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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
10:52
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
The first closure of the persistent ductus arteriosus
Vladimir V Alexi-Meskishvili1, Wolfgang Böttcher
1Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany. alexi@dhzb.de
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Congenital heart disease treatment advanced significantly with the successful surgical closure of the persistent ductus arteriosus. This historical overview highlights key milestones in ductus arteriosus ligation and division, making heart conditions treatable.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical History
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- The surgical treatment of congenital heart disease, specifically patent ductus arteriosus, has evolved significantly over time.
- Early conceptualizations for closing a patent ductus were proposed as early as 1907.
- The development of surgical techniques was crucial for managing these conditions.
Observation:
- Robert Edward Gross achieved the first successful ligation of a persistent ductus arteriosus in 1938.
- The historical progression includes Munro's initial concept for patent ductus closure.
- Clinical application advanced from theoretical ideas to practical surgical interventions.
Findings:
- The successful clinical ligation of the persistent ductus arteriosus marked a turning point in treating congenital heart disease.
- Surgical attempts to treat an infected ductus arteriosus were initially unsuccessful.
- Tubbs and Touroff later achieved successful surgical outcomes for infected ductus arteriosus.
Implications:
- The historical advancements in surgical techniques have transformed congenital heart disease from untreatable to manageable.
- The successful management of persistent ductus arteriosus paved the way for further innovations in pediatric cardiac surgery.
- Understanding the historical trajectory of surgical interventions provides valuable context for current and future treatments.
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