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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
PDA Surgery
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
PDA Surgery
by Sondra Elmore, Mar 15, 2003 12:00AM
Hello. I have a question concerning my daughter who is 2 1/2 years old. At four weeks old she was referred to the local University Pediatric Cardiology due to a murmur. She was diagnosed with a very small PDA, to be followed-up at 9 months old. Which she was. At that time after peforming an echo, and EKG the Chief Pediatric Cardiologist said the PDA was so small, that he would not see a need to ever close it. However, he would see her again at age four. She's doing fine, and shows no signs of problems. I am taking her back early to be re-checked. Have you ever heard of a situation in which not closing a PDA is recommended? I keep reading of the risk of infection to her heart? Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-RCJ, Mar 17, 2003 12:00AM
Sondra,
Thanks for the question.
Whenever we consider doing something to a patient, we have to balance the potential risk against the potential benefit. While it is true that your daughter's future risk of infection may be slightly higher, the risk of surgery is not insubstantial. Sometimes we are better leaving well enough alone.
If you trust your cardiologist, then an early follow-up is fine. If you still have questions, then consider getting a second opinion at a major center.
Good luck.
Thanks for the question.
Whenever we consider doing something to a patient, we have to balance the potential risk against the potential benefit. While it is true that your daughter's future risk of infection may be slightly higher, the risk of surgery is not insubstantial. Sometimes we are better leaving well enough alone.
If you trust your cardiologist, then an early follow-up is fine. If you still have questions, then consider getting a second opinion at a major center.
Good luck.
