Three shunts, the changes at birth, and the drugs that open or close the ductus. A rapid, high-yield review of fetal circulation for medical students and exam candidates.
In this episode: • Ductus arteriosus: PA→aorta; closes w/ O2, indomethacin • Foramen ovale: R→L atrial shunt; closes w/ ↑LA pressure • Ductus venosus: bypasses liver; umbilical vein→IVC • PGE1 keeps DA open · indomethacin closes PDA
