Abstract: Abstract: Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and reliability of the minimally invasive treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) via the second intercostal incision on the left margin of sternum. Methods Clinical data of 31 infantile children undergoing ligation of PDA in Tianjin First Center Hospital from January 2014 to November 2017 were collected. All cases were performed operation through the second intercostal incision on the left margin of sternum. The operative process of this operation was summarized, and its clinical outcome was analyzed. Results The operation went smoothly, the length of the incision was (2.5±1.0) cm, the operation time was (1.5±0.2) h, the intraoperative bleeding was less than 5 mL, and the average length of hospital stay was (15.1±4.2) d. There were no complications such as death and massive hemorrhage in the perioperative period. The thoracic drainage tube was not needed after the operation. During the follow-up from 1 month to 4 years, catheter recanalization and aneurysm formation were undetected. Conclusion The treatment of PDA with the second intercostal incision on the left margin of sternum is safe and reliable. It has fewer complications and better long-term effect.

Key words: ductus arteriosus, patent, surgical procedures, minimally invasive, the second intercostal incision