For Referring Physicians: When and How to Transfer

We recommend referrals for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closures for your infant patients who are:

• More than 2 weeks of age.
• Close to 700 grams (1.5 pounds) or more in weight.
• Identified to have a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus by echocardiography.

And have one or more of the following problems:

• Unable to wean from respiratory support.
• Unable to tolerate feedings.
• Experiencing end-organ dysfunction, including necrotizing enterocolitis, from suspected stealing of too much blood from the body to the lungs.

How to refer:

• Call (650) 723-7342 to talk with our Transfer Center.
• You will complete a brief live intake, and we will share with you instructions on how to upload the most recent echocardiogram images.
• Within 24 hours, a neonatologist will coordinate the review of the child’s candidacy with a pediatric cardiologist and contact you.
• In most cases, we set a Cardiac Catheterization Lab appointment within 24 to 48 hours from time of transfer.

The infant who underwent a PDA closure at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford is transferred back to your community hospital within a few days, unless his or her condition requires a longer stay.