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Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has several outpatient and urgent care centers throughout South Florida, including on-demand, virtual care.
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Also known as: PA.
Pulmonary atresia is a birth defect of the heart where the valve that controls the flow of blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs does not form, preventing blood picking up oxygen.
Pulmonary atresia is a congenital heart defect, which means that babies are born with it. Researchers aren't sure of the exact cause, but it often occurs along with other heart problems such as patent ductus arteriosus or ventricular septal defect.
Babies born with PA usually have symptoms at birth or soon afterwards. The lack of oxygen caused by pulmonary atresia leads to problems breathing and a blue tint to the skin. Sleepiness, fatigue & poor feeding also occur.
Pulmonary atresia is a “critical congenital heart defect”. Most babies will need medications to keep the ductus arteriosus open after birth to improve blood flow to the lungs. Surgical procedures will be needed to correct the defect.
Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP
This page was last updated on: July 25, 2024 11:42 AM
The Heart Institute – a world leader in pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery and the care of children with congenital heart disorders – serves as a beacon to families confronting the reality of a child or newborn with a heart defect.
The moment Justin was born, his mother and father were faced with the most daunting and challenging experience any parent can imagine. Just hours after birth, Justin was airlifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for more specialized pediatric care. Having been diagnosed with pulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot, he required immediate attention before it was too late.
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Any unusual physical feature or health problem that is present at the birth of a baby is known as a birth defect or a congenital anomaly.
Ventricular septal defect is a defect that babies are born with. It is often present with other heart problems.
A bluish tinge of the lips, tongue, nail beds or skin is called cyanosis. This occurs because of a lack of oxygen in the red cells of blood and is never normal.
RVOT reconstruction is a surgical repair of the RVOT. Frequently, a pulmonary valve will also need to be replaced as part of the reconstruction of the heart.