When an infant’s ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, this results in a congenital heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus. This open, or patent, causes blood to mix between the pulmonary valve and the aortic valve. Higher blood pressure can result from this, which is very dangerous to the health of the baby. Doctors closely monitor this condition to see if it will close itself, but sometimes other treatments are necessary. This heart defect is very common and can be managed.