Pulmonary Atresia
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(rollover image) How Is It Treated? - Part 1

Immediately after birth, it is imperative to keep the Patent Ductus Arteriosus open. Medications, such as Prostaglandin E1, may be given for this purpose.

In most cases, a tube, or shunt, made of a synthetic material called Gore-Tex, will be inserted between the pulmonary artery and the aorta or their branches to ensure continued blood flow to the lungs. This is known as a modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt.