A new born was diagnosed as having a congenital abnormality that resulted in transposition of great vessels. While preparing the infant for surgery, the medical team needed to keep the ducts aeriosus open. They did this by infusing:

Alprostadil is a PGE1 analog that is naturally produced in tissues such as seminal vesicles and cavernous tissues, in the placenta, and in the ductus aeriosus of the fetus. Therapeutically, alprostadil can be used to treat erectile dysfunction or to keep the ductus aeriosus open in neonates with congenital hea conditions until surgery is possible. PGE1 maintains the patency of the ductus aeriosus during pregnancy. The ductus closes soon after delivery to allow normal blood circulation between the lungs and the hea. Infusion of the drug maintains the ductus open as it naturally occurs during pregnancy, allowing time until surgical correction is possible.