As the only source of blood for the lower body after birth in the case of Interrupted Aortic Arch is through the Patent Ductus Arteriosus, the medication Prostaglandin E1 is administered soon after birth to keep that vessel open. It is important to diagnose this defect as soon after birth as possible.

Surgery to correct the defect is straightforward. The Patent Ductus Arteriosus is removed (1 in diagram) and its opening from the pulmonary artery closed (2). The lower portion of the aortic arch is connected to the upper portion with the use of sutures (3). Also, the Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is patched (4) with a piece of pericardium (the membrane that covers the heart) or with a synthetic material such as Dacron® or Teflon®.

A hospital stay after corrective surgery for Interrupted Aortic Arch of two weeks or more should be expected.