Pulmonary Atresia

Pulmonary atresia is a type of congenital heart defect in which the opening between the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle is blocked. This can result in an enlarged heart, reduced blood vessel function in the lungs, and problems with the right ventricle.

Pulmonary atresia is usually linked with heart abnormalities such as tetralogy of Fallot.

Treatment for pulmonary atresia includes medicine or a catheter procedure. Or surgery may be used to provide another way for blood to get to the lungs. Depending upon the heart's condition, surgical repair may remove or bypass the blockage.

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 11, 2011
Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology

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