Ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants--indications and procedures.

Premature newborns with patent ductus arteriosus can be managed by prostaglandin inhibition, but this medical treatment carries a high risk of renal failure, and other complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis and hematologic disorders have been described. Echocardiography gives an early confirmation of shunt and surgical treatment may be proposed. The aortic arch anatomy in the premature infant may not be as simple to determine as the anatomy of an older child. In the premature infant the use of a clip for patent ductus arterious closure seems the best technique, avoiding circular dissection of the ductus. We report our experience of 68 cases operated upon.