Peri-Arrest Period
The recognized period either just before or just after a full cardiac arrest, when the patient’s condition is very unstable and care must be taken to prevent progression or regression into a full cardiac arrest.
Disorder
Patent Foramen Ovale [PFO]
A small hole between the atriums, related to failure of the normal Foramen Ovale to close completely after birth. Such a communication is present in about 20% of normal adults and very seldom causes any problem or requires treatment.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus [PDA]
Refers to the situation when the ductus remains open after the early days or weeks of life, resulting in a shunt of blood between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.