In a fetus with ductus-dependent CHD, which statement best describes the clinical significance of a patent ductus arteriosus?

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In ductus-dependent CHD, the ductus arteriosus can be the crucial route that sustains blood flow after birth. Depending on the specific lesion, either the systemic circulation or the pulmonary circulation relies on this channel to be open. When the ductus arteriosus remains patent, it can provide essential systemic or pulmonary perfusion until the heart defect is corrected or stabilized surgically. If it closes, perfusion to critical areas can collapse, leading to shock or severe cyanosis, which is why maintaining ductal patency is a central part of postnatal management for these conditions.