The ductus arteriosus closes within 2 months after birth. If it remains open beyond this period, it is termed patent ductus arteriosus, a type of congenital heart disease. The length of the ductus arteriosus varies greatly, ranging from 0.3 to 3.0 cm, with most measuring between 0.5 and 1.0 cm. Its diameter is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 cm. When performing ductus arteriosus ligation surgery, care must be taken not to damage structures such as the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.
The regressed arterial ligament (arterial ligament) is a fibrous connective tissue cord, also known as the ligamentum arteriosum. It measures 0.3 to 2.5 cm in length and is a remnant of the embryonic ductus arteriosus, connecting the lower edge of the aortic arch to the slightly left side of the pulmonary artery trunk bifurcation.
Initially, physical closure of the ductus arteriosus occurs after the newborn begins breathing. Subsequently, prolonged absence of blood flow leads to its degeneration into the arterial ligament.
There is a triangular area anterior to the left of the aortic arch called the ductus arteriosus triangle. Its anterior boundary is the left phrenic nerve, the posterior boundary is the left vagus nerve, and the inferior boundary is the left pulmonary artery. Within the triangle lie the arterial ligament, the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and the superficial cardiac plexus. This triangle serves as a surgical landmark for locating the ductus arteriosus. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve closely adheres to the left side of the arterial ligament (or ductus arteriosus), loops underneath the aortic arch groove, and ascends posteriorly and upward. In surgery, the left recurrent laryngeal nerve is often used as a landmark to locate the ductus arteriosus.
Brainstorming
Will other arteries that are not used for a long time also degenerate? But further, will collateral circulation be established?