• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.282-286
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• 1997

In the era of coronary artery bypass grafting, the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is more widely used and its indication has been ex anded. We perf'orbed retrospective clinical analysis on the patients who have received IABP pre andfor postoperatively during the course of CABG. From January 1981 to June 1995, total 322 patients have received CABG at the Seoul National University Hospital and among them 50 patients (15.5%) were supported by IABP during the course of the operation. The mean age at the time. of the operation was 57.2 years (39∼ 75 years) and the male to female ratio was 33 : 17. The preoperative diagnosis was unstable angina in 33 (66%), stable angina in 7 (14%) and postinfarct angina in 8 patients(16%). As for the indications of the IABP, there were 13 cases(26%) with left main disease, 13 (26%) with class IV angina, 12 (24%) with difficulty in CPB weaning, 6 (12%) with postinfarct angina and 3 (6%) with severe LV dysfunction. In the remaining 3 cases, one patient was operated on after PTCA failure in emergency basis, another was a patient with AMI, and the other was one who had postoperative low c rdiac output syndrome. All IABPS were introduced via femoral artery and among them 45 cases (90%) percutaneously. The mean postoperative assist time was 22.3 hours (0.5 ∼ 168 hours) and IABP could be removed within 48 hours in most of them (44150). The operative mortality was 6.1% (3 cases) and postoperative morbidity was only one with lower extremity ischemia. The more general application of the IABP during the course of the CABG ,especially in patients with high preoperative risk factors or difficulty in CPB weaning is a good measure of protecting and recovering myocardial function with minimal risk.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.10
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• pp.833-838
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• 2004

Background: Despite the excellent early results after the repair of congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease, the mid-term durability of the repaired valve has still controversies. Material and Method: To evaluate the mid-term results of BAV repair, retrospective review of medical records and echocardiographic data were done. Between 1994 and 2003, twenty-two patients underwent reparative procedure for either regurgitant or stenotic congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Result: Mean age was $41\pm14$ years with male predominance (Male=17, Female=5). The pathophysiologies of the BAV were regurgitation-dominant in 20 (91%) and stenosis-dominant in 2 (9%) cases. Various repair techniques were used for raphe, prolapsed leaflet, thickened leaflet, and commissures; 1) release of raphe in 19 (86%), 2) wedge resection and primary repair in 11 (50%), pericardial patch reinforcement after plication of the leaflet in 6 (27%), and plication of the leaflet in 3 (14%), 3) slicing of thickened leaflet was used in 12 (55%) cases, 4) commissuroplasty in 8 (36%), and commissurotomy in 6 (27%) cases. There was no in-hospital mortality. During the mean follow-up of $38\pm17$ months, one patient underwent aortic valve replacement after developing acute severe regurgitation from dehiscence of the suture on postoperative 2 months. New York Heart Association functional class was improved from $1.9\pm0.6$ to $1.2\pm0.5$ (p<0.01). Left ventricular end-systolic and diastolic dimension (LVESD/LVEDD) were also improved from $45\pm9$ and $67\pm10$ to $37\pm10$ and $56\pm10,$ respectively (p<0.01). The grade of aortic regurgitation (AR) was improved from preoperative $(3.1\pm1.2)$ to post-bypass $(0.9\pm0.7).$ However, the grade at last follow-up $(1.7\pm1.1)$ was deteriorated during the follow-up period (p<0.01). Freedom from grade III and more AR at one, three, and four year were 89.7%, 89.7%, and 39.9% respectively. Conclusion: Midterm clinical result of the BAV repair was favorable. But, the durability of the repaired valve was not satisfactory.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.373-378
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• 1999

Background: Minimally invasive technique for various cardiac surgeries has become widely accepted since it has been proven to have distinct advantages for the patients. We describe here the results of our experiences of minimal incision in cardiac surgery. Material and Method: From February 1997 to November 1998, we successfully performed 31 cases of minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Male and female ratio was 17:14, and the patients age ranged from 1 to 75 years. A left parasternal incision was used in 9 patients with single vessel coronary heart disease. A direct coronary bypass grafting was done under the condition of the beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass support(MIDCAB). Among these, one was a case of a reoperation 1 week after the first operation due to a kinked mammary artery graft. A right parasternal incision was used in one case of a redo mitral valve replacement. Mini-sternotomy was used in the remaining 21 patients. The procedures were mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty in 6 patients, mitral valve replacement 5, double valve replacement 2, aortic valve replacement 1, removal of left atrial myxoma 1, closure of atrial septal defect 2, repair of ventricular septal defect 2, and primary closure of r ght ventricular stab wound 1. The initial 5 cases underwent a T-shaped mini-sternotomy, however, we adopted an arrow-shaped ministernotomy in the remaining cases because it provided better exposure of the aortic root and stability of the sternum after a sternal wiring. Result: The operation time, the cardiopulmonary bypass time, the aorta cross-clamping time, the mechanical ventilation time, the amount of chest tube drainage until POD#1, the chest tube indwelling time, and the duration of intensive care unit staying were in an acceptable range. There were two surgical mortalities. One was due to a rupture of the aorta cannulation site after double valve replacement on POD#1 in the mini-sternotomy case, and the other was due to a sudden ventricular arrhythmia after MIDCAB on POD#2 in the parasternal incision case. Postoperative complications were observed in 2 cases in which a cerebral embolism developed on POD#2 after a mini-sternotomy in mitral valve replacement and wound hematoma developed after a right parasternal incision in a single coronary bypass grafting. Neither mortality nor complication was directly related to the incision technique itself. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery using parasternal or mini-sternotomy incision can be used in cardiac surgeries since it is as safe as the standard full sternotomy incisions.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.6 s.263
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• pp.440-448
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• 2006

Background: Surgery of descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta has the potential risk of causing neurological injury including spinal cord damage. This study was designed to find out the risk factors leading to spinal cord and brain damage after surgery of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta. Material and Method: Between October 1995 and July 2005, thirty three patients with descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic disease underwent resection and graft replacement of the involved aortic segments. We reviewed these patients retrospectively. There were 23 descending thoracic aortic diseases and 10 thoracoabdominal aortic diseases. As an etiology, there were 23 aortic dissections and 10 aortic aneurysms. Preoperative and perioperative variables were analyzed univariately and multivariately to identify risk factors of neurological injury. Result: Paraplegia occurred in 2 (6.1%) patients and permanent in one. There were 7 brain damages (21%), among them, 4 were permanent damages. As risk factors of spinal cord damage, Crawford type II III(p=0.011) and intercostal artery anastomosis (p=0.040) were statistically significant. Cardiopulmonary bypass time more than 200 minutes (p=0.023), left atrial vent catheter insertion (p=0.005) were statistically significant as risk factors of brain damage. Left heart partial bypass (LHPB) was statistically significant as a protecting factor of brain (p=0.032). Conclusion: The incidence of brain damage was higher than that of spinal cord damage after surgery of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta. There was no brain damage in LHPB group. LHPB was advantageous in protecting brain from postoperative brain injury. Adjunctive procedures to protect spinal cord is needed and vigilant attention should be paid in patients with Crawford type II III and patients who have patent intercostal arteries.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.404-415
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• 1978

The present study was carried out to develop the better measures for safety of open heart surgery under extracorporeal circulation (ECC) with Heart-Lung-Machine by preventing changes in the concentrations of serum electrolytes during and after ECC. For this purpose, the cocentrations of serum electrolytes were measured before, during, and after ECC in 21 patients with congenital and acquired heart diseases who received open heart surger, - under ECC using Heart-Lung-Machine. Also considered was the development of safety measured by which changes in serum electrolyte concentrations were prevented during and after open heart surgery under ECC. The mean values for serum sodium levels were observed to be ; $13.14{\pm}0.47$mEq./L. for the samples obtained before ECC. $139.59{\pm}0.68$mEq./L. for the samples obtained 10 minutes after ECC and $138.0{\pm}0.68$mEq./L. for the samples obt"ined 24 hours after ECC. These results indicate that serum sodium concentrations were \\'ithin normal range during and until 24 hours after ECC. 2) The concentrations of serum chloride were found to be $105.38{\pm}0.70$105.38$\pm$0. 70 mEq./L. for the samples collected before ECC, $105.07{\pm}1.01$mEq./L. for the Simples collected 24 minutes aiter ECC and $101.95{\pm}1.09$mEq./L. for the samples collectect 24 hours afte ECC. As was tile case with serum sodium levels, no significant changes were observed in serum chloride levels during and 24 hours after ECC. 3)With proper provisions of potassium chloride solution during ECC, the concentrations of serum potassium were found to be $4.22{\pm}0.06$mEq./L. for the samples removed before EeC, $4.06{\pm}0.14$mEq./L. for the samples removed 10 minutes after ECC and $4.39{\pm}0.07$ mEq./L. for the samples removed 24 hours after ECC. 4)The concentrations of serum calcium were also maintained within normal during and after ECC; $9.15{\pm}0.14$mg/dl for the serum collected before ECC, $8.36{\pm}0.21$mg/dI for the serum collected 10 minutes after ECC and $8.47{\pm}0.14$mg/dl 21 hours after ECC. The maintenance of serum calcium level within normal throughout ECC was achieved by parenteral administrations of calcium gluconate as frequent as required. 5) As were the cases with serum potassium and calcium, the concentrations of plasma bicarbonate was regulated within normal range during and after ECC, only when sodium bicarbonate solution was admini"tered parenterally as it was required; $23.7{\pm}0.50$mEq./L. for the serum collected before ECC. $22.33{\pm}1.09$mEq.lL. for the serum collected 10 minutes after ECC and $25.3{\pm}0.96$mEq./L. for the serum collected 24 hours after ECC. The above results indicate tha t during and after ECC serum sodium and chloride levels remined unchanged without any provision of normal saline, while serum potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate concentrations were kept within normal limits only when these ealectrolytes were administered through parenteral routes. With these results it can be concluded that serum potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate levels should be determined as often as possible during and after ECC and that in order to maintain serum electrolyte levels within normal these electrolytes in the forms of potassium chloride, calcium gluconate, and sodium bicarbonate shou'd be given parenterally as they were found to be required.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.576-582
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• 2003

During the Off-Pump Coronary Arterial Bypass surgery (OPCAB), the manipulation of the heart can depress cardiac contractility and cause hemodynamic instability. In this study, hemodynamic parameters were measured during operation and the laboratory and clinical data were investigated to evaluate their effects on postoperative outcome. Material and Method: From March 2001 to August 2002, 50 consecutive patients who underwent OPCAB were included in this study. During the same period, total number of CABG was 71 The blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and cardiac index were measured before manipulation, after application of stabilizer, and at the end of anastomosis. Postoperatively, we measured the cardiac enzymes such as CK-MB, troponin 1 and checked the amount of inotropes required, chest tube drainage, the amount of transfusion, duration of ventilator support, and duration of ICU stay. Result: The number of mean distal anastomoses was 2.8$\pm$0.9 per patient. On elevation and stabilization of the heart, systolic blood pressure was depressed and pulmonary artery pressure was elevated significantly, but during each anastomosis no significant changes were detected. The peak level of cardiac markers was 29.2$\pm$46.7 for CK-MB, 0.69$\pm$0.86 for troponin 1 on postoperative day f. Among the intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, the ischemic change of EKG and bolus injection of inotropes significantly affected the posteroperative cardiac enzymes. But, no difference other than the level of cardiac enzymes between the two groups with or without the ischemic change of EKG and bolus injection of inotropes was noticed. Conclusion: The significant hemodynamic changes occurred when the heart was elevated and stabilized, however during anastomoses there were no significant changes. Serum cardiac enzymes rose significantly in the group that showed the ischemic charge of EKG or needed the bolus injection of inotropes for maintaining hemodynamic stability intraoperatively, but it did not affect the postoperative outcome. In conclusion, the ischemic change of EKG and the need for bolus injection of intropes during operation may be very indicative for probable ischemia.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.566-575
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• 2003

We reviewed our 18-year surgical experience of biventricular repair for double-outlet right ventricle. Material and Method: One hundred twelve consecutive patients (80 males and 32 females) who underwent biventricular repair for double-outlet right ventricle between May 1986 and September 2002 were included. We assessed risk factors for early mortality and reoperation. Reoperation-free survival rate and actual survival rate were analysed. Result: Most common type of ventricular septal defect was subaortic (n=58, 52%) and non-committed type was second most common (n=32, 29%). Four different surgical methods were used: intraventricular baffle repair (n=71 , 63%): right ventricle to pulmonary ariery conduit interposition or REV with left ventricle to aorta baffle repair (n=24, 21 .4%): arierial switch operation with left ventricle to pulmonary artery baffle (n=14, 12.5%): Senning atrial switch operation with left ventricle to pulmonary artery baffle (n=3, 2.7%). Thirty four patients(30%) underwent palliative procedures before definite repair. Twenty three patients (21%) required reoperations. There were 12 (10.7%) early deaths and 4 late deaths. Age younger than 3 months at repair (p=0.003), cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp time (p=0.015, p=0.067), type of operation (arterial switch operation) (p <0.001) and type of ventricular septal defect (subpulmonic type) (p=0.002) were revealed as risk factors for early death in univariate analysis, while age under 3 months was the only significant risk factor in multivariate analysis. Patients younger than 1 year of age (p=0.02), pulmonary artery angioplasty at definitive repair (p=0.024), type of ventricular septal defect (non-committed) (p=0.001), type of operation (right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit interposition and REV operation) (p=0.028, p=0.017) were risk factors for reoperation in univariate analysis but there was no significant risk factor in multivariate analysis. Follow-up was available on 91 survivals with a mean duration of 110.8$\pm$56.4 (2~201) months. 5, 10 and 15 year survival rates were 86.5%, 85% and 85% and reoperation free survival were 85%, 71.5%, 70%. Conclusion: Age under 3 months at repair, subpulmonic ventricular septal defect and arterial switch operation were significant risk factors for early mortality. Patients with non-committed ventricular septal defect and who underwent conduit interposition or REV operation were risk factors for reoperation. With careful attention to chose best timing and surgical approach depending on morphologic characteristics, biventricular repair for double outlet right ventricle can be achieved with good long-term outcome.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.279-284
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• 1998

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest(DHCA), in which systemic temperatures of 2$0^{\circ}C$ or less are used to allow temporary cessation of the circulation, is an useful adjunct in cardiac surgery. Because man in natural circumstances is never exposed to the extreme hypothermic condition, however, one of the controversial aspects is appropriate blood gas management($\alpha$STAT versus PH-STAT) during DHCA. This study aims to compare $\alpha$STAT with PH-STAT management for control of blood gases in experimental cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) circuits with a membrane oxygenator. Fourteen young pigs were assigned to one of two strategies of gas manipulation. After a median sternotomy, CPB was established. Core cooling was initiated and continued until nasopharyngeal temperature fell below 2$0^{\circ}C$. The flow rate was set at 2,500 ml/min. Once their temperatures were below 2$0^{\circ}C$, the animals were subjected to circulatory arrest for 40mins. During cooling, blood gas was maintained according to either $\alpha$$\alpha$STAT or pH-STAT strategies. After DHCA, the body was rewarmed to normal body temperature. Arterial blood gases were measured before the onset of CPB, before cooling, before DHCA, at the point of 27$^{\circ}C$ during re-warming, on completion of re-warming. Cooling time was significantly shorter in $\alpha$-STAT than PH-STAT strategy, while there was no significant differences in rewarming time between two groups. Carbon dioxide was added between 5.5 and 3.0% in PH-STAT, while no carbon dioxide was added in $\alpha$STAT management. Amounts of oxygen administration were gradually lowered as temperature decreased. In this way, criteria of PH, PaCO, and PaO adjustments were satisfied in both $\alpha$STAT and PH-STAT management groups.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.11
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• pp.828-833
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• 2003

Background: It has been reported that the recently developed intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia (IAWBC) has better myocardial protective effects during coronary artery bypass surgery than cold blood cardioplegia or continuos retrograde cold blood cardioplegia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and usefulness of IAWBC by comparing it retrospectively with intermittent retrograde cold blood cardioplegia (lRCBC). Material and Method: From April 2001 to Feb. 2003, fifty seven patients who underwent isolated coronary surgery were divided into two groups (IAWBC vs. IRCBC). The two group had similar demographic and angiographic characteristics. There were no statistical differences in age, sex, Canadian Cardiovascular Society Functional Classification for angina, ejection fraction, and number of grafts. Result: Aortic cross clamping time and total pump time in IAWBC (99$\pm$23 and vs. 126$\pm$32 min) were shorter than those of IRCBC (118$\pm$32 min. and 185$\pm$48 min.)(p<0.05). The reperfusion time (13$\pm$7 min) in IAWBC was shorter than that of IRCBC (62$\pm$109 min.)(p<0.05). CKMB at 12 hours and 24 hours (16$\pm$15 and 9$\pm$13) in IAWBC was lower than that of IRCBC (33$\pm$47 and 17$\pm$26)(p<0.05). The awakening time in IAWBC (2$\pm$1 hour) was shorter than that of IRCBC (4$\pm$3)(p<0.05). The number of spontaneous heart beat recovery in IAWBC (85%) was more than that of IRCBC (35%)(p<0.05). The cardiac index after discontinuing cardio-pulmonary bypass was significantly elevated in the IAWBC group. The prevalence of perioperative myocardial infarction in IAWBC (4%) was lower than that of IRCBC group (20%)(p<0.05). Conclusion: Intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia is a safe, reliable, and effective technique for myocardial protection. It can also provide simpler and economic way than the retrograde cold cardioplegia by shortening of cardiopulmonary bypass time and avoiding retrograde cannulation for coronary sinus.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.502-508
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• 1998

Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$(TNF-$\alpha$) have been implicated in myocardial and organ dysfunction associated with postperfusion syndrome. We tested the hypothesis that cytokine productions are depressed by preoperative cortiosteroid injection for cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) and the postoperative courses will be better than without steriod pretreated cases. Cardiac surgery was performed in randomized blind fashion for 20 patients from June 1996 to September 1996. In the steroid group(n=10), corticosteroid(dexamethasone 1 mg/kg) was injected 1 hour before anesthetic induction, but in the control group(n=10), nothing was injected. Each of groups were sampled 11 times as scheduled for TNF-$\alpha$ bioassays. We have checked EKG, cardiac enzymes(CPK, LDH with isoenzyme), WBC count preoperative day, one day and three days after operation. Viatal signs were continuously monitored for three postoperaive days. In the postoperative period three patients in the control group had elevated body temperature and four patients had hypotension that required considerable intravenous fluid administration. But steroid injected patients showed normal body temperture and acceptable blood pressures without supportive treatment. CPK enzymes rose in control group higher than steroid group at postoperative 1st and 3rd day(CPK; 1122$\pm$465 vs 567$\pm$271, 864$\pm$42 vs 325$\pm$87), and CPK-MB enzymes rose in control group higher than steroid group at postoperative 1st day(106.4$\pm$115.1 vs 29.5$\pm$22.4)(P=0.02). Arterial tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ rose during cardiopulmonary bypass, peaking at 5 minutes before the end of aortic cross clamping(ACC-5min) in steroid group(11.9$\pm$4.7 pg/ml), and 5 minutes before the end of cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB-5min) in control group(22.3$\pm$6.8 pg/ml). The steroid pretreated patients had a shorter period of time in respirator suport time, ICU stay day, hospital admission day. We conclude that corticosteroid suppress cytokine production during and after cardiopulmonary bypass, and may improve the postoperative course through inhibition of reperfusion injury such as myocardial stunning and hemodynamic instability.