Pediatrics: Patent Ductus Arteriosus

In this chapter the essential aspects of anesthesia for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) repair are discussed. The case presented is of a 30-week neonate requiring PDA repair. Subtopics include adjustments in management due to infant prematurity and prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis. The chapter is divided into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative sections with important subtopics related to the main topic in each section. Issues presented regarding preoperative evaluation include concerns related to the patient’s prematurity and risk for necrotizing enterocolitis. Intraoperative management addressed includes choice of monitors, inhalational agents used, potential complications, and postligation. Postoperative topics include use of antibiotics, when repair is the wrong procedure, and postoperative complications.