• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.116-126
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• 2021

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a typical application field of cordierite (Mg₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈) honeycomb. Green body for DPF honeycomb was extruded using slurry paste and sintered at the temperature range of 980~1450℃. Quantitative crystal phase analysis was carried out by using Rietveld refinement method for powder XRD data. In conjunction with the quantitative Rietveld analysis, SEM-EDS analysis was carried for the crystal phases (indialite, cordierite, cristobalite, alumina, spinel, mullite, pro-enstatite). After removing amorphous phase on the sintered surfaces by chemical etching method, the shape and composition of the crystal phases can be clearly identified by SEM-EDS method. By combining the Rietveld refinement method and SEM-EDS analysis, crystal phase evolution process in DPF cordierite ceramics could be clarified. In addition, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the DPF honeycombs were measured and compared with the calculated CTEs based on the quantitative crystal phase analysis results.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.591-597
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• 2008

Background: Pulmonary endarterectomy is widely accepted as a treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Based on our experiences, we sought to find ways to reduce perioperative complications and to improve surgical outcomes in patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy. Material and Method: This study was designed as a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy between January 1998 and March 2008. All patients presented with chronic dyspnea. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was the major cause of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (55%). Seventeen patients (85%) underwent inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. Thirteen patients underwent surgery under total circulatory arrest, while the others underwent surgery while on low flow cardiopulmonary bypass. Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty was done in 6 patients (66%) whose tricuspid regurgitation was as severe as grade IV/IV. The mean follow-up duration was $45{\pm}32$ months. Result: Using of University of California, San Diego (UCSD), thromboembolism classification, 4 patients (20%) were type 1, 8 patients (40%) were type II, and 8 patients (40%) were type III. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly from $77{\pm}29$ mmHg to $37{\pm}19$ mmHg after pulmonary endarterectomy (p<0.001). The degree of tricuspid regurgitation and the NYHA functional class were all improved postoperatively. Reperfusion edema occurred in 7 cases (35%). The incidence of reperfusion edema was higher in the UCSD type III group than in the other group (25% vs 50%, p=0.25) and the length of postoperative intensive care unit stay was longer in type III group ($5{\pm}2$ days vs $9{\pm}7$ days, p=0.07). The early mortality rate was 10%, and the late mortality rate was 15% (n=3); one death was due to progression of underlying non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the other deaths were related to recurrent thromboembolism and persistent pulmonary hypertension, respectively. Conclusion: Pulmonary endarterectomy, as a curative surgical method for treating chronic thromboernbolic pulmonary hypertension, should be performed aggressively in patients diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and an effort should be made to reduce the frequency of perioperative complications and to improve surgical outcomes.