The ductus arteriosus is a normal structure during fetal life and is the physiological blood flow pathway upon which the fetus depends. After birth, the ductus arteriosus closes before full term in most children as respiratory movements of the lungs increase oxygen saturation. If the ductus arteriosus does not close on its own, the ductus arteriosus is said to be unclosed. Unlike ventricular septal defects, the likelihood of spontaneous closure after the first month of life is small. In recent years, the ductus arteriosus is less likely to be treated with medication, because it is difficult to control the dose of medication. Therefore, most children need interventional or surgical treatment. If the child has a large shunt volume and severe symptoms (history of recurrent respiratory infections, congestive heart failure, etc.), early surgery should be performed. Early surgery can prevent the development of pulmonary hypertension. For children with small ductus arteriosus, interventional treatment with a blocker to seal the ductus arteriosus may be considered. If your child is found to have an unclosed ductus arteriosus, please do not be nervous, follow the medical advice or wait for it to close on its own. If you have other concerns, you can leave me a message online or choose to talk to me one-on-one by phone.