aortic atresia [Gk, aeirein + a, tresis, a boring] , a congenital anomaly in which the aortic valve is blocked or missing, preventing normal blood flow. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Symptoms appear shortly after birth and include cyanosis, difficulty breathing, and irritability. The severity of symptoms is related to the degree of the defect, as well as the presence of other cardiac defects. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Prostaglandin (IV) may be prescribed to keep the ductus arteriosis open to permit blood flow. Multiple surgical procedures may be required to correct the deformity. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Infants with congenital heart disease and their families require support. Long-term follow-up with regular evaluations is important.
