• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.583-590
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• 1995

The three hundred and sixty nine patients who underwent either isolated or concomitant coronary artery bypass graft surgery since May, 1977 till December, 1993 at the Yonsei University Cardiovascular center were studied with respects to the incidence of operative risk factors, surgical methodology and consequent results. The patients were classified into two periods, according to the time of the surgery in relation to the date of the opening of the Yonsei cardiovascular center. Period I[1977 to 1990 , consisting of the patients who underwent surgery prior to the opening date, harboured a total of 189 patients with the mean age of 55 years, and the second, Period II[1991 to 1993 , those who underwent after the opening, of 180 patients with the mean age of 60 years. The Period II patients were involved in more operative risk factors, compared to the ones in Period I. The anatomy of the coronary arteries of the patients of Period II were more likely to have multilesional and left main disease. The patients in Period I were older, had more prominent left ventricular dysfunction and were more likely to be exposed to the risk factors. The number of implanted grafts were greater period II[average of 2.5 grafts per patient in Period I VS 3.2 in Period II and the frequency which the used left internal mammary artery was also significantly higher in Period II[49 and 104 cases in Period I and Period II . The incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction was 20 patients[10.6% in Period I, 14 patients[7.8% in period II. And the operative mortality was 20 patients[10.6% in period I, 8 patients[4.4% in period II. In conclusion we think that the operative results have improved in Period II, compared to that of Period I, in spite of the higher risks, due to accumulation of surgical experiences, improved surgical techniques and myocardial protection, specialized teamwork, application of the intraoperative TEE and appropriate pharmacological interventions by anesthesiologist.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.265-273
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• 2013

Background: The safety and efficacy of arterial composite grafts for total arterial revascularization have been demonstrated. The saphenous vein (SV) is a widely used graft because of its accessibility, sufficient length, and ease of manipulation. Our aim was to compare mid-term outcomes of saphenous vein Y-grafts with radial artery Y-grafts joined by anastomosis to the left internal thoracic artery. Materials and Methods: Records of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with composite Y-grafts based on the left internal thoracic artery technique in 552 patients were analyzed retrospectively. After propensity score matching, 79 radial arterial (RA) composite grafts (RA group) and 79 saphenous vein composite grafts (SV group) were compared. The duration of mean follow-up was $24.6{\pm}14.6$ months (range, 1 to 55 months). Results: There were no differences in surgical mortality, all-cause mortality, or morbidity among the groups. Rates of 4-year survival were 91.7% and 96.3% in the RA and SV groups, respectively (p=0.519). The coronary reintervention-free survival rate and freedom from major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events were similar in the two groups (p=0.685, p=0.564). Conclusion: Construction of composite Y-grafts using the radial artery or saphenous vein showed similar mid-term results. Long-term follow-up and randomized trials will be needed to confirm our present conclusions.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.137-145
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• 2009

Purpose : To compare 12 and 32-element surface coil arrays for highly accelerated coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using parallel imaging. Materials and Methods : Steady state free precession coronary MRA was performed in 5 healthy volunteers at 1.5 T whole body MR scanner using both 12 and 32-element surface coil arrays. Left anterior descending and right coronary artery data sets were acquired for each volunteer. Data sets were sub-sampled for parallel imaging using reduction factors from 1 to 6. Mean geometry factor (g-factor), maximum g-factor, and artifact level were calculated for each of the two coil arrays. Results : Over all reduction factors, the mean and maximum g-factors and artifact level were significantly reduced using the 32-element array compared to the 12element array (P << 0.1). The mean g-factor was sensitive to the imaging orientations of coronary arteries while the maximum g-factor and artifact level were independent of orientation. Conclusion : The 32-element surface coil array significantly improves artifact and noise suppression for highly accelerated coronary MRA using parallel imaging. The increased acceleration factors made feasible with the 32-element array offer the potential to enhance spatial resolution or increase volumetric coverage for 3D coronary MRA.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.333-341
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• 2011

To compare between calcium scoring CT (CSCT) and Low-dose CT (LDCT) image finding for coronary artery calcification (CAC) in screening of lung disease by MDCT. A total of 61 subjects who retired-workers exposed to inorganic dust were performed LDCT and CSCT by using a MDCT scanner on the same day, after be approved by the institutional review board, and obtaining the written informed consent from all subjects. LDCT images were read for detecting lung diseases as well as CAC by a experienced chest radiologist, then the subjects were divided either the positive group with CAC or the negative group without it. The CSCT was used to quantify and detect the presence of calcification in the coronary artery, and score of CAC calculated by using a Rapidia software (ver 2.8). In all coronary arteries, calcium score of positive group was higher better than that in negative group, especially in the total calcium (13.7 vs. 582.9, p=0.008) and the left anterior descending artery (3.2 vs. 249.0, p=0.006). CAC findings between CSCT and LDCT image were showed excellent agreement in cut-off point 100(K-value=0.80, 95% CI=0.69-0.91) from total calcium score. CAC findings on LDCT images showed the higher relation with CSCT. Therefore, the obstructive coronary artery disease could be predicted by CAC on LDCT images for screening of lung diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.248-252
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• 2010

Anomalous origins of coronary arteries are a rare type of disease among children. These anomalies can be categorized into 3 types according to the anatomical relationship of the aorta and pulmonary trunks. Among these types, the interarterial type, as observed in our case, needs early diagnosis and treatment, because it can increase the risk for the patient, causing sudden cardiac death in young individuals. Although there are controversies concerning the management of anomalous origins of the left coronary artery (LCA) in children, the result can be very beneficial, if treated accurately. Three well-known methods for correction of anomalous origins of LCA are re-implantation, coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG), and unroofing. We report on the case of a 12-year-old girl who had chest discomfort and syncope with physical exercise and was later diagnosed with an anomalous origin of LCA by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and heart computed tomography (CT). She underwent a corrective operation by re-implantation, CABG, and unroofing.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.309-315
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• 2003

Background: To avoid the adverse effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and to overcome late vein graft failure we routinely peformed off-pump total arterial coronary revascularization. Material and Method: From July 2000 to August 2001, 104 consecutive patients underwent first elective off-pump total arterial coronary revascularization. Both internal mammary, radial and gastroepiploic arteries were used. Sequential and composite grafts were used to achieve complete revascularization. Perioperative adverse events and postoperative angiograms were analyzed. Result: A total of 252 arterial conduits were used with an average of 2.47 grafts per patient. A total of 326 distal anastomosis were performed with a mean of 3.13 distal anastomosis per patient. Cross over to on-pump occurred in seven patients (6.7%). Of these 4 were due to unstable hemodynamics during lateral or posterior wall stabilization as a result of cardiomegaly and 3 were due to uncontrolled bleeding during dissection of diffusely dimunitive deeply placed intramyocardial coronary arteries. There were no opeartive deaths. Two cases of perioperative myocardial infarction and transient neurologic complications occurred, respectively. Of the 312 distal anastomoses, 308 (98.7%) were compatible with Fitz-Gibboll A or B patency grading. Conclusion: Off-pump total arterial coronary revascularization was technically feasible in most elective cases with satisfactory early results. However, on-pump coronary bypass surgery should be considered in difficult circumstances, such as cardiomegaly or unfavorable anatomy of the target coronary artery.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.594-600
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• 1989

Primary intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot with low mortality and early good results, has been accomplished in recent years. But palliative procedures have been reserved for those hypoplastic pulmonary arteries, a hypoplastic left ventricle or anomalies of the coronary artery would make total correction difficult. And the Blalock-Taussig shunt operation is recognized as a standard and popular palliative procedure. I undertook a retrospective determination of the effect of the Blalock-Taussig shunt operation on the development of the main pulmonary artery and the right and left pulmonary arteries. Between January, 1980, and April, 1987, at the Severance Hospital, 16 patients were studied by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography, before undergoing Blalock-Taussig shunting procedures for the palliation of severe symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot, and some time later, usually prior to a second procedure. The mean interval between catheterizations was 22.25 months. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia or with an occluded shunt were not included. The primary and secondary angiograms of each patient were reviewed, and measurements of the diameter of the main pulmonary artery, the right and left pulmonary arteries, and the descending thoracic aorta were taken. The results are as follows; 1. The hematocrit decreased from 56.39% to 50.34%[p< 0.05], and the arterial oxygen saturation increased from 62.00 % to 81.31 %[p< 0.001] following shunt procedures 2. The ratio of the diameter of the right pulmonary artery plus the left pulmonary artery to the diameter of the descending thoracic aorta increased 1.30 k 0.28 times [p< 0.01]; but the ratio of the diameter of the main pulmonary artery to the diameter of the descending thoracic aorta increased 1.10 * 0.33 times, which was not. significant[p< 0.05]. 3. The interval between shunting and second catheterization was not related to the magnitude of change in the pulmonary arteries[r=0.141, p >0.05]. 4. The changes in the ratio of the diameter of the right pulmonary artery plus the diameter of the left pulmonary artery to the diameter of the descending thoracic aorta was inversely related to the initial ratio[r=0.757, p >0.001], but the change in the ratio of the diameter of the main pulmonary artery to the descending thoracic aorta was not related[r=0.059, p >0.05]. 5. There were no differences in enlargement of the pulmonary artery on the side of the shunt [ipsilateral] versus enlargement on the opposite side [p >0.05], nor according to the size of the shunt[p >0.05]. In conclusion, this study suggests that the Blalock-Taussig shunt is effective for the development of the right and left pulmonary arteries but not effective for the main pulmonary artery.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.607-622
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• 2004

Recently epidemiologic studies have indicated that the patients with periodontitis may have increased risk of ischemic cardiovascular events, and have suggested the important roles of blood cytokines and acute reactant proteins in the systemic infection and inflammatory response. Periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) may share the common risk factors and the genetic mechanism associated with interleukin(IL)-1A, B and RA genotype may be involved in the production of IL-1. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between angiographically defined CHD and periodontitis as chronic Gram-negative bacterial infection and to determine whether the IL-1 gene polymorphism is associated in both diseases. Patients under the age of 60 who had undergone diagnostic coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Subjects were classified as positive CHD (+CHD, n=37) with coronary artery stenosis more than 50% in at least one of major epicardial arteries, and negative CHD (-CHD, n=30) without significant stenosis. After recording the number of missing teeth, periodontal disease severity was measured by means of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone loss around all remaining teeth. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected from the 4 deepest periodontal pockets and assessed for cytokine ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-1ra, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, and prostaglandin $E_2$). Additionally, blood CHD markers, lipid profile, and blood cytokines were analyzed. IL-1 gene cluster genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and enzyme restriction using genomic DNA from buccal swab, and allele 2 frequencies of IL-1A(+4845), IL-1B(+3954), IL-B(-511), and IL-1RA(intron 2) were compared between groups. Even though there was no significant difference in the periodontal parameters between 2 groups, GCF level of $PGE_2$ was significantly higher in the +CHD group(p<0.05). Correlation analysis showed the positive relationship among PD, CAL and coronary artery stenosis(%) and blood $PGE_2$. There was also significant positive relationship between the periodontal parameters (PI, PD, CAL) and the blood CHD markers (leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, and lactic dehyrogenase). IL-1 gene genotyping showed that IL-1A(+3954) allele 2 frequency was significantly higher in the +CHD group compared with the -CHD group (15% vs. 3.3%, OR 5.118,p=0.043). These results suggested that periodontal inflammation is related to systemic blood cytokine and CHD markers, and contributes to cardiovascular disease via systemic inflammatory reaction. IL-1 gene polymorphism might have an influence on periodontal and coronary heart diseases in Korean patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.581-586
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• 1994

From February 1985 to February 1993, 18 operations were performed in 17 patients for treatment of aneurysmal disease [n=12] and/or dissection of the ascending aorta [n=6]. The ages ranged from 26 to 69 years [mean 44.3 $\pm$ 11.0 years].The proposed operations include composite graft replacement of aortic valve and ascending aorta with coronary reimplantation in 11, graft replacement of ascending aorta alone in 5, aortic valve replacement and supracoronary graft replacement in 1 and ascending aorta to abdominal aorta bypass with thromboexclusion of descending aorta in one patient. Both Bentall [n=6] and Cabrol [n=5] technique were utilized for reimplantation of coronary arteries.Concomitant replacement of aortic arch and arch vessel reconstruction was necessary in two patients. Hypothermic circulatory arrest was utilized in 6 patients. Recently, four patients were managed on warm blood continuous cardioplegia via retrograde route. There were no operative deaths. No significant postoperative complications were noted. Postoperative follow up was complete in 15 patients from 1 month to 72 months. Redo operation was necessary in one patient who had suffered from distal recurrence of dissection 5 years after successful Bentall operation. The other patients are all in excellent clinical condition. From our early experience with those 17 cases, we assume that satisfactory operative result could be achieved with a variety of surgical technique including hypothermic circulatory arrest. In addition, continuous perfusion of warm blood cardioplegia via retrograde route is supposed to be beneficial in selected cases.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.198-207
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• 2015

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary artery are well-known atherosclerotic vascular diseases. However, the difference of intima-media thickness and plaque characteristics of carotid arteries between STEMI and CTO patients were not directly compared in previous studies. Medical records of a total of 158 (101 STEMI, 57 CTO) patients, who underwent carotid artery ultrasonography, were selected for the analysis. The baseline characteristics, ultrasonography findings, and clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia was significantly higher in CTO patients. Carotid intima-media thickness ($0.97{\pm}0.13$ vs. $0.78{\pm}0.17cm$, P < 0.0001) and number of plaques ($2.2{\pm}1.0$ vs. $1.7{\pm}1.2$, P < 0.0001) were greater in CTO than STEMI patients. Multiple (${\geq}3$) or echogenic plaques were more frequently observed in CTO patients. During the median follow-up duration of 27 months, major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 31% of CTO and 14% of STEMI patients (P = 0.008). We found that, compared with STEMI, CTO patients have higher burden of carotid artery atherosclerosis associated with more comorbid diseases and poor clinical outcomes.