• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.719-724
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• 2009

Background: As the patients who undergo heart transplantation have achieved better survival in recent years, growing number of recipients are at a risk for experiencing surgical complications in addition to rejection and infection. In this paper, we report on our experience with the surgical complications that occurred in heart transplant recipients. Material and Method: From April 1994 to September 2003, 37 heart transplantations were performed at our center by a single surgeon. The indications for transplantation were dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiomyopathy, valvular cardiomyopathy and familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Result: Twenty postoperative complications required surgeries in 15 patients (41%). The types of operations required were; redo-sternotomy for bleeding (5), pericardiostomy for effusion (4), implantation of a permanent pacemaker (1), right lower lobe lobectomy for aspergilloma (1), removal of urinary stone (1), cholecystectomy for gall bladder stone (1), drainage of a perianal abscess (1), paranasal sinus drainage (1), total hip replacement (1), partial gingivectomy due to gingival hypertrophy (1), urethrostomy (1), herniated intervertebral disc operation (1) and total hysterectomy for myoma uteri (1). The locations of the complications were mediastinal in 10 (27%) cases and extramediastihalin 10 (27%) cases. Conclusion: The relatively high incidence of extrathoracic complications associated with heart transplantation emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the improve long-term survival when managing those complex patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.790-798
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• 1999

Background: As the early outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) has been stabilized, neurologic complication has now become one of the most important morbidity. The aim of this study was to find out the risk factors associated with the neurologic complications after CABG. Material and Method: In 351 patients who underwent CABG, the incidence and features of neurologic complications, with associated perioperative risk factors, were retrospectively reviewed. Neurologic complication was defined as a new cerebral infarction confirmed by postoperative neurologic examination and radiologic studies, or delayed recovery of consciousness and orientation for more than 24 hours after the operation. Result: Neurologic complications occurred in 18 patients(5.1%), of these nine(2.6%) were diagnosed as having new cerebral infarctions(stroke). Stroke was manifested as motor paralysis in four patients, mental retardation or orientation abnormality in four, and brain death in one. Statistical analysis revealed the following variables as significant risk factors for neurologic complications by both univariate and multivariate analyses: cardiopulmonary bypass longer than 180 minutes, atheroma of the ascending aorta, carotid artery stenosis detected by Duplex sonography, and past history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack. Age over 65 years, aortic calcification detected by simple X-ray, and intraoperative myocardial infarction were significant risk factors by univariate analysis only. Neither the severity of carotid artery stenosis nor technical modifications such as cannulation of the aortic arch or single clamp technique, which were expected to affect the inciden e of neurologic complications, had significant relationship with the incidence. Conclusion: This study confirmed the strong association between neurologic complications after CABG and atherosclerosis of the arterial system. Therefore, to minimize the incidence of neurologic complications, systematic evaluation focused on atherosclerotic lesions of the arterial system followed by adequate alteration of operative strategy is needed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.441-446
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• 2009

Background: Side clamping of ascending aorta during proximal graft anastomosis in coronary bypassing surgery in-creases the risk of direct aortic injury as well as embolization of intimal atheroma. Heartstring proximal sealing system (Guidant Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif), developed to avoid aortic side clamping, may minimize risks of such complications. The aim of the current study is to compare the surgical outcomes of the two proximal anastomosis techniquesi.e., Heartstring system versus aortic side clamping in off pump coronary bypassing' surgery (OPCAB). Material and Method: From January 2003 to August 2008, 499 patients underwent OPCAB. Of them, proximal graft anastomosis was performed using Heartstring system in 182 patients (Group I) and conventional manual anastomosis in 317 patients (Group II). The two groups were compared for postoperative major complications and mortality. Result: Two groups showed similar characteristics in terms of preoperative demographic data, left ventricular ejection fraction, renal function and history of diabetes, hypertension and smoking. Although there was no inter-group difference in the history of cerebral ischemia (p=0.48), preoperative brain magnetic resonance angiography revealed greater incidence of severe carotid artery stenosis (>75% of lumen) in the Group I than in the. Group II (44.5% in the Group I and 30.0% in the Group II, p=0.003). There were no inter-group differences in postoperative mortality (p=0.40) and complications (p=0.47) including neurologic events (3 in the Group land 2 in the Group II, p=0.258). Whereas neurologic events all comprised transient ischemic attacks in the Group I, they comprised multiple embolic strokes in the Group II. One patient in the Group II experienced aortic dissection during proximal anastomosis which resulted in ascending aortic replacement. Conclusion: Although proximal anastomosis using Heartstring system did not show statistically significant benefit over aortic side clamping, the. absence of embolic stroke maybe a definite benefit which may be better defined through further studies over a larger cohort.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.8
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• pp.584-589
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• 2002

Background : The thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic surgery is a complicated procedure that has various method of approach and protection. The authors have performed several methods to treat these diseases. Therefore, we attempt to analyze their results and risks. Material and Method: From June of 1992 to August of 2001, we performed 26 cases of thoracic aortic surgery and 10 cases of thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. There were 17 aortic dissections, 17 aortic aneurysms, one coarctation of aorta and one traumatic aortic aneurysm. The thoracic aortic replacement was performed under a femorofemoral bypass, an LA to femoral bypass, or a deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The thoracoabdominal aortic replacement was performed under a femorofemoral bypass or a pump assisted rapid infusion. Result: There were 7 renal failures, 11 hepatopathies, 7 cerebral vascular accidents, 2 heart failures, 5 respiratory insufficiencies, and 2 sepsis in postoperative period. There were 9 hospital mortalities which were from 2 bleedings, 2 heart failures, 2 renal failures, a sepsis, a respiratory failure, and a cerebral infarction. There were 3 late deaths which were from ruptured distal anastomosis, cerebral infarction, and pneumonia. Conclusion: Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was not good supportive methods for thoracic aortic replacement. Total thoracoabdominal aortic replacement was a high risk operation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1043-1048
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• 1998

Background: As coronary arterial disease is increasing, we evaluated the patients who underwent CABG(Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) and thus report the early results and risk factors related to mortality and morbidity. Materials and methods: Between July 1996 and February 1998, 42 patients underwent CABG. We analyzed age, sex, preoperative ejection fraction, Canadian heart classification, prevalence factors of CAD(Coronary Artery Disease), angiographic findings, graft vessel numbers, IMA(Internal Mallary Artery) use, ECC* (extracorporeal circulation) time and morbidity. We also evaluated the mortality rate and the causes of death. Results: Complication was developed at 17cases. The average age of the complication group was 61±11.9 years and that of the noncomplication group was 51±10.5 years(p=0.004). ECC time was 198±42.5(min) in the complication group and 158±47.4(min) in the noncomplication group(p=0.008). The other factors had no correlation to the morbidity, statistically. The average follow up duration was 12.5 months and all the patients were alive except for the 2 expired cases. The mortality rate was 4.7%, among which one patient who underwent CABG with aortic valve replacement died due to multiorgan failure and the other died due to sepsis with pneumonia and wound infection. Conclusions: We conclude that the risk factors related to morbidity were age and ECC time, and that there were no correlations between other factors and morbidity.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.95-97
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• 2008

Ischemic ventricular rupture is one of the most fatal complications following myocardial infarction, and this requires prompt diagnosis and operation. A 75-year-old female was admitted to the ER in a semicomatous mentality with cyanotic extremities. Cardiac echography was carried out in the ER, and a $1.5{\sim}2\;cm$ thickness of effusion in the pericardium was seen. Because the patient's heart had declined to 35 times per min, an emergency operation was started while giving cardiac massage. After observing a 1 cm rupture on the right ventricular wall and a necrotic hemorrhagic scar with a rupture on the left ventricular apical wall, repair of the ruptured areas with a large Satinsky clamp was carried out to control bleeding without cardiopulmonary bypass. On the 28th day after surgery, she was discharged home with a minimal degree of dyspnea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.1
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• pp.178-183
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• 2022

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare myeloproliferative disease that causes elevated absolute red blood cell (RBC) mass due to uncontrolled RBC production. Moreover, this condition has been associated with a high risk of ischemic stroke and large vessel stenosis or occlusion, with many studies reporting cerebral infarction in PV patients. Despite these findings, there have been no reports on the vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) findings of the narrowed vessels in PV-associated ischemic stroke patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in English regarding the carotid VW-MRI findings of a 30-year-old male diagnosed with PV after being hospitalized due to stroke.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.886-893
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• 2000

배경: 흉복부 대동맥류는 질환 자체가 광범위하고 수술 중 척수를 포함한 각종 장기의 보호 및 허혈 방지라는 면에서 아직도 수술 합병증이 높은 질환이다. 본 연구에서는 그 동안의 임상경험을 바탕으로 치료성적, 합병증 발생, 사망률 등을 검토하였다. 대상 및 방법: 1990년 1월부터 1999년 12월까지 흉복부동맥류로 수술을 시행한 38명의 환자를 대상으로 의무 기록 검토을 통한 후향적 분석을 시행하였다. 결과: 남자가 22명, 여자가 16명, 평륜 연령은 46.2$\pm$12.3세였고, 크로포드 진단분류 상 1형 이 13례(34.2%), 2형이 19례(50%), 3형이 4례(11%), 4형이 2례(4.8%)였다. 만성 대동맥박리증에 관련된 경우가 29례(76.3%)로 가장 많았고, Marfan 증후군이 동반된 경우가 9례(23.7%)에서 있었다. 원위부 대동맥 관류를 35례에서 시행하였으며, 고동맥-고정맥 심폐바이패스를 31례에서, 좌심방-고동맥 바이패스를 4례에서 시행하였다. 심폐바이패스를 이용한 31례중 4례에서 초저체온하 완전순환정지를 이용하였다. 대동맥 차단 중 복강내 주요 대동맥 분지로의 선택적 관류를 시행하였다. 대동맥류의 최대직경은 평균 8.2$\pm$2.4cm이었고, 동맥류가 파열된 경우는 11례(28.9%)에서 있었다. 전례에서 인조혈관을 이용한 대동맥의 치환술을 시행하였다. 단계적으로 흉복부 대동맥을 겸자하면서 인공혈관을 문합하였고, Adamkiewicz 동맥으로 생각되는 부위의 늑간 동맥을 문합해주었는데, 8번째부터 12번째 흉추 사이의 늑간 동맥 중 역류혈류가 나타나고 상대적으로 내경이 큰 것들을 문합해 주었다. 술 후 조기사망은 3례에서 있었으며, 사인은 심폐기 이탈 실패 (2례), 저혈압 및 산증(1례) 등이었다. 조기 합병증으로는 애성 5례, 출혈 5례, 창상간염 3례, 장기간의 인공호흡기보조가 3례 등이 있었다. 치명적인 조기 합병증인 하지마비는 2례(5.3%)에서 발생하였고, 이 중 1례는 대동맥의 심한 석회화로 늑간동맥을 문합해 주지 못했던 경우였다. 35명의 환자에서 평균 추적기간은 103.1$\pm$6.1 개월, 2년 생존율은 93.8%, 5년 생존율은 86.1%, 8년 생존율은 80.7%였다. 추척기간 동안 4례의 만기사망이 관찰되었고, 사인은 2례에서는 갑작스런 의식소실이 발생하여 규명하기 어려웠으며, 대동맥-식도루 발생에 의한 경우가 1례, 경동맥류 파열에 의한 경우가 1례 등이었다. 만기 합병증으로는 복부 대동맥류(2례), 상행 대동맥 및 대동맥 근부 확장(1례), 대동맥-늑막루(1례), 창상 부위 탈장(1례), 역행성 사정(1례) 등이 있었다. 결론: 저자들은 흉복부대동맥류의 수술에 있어 심폐우 회술 혹은 좌심방-고동맥 바이패스를 통한 원위부 관류 및 저체온법, 수술 시 척수의 혈류공급과 관련된 늑간동맥의 연결 등으로 주요 신경합병증의 발생을 줄이고 좋은 성적을 거두고 있다고 판단하였으며 향후 임상 경험 축적과 함께 보다 정련된 위험인자의 분석이 필요하다고 본다.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.8 s.265
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• pp.619-625
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• 2006

Background: Peripheral arterial disease is frequently accompanied with systemic arteriosclerosis and more than half of the cause of deaths is due to the development of coronary arterial disease. Moreover, it is known that the most frequent cause of death after a bypass surgery of chronic arterial obstruction is heart related complications. Especially in patients with atherosclerotic arterial obstruction in the lower extremities who had no history of heart disease or had no presenting symptoms of ischemic heart disease showed a high rate of postoperative mortality and for this reason we suggest preoperative evaluation in these patients to evaluate whether or not coronary arterial disease is accompanied. Material and Method: Since Feb. 2001 to Oct. 2004, we analyzed 52 patients who were operated on for atherosclerotic arterial obstruction in the lower extremities, with the exception of patients with a past history of heart disease or symptoms of ischemic heart disease. They underwent on the same day a coronary and femoral angiography for evaluation of accompanying coronary arterial disease. Of among these patients, we compared those who received bypass surgery of the arteries of the peripheral extremities alone to those who underwent combined coronary artery bypass surgery. Result: 63% of the reported cases of atherosclerotic arterial obstruction in the lower extremities were accompanied with coronary arterial disease. Old age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia are known risk factors for arteriosclerosis and of these, only old age and hypertension had statistically significance in patients with severe atherosclerotic arterial obstruction in the lower extremities accompanied with coronary arterial disease. Diabetes, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia showed no statistical significance in this group. With the increase in severity of the range and the degree of atherosclerotic arterial obstruction, coronary arterial disease is frequently accompanied and its severity also increased. Patients who received both peripheral artery and coronary artery bypass surgery showed no difference in the period of hospitalization and ICU stay period compared with patients who received bypass surgery of the arteries of the lower extremities alone. Conclusion: Patients with atherosclerotic arterial obstruction in the lower extremities without symptoms of ischem to evaluate coronary arterial disease for active treatment, especially in the patients with old age, hypertension and high AVD scores.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.733-738
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• 1997

Sequential bilateral lung transplantation may result in a variety of perioperative and postoperative complications, showing high perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. This research was performed to investigate the hemodynamic changes in adult mongrel dogs after bilateral reimplantation, two methods preferred for avoiding or minimizing graft rejection. The anterior portion of the pulmonary artery and the left atrium proximal to the superior and the inferior pulmonary veins were resected out and then re-anastomosed one hour later to prevent torsion or stenosis of the anastomotic site and the formation of a thrombosis in the left atrium. An everted suture technique was employed for the left atrium; An hour after the division, however, the main bronchus was tightly anastomose by interrupted sutures of No. 4-0 prolene in a telescope method. A modified I-C solution mixed with PGEI was infused into the cut portion of the pulmonary artery at the rate of 15 mllkglmin and at a pressure of 40 cmH20 for a total dosage of 70 mlfkg in order to preserve the transected lung. Topical cooling using wet gauzes soaked with cold I-C solution was performed for one hour to prevent ischemic lung injury. The above procedures are considered to be beneficial for achieving a satisfactory outcome for bilateral lung reimplantation.