• 제목/요약/키워드: 척수 손상

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Improvement of membrane operation for wastewater reuse (하수재이용 막여과 운영 효율 향상)

  • Chang, Dong Eil;Kim, Jae Hun;Lee, Sang Soo;Kim, Kyung Taek;Han, Bong Suk;Ha, Geum Yul
    • Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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    • 2021.06a
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    • pp.327-327
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    • 2021
  • 하수재이용에서 전처리 막여과 공정은 완벽한 고액분리로 인해 후단 역삼투막 손상을 줄일 수 있는 공정으로 각광을 받고 있다. 일반적으로 막여과 공정은 여과->물리세정->충진->여과 와 같은 제막사에서 제공하는 운전 사이클에 맞춰 적용하고 있으며 유지세정 역시 1회/일 또는 1회/주 단위로 정해진 범위에서 수행되고 있다. 이러한 운전 방식은 시시각각 변화하는 막 유입수질에 적절하게 대응하지 못해 장기적으로 막오염 발생에 따른 생산수량 감소는 물론 막오염 제거를 위한 화학세정 주기가 짧아져 전체적인 생산수량이 감소하는 원인이 되고 있다. Raffine(2012)에 따르면 가역적 막오염의 경우 Flux 증가에 큰 영향이 없으나 비가역적 막오염은 Flux 증가에 따라 급격히 증가한다고 보고하고 있으며 이는 제한된 분리막 면적당 처리수 생산량을 증가시키기 위해 비가역적 막오염의 발생량을 줄이는 것이 필요하며 이를 위해 주기적인 강화역세(Chemical Enhanced Backwashing, CEB)가 도입되고 효율적인 유지세정 방법에 대한 연구가 진행되고 있다. 당사에서는 일산에 있는 I 수질복원센터내에 25 m3/일 규모의 막여과 하수재이용 파일롯 플랜트를 설치하고 막여과 하수재이용 공정의 운영 효율을 높이기 위하여 W사에서 개발한 IntelliFluxControl(IFCr) 소프트웨어를 이용하여 하수재이용 막여과 성능을 확인 하였다. IFCr은 실시간으로 변화하는 수질에 따른 막오염 정도에 따라 역세 강도 및 빈도와 CEB 적용 정도를 변화시켜 분리막 운전의 효율을 높일 수 있는 운영 소프트웨어이다. I 수질복원센터의 하수 방류수를 막여과 유입수로 적용하여 40 LMH를 기준으로 IFCr을 적용하지 않은 경우 23.7일 운전 가능하였으나 IFCr을 적용한 경우 50일 연속 운전이 가능하였다. 또한 역세척수를 운전 기간 동안 약 50 m3을 사용한 반면 IFCr을 적용한 경우 이에 절반 수준인 24.1 m3 만 사용하여 회수율이 91%에서 95%로 증가한 것을 확인 할 수 있었다. 본 연구의 결과는 기존의 제막사에서 제시하는 막 공정 운영방법을 탈피하여 분리막이 갖고 있는 성능을 최대한 끌어 올릴 수 있는 연구 결과라고 판단되며 향후 스케일 업 연구를 통해 실제 플랜트에 적용 가능성이 확인 될 경우 시설의 설치 막모듈 개수와 유지관리비를 동시에 절감할 수 있는 기술이 될 수 있을 것이다

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Usability test of pulling cable exercise machine in the spinal cord injury disabled: Focusing on deriving improvement (척수 손상 장애인 대상 장애인용 풀링 케이블 운동기구의 사용성 평가: 개선점 도출을 중심으로)

  • Sung Shin Kim;Myo Jung Choi;Hyosun Kweon;Kwang Ok An;Young-Hyeon Bae
    • Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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    • v.31 no.1
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    • pp.16-32
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    • 2024
  • Background: Exercise equipments and assistive devices for the disabled are being developed, but improvements for usability are still needed. The purpose of this study was to improve and utilize the developed exercise equipment and assistance devices by conducting usability test for people with spinal cord injury. Design: Cross-sectional Study. Methods: Scenarios and usability indicators were derived by conducting a preliminary usability test, 5 non-disabled men and women aged 19 or older. In the scenario, a total of 9 tasks were sequentially performed, including 2 tasks of entry and exit, 5 tasks of assistance devices and weight stack adjustment, and 2 tasks of pre exercise and exercise. The usability indicators were task success (success or fail), execution time (sec), safety, and convenience. For safety, 7 questions (Likert scale, 1~5 point) related to safety, stability and hazard were derived, and for convenience, the system usability scale (SUS score) was used (range: 0~100, 50 percentile rank is 68 point). Results: As a result of the usability test of people with spinal cord injury, there was a large variation among subjects in the task of adjusting the position of the pulley and support in the execution time (11.64~25.44 seconds), and one person failed to adjust the pulley. The safety level showed a lower score (score = 3 points) than other items in the item of entrapment or skin pressure, and in the case of SUS, the average score was 64.5 points, which was close to the acceptable level. Conclusion: Through the usability test, it was confirmed that exercise equipment for the disabled needs improvement in operability, pinching, and pressure, and that it is necessary to develop an assistive device that provides unrestrained posture information (biofeedback) to maintain correct posture during exercise.

Evaluation of Dose Distributions Recalculated with Per-field Measurement Data under the Condition of Respiratory Motion during IMRT for Liver Cancer (간암 환자의 세기조절방사선치료 시 호흡에 의한 움직임 조건에서 측정된 조사면 별 선량결과를 기반으로 재계산한 체내 선량분포 평가)

  • Song, Ju-Young;Kim, Yong-Hyeob;Jeong, Jae-Uk;Yoon, Mee Sun;Ahn, Sung-Ja;Chung, Woong-Ki;Nam, Taek-Keun
    • Progress in Medical Physics
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    • v.25 no.2
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    • pp.79-88
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    • 2014
  • The dose distributions within the real volumes of tumor targets and critical organs during internal target volume-based intensity-modulated radiation therapy (ITV-IMRT) for liver cancer were recalculated by applying the effects of actual respiratory organ motion, and the dosimetric features were analyzed through comparison with gating IMRT (Gate-IMRT) plan results. The ITV was created using MIM software, and a moving phantom was used to simulate respiratory motion. The doses were recalculated with a 3 dose-volume histogram (3DVH) program based on the per-field data measured with a MapCHECK2 2-dimensional diode detector array. Although a sufficient prescription dose covered the PTV during ITV-IMRT delivery, the dose homogeneity in the PTV was inferior to that with the Gate-IMRT plan. We confirmed that there were higher doses to the organs-at-risk (OARs) with ITV-IMRT, as expected when using an enlarged field, but the increased dose to the spinal cord was not significant and the increased doses to the liver and kidney could be considered as minor when the reinforced constraints were applied during IMRT plan optimization. Because the Gate-IMRT method also has disadvantages such as unsuspected dosimetric variations when applying the gating system and an increased treatment time, it is better to perform a prior analysis of the patient's respiratory condition and the importance and fulfillment of the IMRT plan dose constraints in order to select an optimal IMRT method with which to correct the respiratory organ motional effect.

Parotid Gland Sparing Radiotherapy Technique Using 3-D Conformal Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal CarcinomB (비인강암에서 방사선 구강 건조증 발생 감소를 위한 3차원 입체조형치료)

  • Lim Jihoon;Kim Gwi Eon;Keum Ki Chang;Suh Chang Ok;Lee Sang-wook;Park Hee Chul;Cho Jae Ho;Lee Sang Hoon;Chang Sei Kyung;Loh Juhn Kyu
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.1-10
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    • 2000
  • Purpose : Although using the high energy Photon beam with conventional Parallel-opposed beams radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radiation-induced xerostomia is a troublesome problem for patients. We conducted this study to explore a new parotid gland sparing technique in 3-D conformal radiotherapy (3-D CRT) in an effort to prevent the radiation-induced xerostomia. Materials and Methods : We peformed three different planning for four clinically node-negative nasopharyngeal cancer patients with different location of tumor(intracranial extension, nasal cavity extension, oropharyngeal extension, parapharyngeal extension), and intercompared the plans. Total prescription dose was 70.2 Gy to the isocenter. For plan-A, 2-D parallel opposing fields, a conventional radiotherapy technique, were employed. For plan-B, 2-D parallel opposing fields were used up until 54 Gy and afterwards 3-D non-coplanar beams were used. For plan-C, the new technique, 54 Gy was delivered by 3-D conformal 3-port beams (AP and both lateral ports with wedge compensator; shielding both superficial lobes of parotid glands at the AP beam using BEV) from the beginning of the treatment and early spinal cord block (at 36 Gy) was peformed. And bilateral posterior necks were treated with electron after 36 Gy. After 54 Gy, non-coplanar beams were used for cone-down plan. We intercompared dose statistics (Dmax, Dmin, Dmean, D95, DO5, V95, VOS, Volume receiving 46 Gy) and dose volume histograms (DVH) of tumor and normal tissues and NTCP values of parotid glands for the above three plans. Results : For all patients, the new technique (plan-C) was comparable or superior to the other plans in target volume isodose distribution and dose statistics and it has more homogenous target volume coverage. The new technique was most superior to the other plans in parotid glands sparing (volume receiving 46 Gy: 100, 98, 69$\%$ for each plan-A, B and C). And it showed the lowest NTCP value of parotid glands in all patients (range of NTCP; 96$\~$100$\%$, 79$\~$99$\%$, 51$\~$72$\%$ for each plan-A, B and C). Conclusion : We conclude that the new technique employing 3-D conformal radiotherapy at the beginning of radiotherapy and cone down using non-coplanar beams with early spinal cord block is highly recommended to spare parotid glands for node-negative nasopharygeal cancer patients.

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Clinical Study of Tuberculous Meningitis in Children (소아 결핵성 뇌막염의 임상적 고찰)

  • Kim, Woo Sik;Kim, Jong Hyun;Kim, Dong Un;Lee, Won Bae;Kang, Jin Han
    • Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.64-72
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    • 1997
  • Purpose : The incidence of tuberculous meningitis in Korean children has been markedly decreased after 1980s, but this disease has still occurred with low rate. Therefore, it may be suspected that delayed diagnosis and treatment will be happened because of lacking of clinical experiences and indistinguishable other meningitis, so it is important to make early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis concerning with the prognosis. In this aspect, we conducted study to concern and investigate sustainly about the diagnostic criteria, clinical characteristics, radiological findings, complications, and prognosis of typical or atypical tuberculous meningitis in children. Methods : Forty four children who were hospitalized and treated due to tuberculous meningitis in pediatric wards of Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, St. Holy Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital and Uijungbu St. Mary Hospital from January 1985 to June 1996 were included in this study. We reviewed medical records of these patients retrospectively. Results : 1) The tuberculous meningitis has occured continuosly since mid-1980s. The highest 2) The diagnosis was made by contact history of active tuberculous patients, positive tuberculin test, responses of antituberculous antibiotics and discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from CSF or other specimens. Among patients, 7 children(16%) were not vaccinated with BCG, and only 18 children(40%) were positive in tuberculin test. 3) The symptoms and signs of our patients on initial examinations were fever, vomiting, headache, lethargy, poor feeding, weight loss, neck stiffness, convulsion, abdominal pain and motor deficits. 4) The findings of initial CSF samples revealed leukocyte $239.5/mm^3$(mean) with lymphocyte predominant, elevated protein levels(mean;259.5mg%) and low sugar level(mean;40.7mg%). And the ratio of CSF/blood sugar was 0.407. But, atypical CSF findings were seen in 31.8% patients. 5) On brain imaging study, 34 out of 39 children had findings of hydrocephalus, basilar meningeal enhancement, infarction and subarachnoidal inflammations etc. On chest X-ray, the findings of miliary tuberculosis(34.1%), normal finding(29.5%), parenchymal infiltrations (11.4%) and calcifications(9.1%) were showed. 6) In neurological clinical stage, there were twenty-six children(59%) in stage 1, fourteen children(32%) in stage 2 and four children(9%) in stage 3. The late sequeles were encountered by 29.5% with mild and 4.6% with severe neurological injury. The most common neurological injury was quadriplegia and the mortality rate was 6.8%. 7) The SIADH was developed in 20 children(45.5%) after the 4th hospital day. Half of all SIADH patients were symptomatic. Conclusion : Tuberculosis meningitis is still an important extrapulmonary disease with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis with clinical contact history of active tuberculosis and radiological imaging examinations and early treatments are essential in order to prevent and decrase the rate of late sequeles and death.

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The Demand for Home Nursing Care of Hospital Inpatients in Brain-Spine and Musculoskeletal Diseases (종합병원의 뇌.척수.근골격계 입원환자의 가정간호요구)

  • Kim, Sang-Soon;Kim, Gui-Jae
    • Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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    • v.1
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    • pp.57-70
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    • 1993
  • This study was carried out to investigate agreement, content and demand for home nursing care of hospital inpatients in brain, spain and musculoskeletal diseases .The data was collected by interviewing with 242 patients who were hospitalized in university hospital on Taegu, from September 6,60 October 9, 1993. Of 242 patients, 66.1% agreed to home nusing care system and rate of agreement was highest between 30 years to 49 years of age as 75.5%, in middle urban area residents as 75.9% and was lowest in medicaid as 40.0% in general chareacteristics. The rate of agreement according to type of diagnosis was highest inpatients with spinal diseases as 75.6% according to functional status was the highest in patients who had daily living activity freely as 69.4% according to prognosis in patients at terminal stage as 80.0% and the rate of agreement to home nursing care of patients who wanted early discharege was 73.9%. The first-ranking reasom of agreement to home nursing care was asking for continuous relationship with doctor as 37.3% and there was statistically significant difference in reasons of agreement to home nursing care according to functional status of patients. The first-ranking reason of eary discharge among patients who wanted early discharge(74.8%) was because of long time stay in hospital. Among 23 items of nursing activity that patient wanted, the first-ranking item was recovery promotion, prevention of complication, education and counseling for health as 76.4%, drug management was 2nd-ranking item as 62.1% and the third was regular checking of vital signs as 55.9%. The lowest item of demand for home unring care was hospice care(3.9%) and airway keep(9.1%).

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Cerebrolysin Attenuates Astrocyte Activation Following Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (만성외상성뇌병증과 관련된 반복적 경도 외상성뇌손상(rmTBI)모델에서 cerebrolysin의 별아교 세포활성 억제효과)

  • Kang, Hyun Bae;Kim, GiHun;Kim, HyunJoong;Han, Sa Rang;Chae, Dong Jin;Song, Hee-Jung;Kim, Dong Woon
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.23 no.9
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    • pp.1096-1103
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    • 2013
  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is common in athletes, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and a long-term consequence of repetitive closed head injuries. CTE is regarded as a chronic brain syndrome due to the effects of repetitive traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because neurotrophic factors are neuroprotective in models of brain and spinal cord injuries, we examined the effects of cerebrolysin, a mixture of various neurotrophic factors, on brain pathology in a mouse model of repetitive mild TBI (rmTBI), which is a good model of CTE. Five groups were created and treated as follows: groups 1 and 2: rmTBI for 4 weeks following cerebrolysin injection for 4 weeks; groups 3 and 4: rmTBI for 8 weeks with or without cerebrolysin injection for 4 weeks; group 5: control. We found that p-tau expression was increased in the pyramidal layer of the cortex and hippocampus, particularly the CA3 region, but not in the CA1 region and the dentate gyrus (DG). Intra-tail vein administration of cerebrolysin ($10{\mu}l$ of 1 mg/ml) after/during rmTBI treatment reduced p-tau expression in both the cortex and hippocampus. Histological analysis revealed mild astrocyte activation (increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)) but not microglia activation (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (iba-1) expression) and peripheral macrophage infiltration (CD45). Additionally, administration of cerebrolysin after rmTBI resulted in reduced astrocyte activation. These observations in rmTBI demonstrated that cerebrolysin treatment reduces phosphorylation of tau and astrocyte activation, attenuates brain pathology, and mitigates function deficits in TBI. Taken together, our observations suggest that cerebrolysin has potential therapeutic value in CTE.

Total Spinal Block and Cortical Epidural Block for Whiplash Syndrome and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Report of Four Cases) (전척수(全脊髓) 및 경막외차단(硬膜外遮斷)으로 편타성(鞭打性) 손상(損傷)의 통증치험(痛症治驗) (4례(例) 보고(報告)))

  • Park, Wook;Ok, See-Young;Song, Hoo-Bin
    • The Korean Journal of Pain
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    • v.1 no.1
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    • pp.106-119
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    • 1988
  • For the relief of pain in 3 cases of whiplash syndromes (case I, II and IV) and in one of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (case III), we have carried out six intentional. total spinal blocks (TSB) which attempted two times in case I, three in case II and one in carte III whoso various symptoms were chronically unresponsive to the usual conservative treatments, and a time of cervical epidural and right suprascapular nerve block in case W whose acute symptom lasted 4 drys following the cervical injury (see fables from 1 to 9). During the 753, we have observed clinically the sequential charges of respiration, lid and pupil reflexes, body motion and consciousness. And checked the blood pressure, pulse rate and arterial Pco2. The effectiveness of those blocks has been assessed by using the Visual Analog Scale which is designed to measure the patient$\acute{s}$ subjective intensity of pain and also we have found out the sequelae following those blocks. The methods of the blocks were as the following: 1. Under the N.P.O. for 8~10 hours, the preparations of immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and premedication with atropine 0.5mg at thirty minutes before the TSB, it was performed by injecting the mixture of 2% mepivacaine 10 or 15ml and normal saline 10 or 5ml through No. 23 G. spinal needle into the subarachnoid space of $C_7-T_1$ interspinous region with fully flexed neck on the lateral posture. Immediately after the injection of the local anesthetic in the lateral position, the patient$\acute{s}$ were hasten to change Trendelenburg$\acute{s}$ position in order to act the drugs cephalad and to make easy controlled respiration with oxygen. 2. The cervical epidural block was done by injecting the mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine 4ml, normal saline 4ml and triamcinolone 15mg through No. 18 G. Tuohy needle into the epidural space on the same region and posture as the above without premedication.7he suprascapular nerve block was done by injecting of 0.5% bupivacaine 3ml only into the right suprascapular fossa on the sitting posture. The results were as the following: 1. The cessation of respiration was seen within 5 minutes following the subarachnoidal injection of the above 20ml mixture in 2 to 3 minutes and then soon the consciousness began to disappear. The loss of Lid and pupil reflexes noted between 5 to 10 minutes and the size of the dilated pupils was equal between 5 to 20 minutes, but the pupil of the dependent side on tile lateral position was dilated 1 to 3 minutes earlier than that of the independent. The patients had r=ever responded to any stimulations during the TSB except their heart funtion. 2. The recovery of the TSB was as the following, firstly the ankle and lower limb of the independent side began to move slightly with in 34 to 75 minutes after the injection and then that of the dependent Secondly the neck and upper limb moved 6 to 15 minutes later than the lower limb. Thirdly the self respiration began to appear between 40 to 80 minutes from the block. The lid and pupil reacted to touch and light respectively between 40 to 80 minutes but the pupil of the independent side responded earlier than that of the depends. Lastly the consciousness recovered completely between 80 to 125 minutes from the block. 3. In the cardiopulmonary function during the TSB, the blood pressure were stable except the 210/130 tory at the and block of case I. There were bradycardias between 65 to 85 minutes in case I and II but no arrythmia on the EKG. The level of the arterial Pco2 was maintained to 43~45 torr during the TSB. 4. The effectiveness of the above blocks was no pain(0%) in case IV, and light (10~20%) in case I and II but no improvement in case III. 5. The right arm weakness has been complicated as to be Injected accidently the "COLD" local anesthetic at the End block of case I.

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The Occurence Properties of the Complications in Spinal Cord Injury (척수손상환자의 합병증 발생특성)

  • Son Jung-Woo;Nam Chul-Hyun
    • The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.27-42
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    • 1992
  • The purpose of this study is to investigate the occurence properties of the complications in spinal cord injured patients. Clinical observation were for 116 cases in and out wards, were carried out during one year from july, 1990 to June, 1991 at 4 general hospitals in Taegu, Korea. The results of this study is summarized as follows : 1. Among the 116 cases, $67.7\%$ was male and $35.3\%$ was female. The largest groups were noted in $60.7\%$, of the forties by age, in $34.5\%$ of the middle school by educational career, in $27.6\%$ of the administer by professional division. 2. The number of complications in a patient in the largest group was two-type. The next groups were three-type, $23.3\%$ and five-type, $20.7\%$. Of each factors, the largest numbers of two-type recorded tuberculosis of spine$(71.4\%)$, thoracic cord injury$(63.4\%)$, incomplete paraplegia$(48.4\%)$, and inwards during 1-2 months $(47.4\%)$. 3. Total number of the complications were counted to 367 cases. The largest group of complications was pain, $24.8\%$. The next groups were pressure sores, $19.9\%$. spasticity, $12.5\%$, and urinary tract infection, $9.3\%$. 4. The number of the 4 major complications(pain, pressure sores, joint contracture, spasticity) was counted to 280 cases. The largest group of the major complications was pain, $32.5\%$. The next groups were pressure sores, $26.1\%$, joint contracture, $25.9\%$ and spasticity, $16.4\%$. Of each factors, the largest numbers of the pain recorded female$(40.5\%)$, thirties$(49.2\%)$, non-educate $(53.8\%)$, labor$(38.2\%)$, traffic accidents$(32.8\%)$, thoracic cord injury$(34.4\%)$, complete paraplegia$(58.1\%)$, and inwards during above 13 months$(37.5\%)$. 5. The largest group of the pain portion was shoulder. $49.4\%$. The non groups were lower extremity, $25.2\%$, hip, $11.0\%$, and all bodies, $4.3\%$. The largest numbers of the shoulder pain recorded thirties$(59.4\%)$, traffic accidents $(52.7\%)$, cervical cord injury$(67.2\%)$. complete quadriplegia$(81.8\%)$, and inwards during above 13 months$(100.0\%)$. 6. The largest group of the pressure sores sites was sacral portion, $83.6\%$. The next groups were hip, $6.8\%$, maleollus, $4.1\%$. The largest numbers of pressure sores formation in the sacral portion recorded below 19 and above $60(100.0\%)$, falling objects$(100.0\%)$, lumbar cord injury$(100.0\%)$, incomplete paraplegia$(100.0\%)$, and in wards during 3-4 months$(95.9\%)$. 7. The largest group of the joint contracture portion was lower extremity, $61.4\%$, follows was upper extremity, $38.6\%$. The largest numbers of the joint contrcture portions recorded thirties$(100.0\%)$, traffic accidents$(86.1\%)$, cervical cord injury$(80.4\%)$, complete quadriplegia$(86.7\%)$, and inwards during 3-4 months $(82.2\%)$ 8. The largest group of spasticity portion was lower extremity, $53.0\%$. The next groups were hip. 23.9, 23.9, ankle, $8.7\%$, and elbow, $4.3\%$. The largest numbers of the spasticity portions recorded above $60(100.0\%)$, falling $(100.0\%)$, cervical cord injury$(71.4\%)$, incomplete quadriplegia$(71.4\%)$, and inwards during 1-2 months $(100.0\%)$.

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Surgical Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm (흉복부 대동맥류의 외과적 치료)

  • Ahn, Hyuk;Kim, Jun-Seok
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.177-184
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    • 1996
  • Between 1987 and 1994, 21 patients were treated surgically for aortic aneurysm involving the thoracoabdominal aorta. There were 11 males and 10 females, and their age ranged from 20 to 67 years old and mean age was 41.5 years. Many complained of back pain, chest pain or discomfort, and flank pain, but three patients were asymptomatic. 15 patients had chronic dissection (71.4%) and 6 had nondissecting fusiform or saccular aneurysm(28.5%), and of those 15 patients with chronic dissection, 6(28.5%) had atherosclerosis assniated with hypertension, 5 (23.8%) were Martian syndrome, and 2 (9.5%) were associated with pregnancy. The diameter of an aneurysm ranged from 6cm to 12cm, and their extent was classified as type I in 7(33.3%), type II in 8(38.1%), type III in 3(14.3%), and type IV in 3(14.3%) patients based on Crawford classification for TAA . Diseased aorta was replaced with artificial vascular graft in all but one patient. In whom the aortic tear site due to pseudoaneurysm was closed by primary suture. For the spinal cord protection during the operation, we used partial cardiopulmonary bypass (FV-FA or PA-FA bypass) in 12 patients (57.1%), Biopump (LA-FA bypass) in 4(19.0%), total circulartory arrest and CPB in 2 (9.5%), Gott's heparinized shunt in 1(4.7%), and simple aortic cross clamping in 2 (9.5%). The most common complication after the operation was hoarseness due to unilateral vocal cord palsy which onured in 5 patients (23.8%), and the next common complication was wound infection in 4 patients(19.0%), paraplegia in 2 patients (9.5%), chylothorax in 1 patient(4.7%). The hospital mortality rate was 9.5% (2deaths), and there was no late death. Our experience shows that the graft replacement of TAAA had reasonable rate of mortality, low rate of serious complication, and provided good post operative state of the pati nts, and since the thoracoabdominal aortic operation is not a high risky procedure anymore, we recommend a radical operation for the indicated patients.

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