Ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight infants

Twenty-five low birth weight, premature neonates who were refractory to aggressive medical management underwent ligation of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus. The mean birth weight was 1,007 g and the mean gestational age 29 weeks. Six patients (24 percent) died before discharge, two from continued cardiorespiratory failure. Echocardiography showed significant improvement in left atrial and left ventricular dimensions after ligation. In the premature neonate with respiratory distress and congestive heart failure refractory to aggressive medical management, surgical ligation may be accomplished with an acceptable hospital mortality in very low birth weight infants.