• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.137-152
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• 2020

In spite of the developing endovascular era, large (15-25 mm) and giant (>25 mm) wide-neck cerebral aneurysms remained technically challenging. Intracranial flow-diverting stents (FDS) were developed to address these challenges by targeting aneurysm hemodynamics to promote aneurysm occlusion. In 2011, the first FDS approved for use in the United States market. Shortly thereafter, the Pipeline of Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms (PUFS) study was published demonstrating high efficacy and a similar complication profile to other intracranial stents. The initial FDA instructions for use (IFU) limited its use to patients 22 years old or older with wide-necked large or giant aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) from the petrous segment to superior hypophyseal artery/ophthalmic segment. Expanded IFU was tested in the Prospective Study on Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms with PipelineTM Embolization Device (PREMIER) trial. With further post-approval clinical data, the United States FDA expanded the IFU to include patients with small or medium, wide-necked saccular or fusiform aneurysms from the petrous ICA to the ICA terminus. However, IFU is more restrictive in South Korea than in United States. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have sought to evaluate the overall efficacy of FDS for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms and consistently identify FDS as an effective technique for the treatment of aneurysms broadly with complication rates similar to other traditional techniques. A growing body of literature has demonstrated high efficacy of FDS for small aneurysms; distal artery aneurysms; non-saccular aneurysms posterior circulation aneurysms and complication rates similar to traditional techniques. In the short interval since the Pipeline Embolization Device was first introduced, FDS has been firmly entrenched as a powerful tool in the endovascular armamentarium. As new FDS are developed, established FDS are refined, and delivery systems are improved the uses for FDS will only expand further. Researchers continue to work to optimize the mechanical characteristics of the FDS themselves, aiming to optimize deploy ability and efficacy. With expanded use for small to medium aneurysms and posterior circulation aneurysms, FDS technology is firmly entrenched as a powerful tool to treat challenging aneurysms, both primarily and as an adjunct to coil embolization. With the aforementioned advances, the ease of FDS deployment will improve and complication rates will be further minimized. This will only further establish FDS deployment as a key strategy in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.85-89
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• 2009

Objective : The International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA) reported that the 5-year cumulative rupture rate of small unruptured aneurysms less than 7 mm in diameter is very low depending on the aneurysm's location. However, we have seen a large number of ruptured aneurysms less than 7 mm in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to review our experience and to measure the size and location at which aneurysms ruptured in our patient population. Methods : We reviewed the characteristics of aneurysms, such as size and location, from the original angiograms of patients who were admitted to our hospital between January 2004 and December 2007. All aneurysms were treated surgically or through endovascular procedures. Results : Interventional or surgical treatment was given to a total of 889 patients, including 568 females and 321 males. At the time of our study, 627 cases were ruptured aneurysms and 262 cases were unruptured aneurysms. Of the ruptured cases, the mean diameter of the aneurysm was 6.28 mm. We found that 71.8% of ruptured aneurysms were smaller than 7 mm in diameter, and 87.9%, were smaller than 10 mm. Based on location, the data show that anterior communicating artery aneurysms most often presented with rupture sizes less than 7 mm (76.8%) and 10 mm (92.1%) in diameter. Most ruptured aneurysms were less than 7 mm in size, although recent studies have noted that small aneurysms are less likely to rupture. Conclusion : Although the natural history of unruptured intracranial aneurysms remains controversial, the aneurysm size and location play a signigicant role in determining the risk of rupture. Larger sample sizes and a long term study are needed to reveal the natural history and the rupture risk of unruptured intracranial aneurysms because the size of most ruptured aneurysms was less than 7 mm in diameter in our series.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.329-333
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• 2011

Objective : As medical advances have increased life expectancy, it has become imperative to develop specific treatment strategies for intracranial aneurysms in the elderly. We therefore analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients older than 70 years. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and results of neuroimaging modalities on 54 aneurysms of 48 consecutive patients with un ruptured intracranial aneurysms. ($mean{\pm}SD$ age, $72.11{\pm}1.96$ years; range, 70-78 years) who underwent surgical clipping over 10 years (May 1999 to June 2010). Results : Of the 54 aneurysms, 22 were located in the internal carotid artery, 19 in the middle cerebral artery, 12 in the anterior cerebral artery, and 1 in the superior cerebellar artery. Six patients had multiple aneurysms. Aneurysm size ranged from 3 mm to 17 mm ($mean{\pm}SD$, $6.82{\pm}3.07$ mm). Fifty of the 54 aneurysms (92.6%) were completely clipped. Three-month outcomes were excellent in 50 (92.6%) aneurysms and good and poor in 2 each (3.7%), with 1 death (2.0%). Procedure-related complications occurred in 7 aneurysms (13.0%), with 2 (3.7%) resulting in permanent neurological deficits, including death. No postoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred during follow-up. The cumulative rates of stroke- or death-free survival at 5 and 10 years were 100% and 78%, respectively. Conclusion : Surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly group could get it as a favorable outcome in well selected cases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.437-441
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• 2010

Objective : The precise intra- vs. extradural localization of aneurysms involving the paraclinoid internal carotid artery is critical for the evaluation of patients being considered for aneurysm surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of T2-weighted threedimensional (3-D) fast spin-echo (FSE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the evaluation of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. Methods : Twenty-eight patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms in their paraclinoid regions were prospectively evaluated using a T2- weighted 3-D FSE MR imaging technique with oblique coronal sections. The MR images were assessed for the location of the cerebral aneurysm in relation to the dural ring and other surrounding anatomic compartments, and were also compared with the surgical or angiographic findings. Results : All 28 aneurysms were identified by T2-weighted 3D FSE MR imaging, which showed the precise anatomic relationships in regards to the subarachnoid space and the surrounding anatomic structures. Consequently, 13 aneurysms were determined to be intradural and the other 15 were deemed extradural as they were confined to the cavernous sinus. Of the 13 aneurysms with intradural locations, three superior hypophyseal artery aneurysms were found to be situated intradurally upon operation. Conclusion : High-resolution T2-weighted 3-D FSE MR imaging is capable of confirming whether a cerebral aneurysm at the paraclinoid region is intradural or extradural, because of the MR imaging's high spatial resolution. The images may help in identifying patients with intradural aneurysms who require treatment, and they also can provide valuable information in the treatment plan for paraclinoid aneurysms.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.286-291
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• 2006

Objective : We evaluate the effect of the copolymer-coated coils on immediate occlusion of the aneurysm, preventing rupture, and decreasing compaction or re-growth. Methods : Thirty-five aneurysms treated between September 2003 and December 2004 using Matrix detachable coil were reviewed. Study population consisted of 12 men and 23 women ranging in age from 34 to 75 years[mean, 55.1 years]. Twenty-two aneurysms were ruptured and 23 aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation. Follow-up angiography was obtained in 16 patients after 6 months from the procedure. Results : Initial complete occlusion was achieved in 17 aneurysms[48.6%], and the others remained as a residual neck in 8 aneurysms[22.8%] and residual sac in 10 aneurysms[28.6%]. Among these incompletely occluded aneurysms, 7 aneurysms were performed follow-up angiography. And 6 of them converted into complete occlusion. In the other hands, among 17 aneurysms achieved complete occlusion initially, 9 aneurysms were performed follow-up angiography. Recurrence due to coil compaction occurred in one aneurysm and the others maintained complete occlusion. There was one mortality case due to thromboembolic complication. Conclusion : In spite of difficulty in achieving complete occlusion with Matrix coil system, there is no rupture or re-rupture during follow-up period. Follow-up angiography shows many conversions of residual sac into complete occlusion. Embolization using Matrix coil system is safe and effective, but the effects of PGLA copolymer need further investigation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.345-352
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• 2000

Objective : The purpose of this study was to compare computed tomographic angiography(CTA) with conventional cerebral angiography(CCA) and to assess usefulness of CTA in detection and anatomic definition of intracranial aneurysms of the circle of Willis in subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients and Methods : Fifty consecutive patients with known or suspected intracranial saccular aneurysms underwent CTA with preoperative CCA from 1997 to 1999. Using surface shaded display post-processing technique, CTA was interpreted for the presence, location of aneurysms and anatomic features. The image obtained with CTA was then compared with CCA image. Results : In 47 patients, CCA revealed 57 cerebral aneurysms and CTA revealed 54 aneurysms. Two of the 57 cerebral aneurysms were located outside of the imaging volume of CTA and one case was misdiagnosed. The sensitivity of CTA was 94.7% and the specificity was 100%. The results obtained with CTA were, compared with the results obtained with CCA, equal in determining dome shape, direction and lobularity. However, CTA provided a 3-dimensional representation of aneurysmal lesion very useful for surgical planning. Moreover, CTA was useful for rapid and relatively noninvasive detection of aneurysms in the circle of Willis. Conclusion : CTA can be a diagnostic tool for the patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm of the circle of Willis and provides adequate anatomic detail for surgical planning, especially to complex cerebral aneurysms. However, we think CCA is necessary because of CTA limitations including its difficulty in detecting unusually located aneurysms(including those in cavernous sinus or distal artery) and combined vascular lesion (including arteriovenous malformation) and acquiring dynamic flow information.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.316-319
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• 1993

Although Behcet`s disease, characterized by oro-genital ulceration and ocular abnormalities, is rare and unfamiliar disease to thoracic surgeon, one must remember that it can cause serious complications on the vascular system such as thrombophlebitis,thrombotic obstuction and aneurysm.We report a case of multiple arterial aneurysms with Behcet`s disease. This 31 year-old female had five times surgical interventions during short period[19 months]. 6 aneurysms were developed in this case, 3 were spontaneous aneurysms, 2 were anastomotic aneurysms and 1 was false aneurysm due to arterial puncture.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.238-240
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• 2006

The incidence of distal anterior cerebral artery[ACA] aneurysm is relatively rare, and only a few cases of bilateral symmetrical distal ACA aneurysms which were adhered together have been reported. They are also called kissing aneurysms. We treated bilateral asymmetrical distal ACA kissing aneurysms in a 44-year-old woman. We successfully clipped the double aneurysmal sacs individually by interhemispheric approach in spite of intraoperative aneurysmal rupture. The patient was discharged without any neurological deficits two weeks after the operation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.190-195
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• 2005

Objective : This study is performed to evaluate the procedural complications, aneurysm occlusion rate, and mid-term outcome of endovascular treatments in intracranial aneurysms. Methods : We retrospectively investigated 135 patients with 161 cerebral aneurysms who were treated by endovascular means at our institute from March 1999 to December 2004. We statistically analyzed overall outcome, occlusion rate, and occurrence of complications according to the location, size, rupture history, and neck size of aneurysms. Results : Forty-nine patients [36.3%] had experienced acute intracranial or extracranial complications related to the procedure. Among these, there were 13cases of perforation of the aneurysm, 9 of local vasospasm, 8 of thromboembolism, 4 of coil migration, 3 of occlusion of parent vessels due to coil protrusion, and 1 of seizure. Extracranial complications occurred in 14cases including alopecia [9cases], femoral artery thrombosis [2cases], acute renal failure [2cases], and hypovolemic shock [1case]. One hundred twenty-six aneurysms [78.3%] had complete occlusion of the aneurysm and 35 [21.7%] incomplete occlusion at 6months angiographic follow-up. Postembolization clinical follow-up ranged from 1 to 60months [mean, 14.2months]. Seven of the 161 aneurysms underwent additional embolization and 2 incomplete embolized aneurysms required subsequent surgery. Conclusion : The procedural complications and incomplete occlusion rates are substantial. Therefore, endovascular treatment needs close and continued neurosurgical and neuroradiological concerns for the therapy of intracranial aneurysms.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.250-257
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• 2015

Objective : Endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms is a challenge and the durability and the safety of these treated aneurysms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and long-term angiographic results of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with coil embolization. Methods : Between January 2002 and December 2012, 53 wide-necked aneurysms treated with coil embolization were selected. Forty were female, and 13 were male. Twenty eight (52.8%) were ruptured aneurysms, and 25 (47.2%) were unruptured aneurysms. The patents' medical and radiological records were reviewed retrospectively. Results : Of the 53 aneurysms, coiling alone was employed in 45 (84.9%) and stent-assisted coiling was done in 8 (15.1%). The initial angiographic results revealed Raymond class 1 (complete occlusion) in 30 (56.6%) cases, Raymond class 2 (residual neck) in 18 (34.0%) cases, and Raymond class 3 (residual sac) in 5 (9.4%) cases. The mean angiographic follow-up period was 37.9 months (12-120 months). At the last angiographies, Raymond class 1 was seen in 26 (49.1%) cases, Raymond class 2 in 16 (30.2%), and Raymond class 3 in 11 (20.8%). Angiographic recurrence occurred in 22 (41.5%) patients, with minor recurrence in 7 (13.2%) cases and major recurrence in 15 (28.3%). Retreatment was performed in 8 cases (15.1%). A suboptimal result on the initial angiography was a significant predictor of recurrence in this study (p=0.03). Conclusion : The predictor of recurrence in wide-necked aneurysms is a suboptimal result on the initial angiography. Long-term angiographic follow-up is recommended in wide-necked aneurysms.