Pulmonary Atresia

Pulmonary atresia occurs when the pulmonary valve that is located between the heart and lungs fails to develop properly, which may block blood flow and cause a baby’s skin, lips and nails to turn blue. In some cases, the baby may also have a defect in the ventricular septum in the form of a hole within the muscle that divides the lower heart chambers. In combination, these conditions are referred to as tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. Children born with pulmonary atresia can be treated via a procedure known as balloon valvuloplasty.