How rare is patent ductus arteriosus repair in normal new babies?

Quite rare: In three decades of pediatric practice i can't remember seeing one or knowing about a normal newborn that went through a repair. Most physicians would monitor the finding in the hopes it would eventually close as long as the kid was thriving. I have picked up one missed in infancy in a 5 yo in for a one time visit. I encouraged the guardians to have it evaluated & closed.

Rare: In a term newborn the PDA typically closes in 48 hours or so. It remains open in less than 0.2% of otherwise healthy babies. It is much more common in very premature infants.

Not rare: It is a fairly common surgery and very safe even in small premature infants. Should be done at appropriate facility (children's hospital) with an experienced pediatric cardiac surgeon.