Before babies are born, they don't need to use their lungs, because they get oxygen from their mother.
An extra blood vessel keeps blood flowing away from the lungs to the rest of the body.
The vessel is called the ductus arteriosus.
When a baby is born and begins using their lungs to breathe, the vessel usually closes.
But sometimes it doesn't close.
This is called a patent ductus arteriosus or PDA.
Patent means "open."
So instead of all the blood flowing normally from the heart to the rest of the body, some of the blood flows back into the lungs.
And that can make the heart work extra hard.
PDA catheterization is a procedure to close the vessel so that blood can flow throughout the body.
Before the procedure, your baby will get medicine, so they won't feel anything.
The doctor will not make any cuts to do the procedure.
Instead, the doctor makes a small poke—usually in a blood vessel in your child's groin, on the upper thigh—and puts a thin tube called a catheter into the blood vessel.
Then the doctor moves the catheter through the blood vessel to the heart.
Next, the doctor puts tiny special tools through the catheter.
The doctor uses the tools to close the blood vessel—the ductus arteriosus.
Before the procedure, follow your doctor's directions for preparing your baby, including when your baby should stop eating and drinking.
Bring your photo ID and any other paperwork your hospital may have asked for.
Some hospital care teams include a child life specialist.
If yours does, this person can help you and your child understand your child's health condition, prepare for the procedure, and get emotional support.
PDA catheterization may be stressful for you and your child.
But knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help.
And if you have any questions or concerns, you can always call your doctor.
