- Current medications
- Videos showing breathing difficulties (if advised)
Early review helps doctors determine whether urgent treatment is required and estimate the expected hospital stay.
Recovery After PDA Closure
|
Treatment |
Typical Recovery |
|
Device Closure |
Usually discharged within 1–3 days if stable |
|
Surgical PDA Closure |
Hospital stay commonly 3–7 days depending on recovery |
Most infants recover well and gradually return to normal feeding and growth. Follow-up echocardiography is performed to confirm successful closure and monitor heart function. Long-term outcomes after successful treatment are generally excellent.
Partner Hospitals in India
Families from Zimbabwe may consider treatment at partner hospitals such as:
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
- Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- MGM Healthcare, Chennai
These hospitals have specialised paediatric cardiology and paediatric cardiac surgery programmes, advanced neonatal intensive care units, and experienced multidisciplinary teams for congenital heart disease.
Why Families from Zimbabwe Choose India
Many families travel to India because of:
- Experienced paediatric heart specialists
- Advanced catheter-based and surgical treatments
- Modern children’s cardiac intensive care units
- Coordinated care for international patients
- Personalised treatment planning
- Structured follow-up and rehabilitation support
Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help most infants with PDA achieve healthy growth and excellent long-term heart function.
Learn More :-Medical Treatment in India for Zambian Patients
Official Indian Government References
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Advanced paediatric cardiology and congenital heart disease services.
https://www.aiims.edu/ - Indian Consensus Guidelines for Congenital Heart Disease (AIIMS-led Working Group)
Evidence-based recommendations for the timing and management of PDA and other congenital heart defects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6716301/
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Dr. Dheeraj Bojwani
Medical Travel Advisor for International Patients Seeking Treatment in India
📍 New Delhi, India
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This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or visa advice. Medical recommendations, treatment plans, and procedures may vary from one patient to another based on individual health conditions and circumstances. Readers are strongly advised to consult qualified healthcare professionals before making any medical-related decisions.