• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.185-189
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• 2014

Objective : General anesthesia is often preferred for endovascular coiling of intracranial aneurysm at most centers. But in the authors' hospital, it is performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) using dexmedetomidine. To determine the feasibility and safety of this approach, the authors reviewed our initial experience. Methods : Retrospective data was analyzed from July 2012 to November 2012. We performed coil embolization in 28 cases using this method. Among them, for statistical significance, we analyzed 12 cases in which the procedure time exceeded an hour. Vital signs were analyzed every 10 minutes. Depth of sedation was measured according to the Ramsay sedation scale and frequency of the repeated roadmap image(s) caused by movement of the patient's head during the procedure. Results : All procedures were completed without occurrence of procedure related complications. Under MAC using dexmedetomidine, vital signs of the patients were stable, no statistical significance regarding hemodynamic and respiratory parameters was observed between time points (p>0.05). Adequate sedation was achieved. Mean Ramsay sedation scale was $3.67{\pm}1.61$ (2 to 6). Repeated roadmap image(s) due to patient's factor occurred in only one case. The mean dosage of drug for adequate sedation for the procedure was $0.65{\pm}0.12mcg/kg/hr$ without loading doses. Conclusion : To the best of my knowledge, this is the first report published in English using the method of monitored anesthesia with dexmedetomidine for intracranial aneurysm coiling. Monitored anesthesia care using dexmedetomidine without loading dose for embolization of intracranial aneurysms appeared to be a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2021

Objective : Although stent-assisted coiling (SAC) has been reported to be safe and effective in treating wide-necked aneurysms, the technique has procedure-related complications. Thus, we reported our experiences of SAC using the Neuroform Atlas stent in treating wide-necked aneurysms and evaluated the incidence of and risk factors for procedure-related complications. Methods : From March 2018 to August 2019, we treated 130 unruptured wide-necked aneurysms in 123 patients with Neuroform Atlas stents. Angiographic results and clinical outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and angiographic follow-up were performed in all cases (mean, 12.4 months) after the procedure. Results : There were eight cases (6.2%) of procedure-related complications (two dissections, five thromboembolisms, and one hemorrhage) and two (1.5%) of delayed complications (one ischemia and one hemorrhage). There was one case (0.8%) of failure of stent deployment and one (0.8%) of suboptimal positioning of the stent. Follow-up angiography showed complete obliteration in 103 (79.2%), residual neck in 16 (12.3%), and residual aneurysm in 11 cases (8.5%). Aneurysm locations in the middle cerebral artery (odds ratio [OR], 2.211; p=0.046) and the anterior communicating artery (OR, 2.850; p=0.039) were associated with procedure-related complications on univariate analysis. However, no independent risk factor for procedure-related complications was noted in multivariate analysis. Conclusion : The Neuroform Atlas showed a high rate of technical success. Good clinical and radiographic outcomes in early follow-up suggests that the device is feasible and safe. SAC of aneurysms on the middle cerebral artery or anterior communicating artery may require more attention to prevent possible procedure-related complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.688-696
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• 2022

Objective : Transvenous embolization (TVE) via an occluded inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) in a cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF) is challenging, often requiring navigation of a microcatheter through resistive obstacles between the occluded IPS and shunted pouch (SP), although the reopening technique was successfully performed. We report five cases of successful access to the cavernous sinus (CS) or SP using the rigid-tipped microguidewire such as chronic total occlusion (CTO) wire aiming to share our initial experience with this wire. Methods : In this retrospective study, four patients with CSDAVF underwent five procedures using the CTO wire puncture during transfemoral transvenous coil embolization. Puncture success, shunt occlusion, and complications including any hemorrhage and cranial nerve palsy were evaluated. Results : Despite successful access through the occluded IPS, further entry into the target area using neurointerventional devices was impossible due to a short-segment stricture before the CS (three cases) and a membranous barrier within the CS (two cases). However, puncturing these structures using the rigid-tipped microguidewire was successful in all cases. We could advance the microcatheter over the rigid-tipped microguidewire for the navigation to the SP and achieved complete occlusion of the SP without complications. Conclusion : The use of the rigid-tipped microguidewire in the TVE via the occluded IPS of the CSDAVF would be feasible and safe.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.328-335
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• 2023

Background: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) poses a higher risk of amputation than atherosclerosis obliterans. It is characterized by onset at a relatively young age. There are currently no clear treatment guidelines for TAO other than smoking cessation. In this study, we aimed to identify factors that could influence a favorable prognosis of TAO. Methods: From January 2009 to December 2019, we retrospectively reviewed the initial symptoms, characteristics, treatments, and disease course of 37 patients (45 limbs) with TAO. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors affecting the course of symptoms that persisted or worsened despite treatment. Results: Patients' mean age was 37.2±11.4 years, and all patients were men. The mortality rate was 0% during the follow-up period (76.9±51.1 months). All patients were smokers at the time of diagnosis, and 19 patients (51.4%) successfully quit smoking during treatment. When comparing the Rutherford categories before and after treatment, 23 limbs (51.1%) showed improvement, the category was maintained in 11 limbs (24.4%), and 11 limbs (24.4%) worsened. Symptom persistence or exacerbation despite treatment was associated with a higher initial Rutherford category (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.42; p=0.03) and a higher score of the involved below-knee artery at the time of diagnosis (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.10-4.67; p=0.03). Conclusion: The degree of disease progression at the time of diagnosis significantly affected patients' prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and intervention are important to improve the course of TAO.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.6
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• pp.1418-1425
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• 2022

Elderly patients with a history of chronic alcoholism presented to our hospital with episodes of melena, abdominal pain, and anemia. During admission, hemorrhagic cystic lesion at the pancreas was observed on abdominal CT. Transcatheter angiography confirmed active bleeding foci and arterial embolization was performed. After the procedure, the bleeding was resolved. The authors report two cases of hemosuccus pancreaticus and pancreaticocolic fistula associated with pancreatitis, a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, treated with vascular intervention.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.743-748
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• 2021

Various anomalous origins of the vertebral arteries (VAs) have been reported. However, anomalous origins of the bilateral VAs arising directly from the aortic arch are extremely rare. We encountered a 60-year-old male who developed sudden-onset right hemiparesis with an incidentally discovered rare origins of the bilateral VAs from aortic arch. CT angiography demonstratedt he right VA originating from the aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery and left VA originating from the aortic arch between the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. The possible embryological mechanism of this variant was also reviewed. If the VA can not be found in the usual position during the procedure, a rare variant of the VA with anomalous origin should be considered. Understanding these variations is important to avoid unexpected events during endovascular procedures or surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.6
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• pp.1517-1522
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• 2020

Persistent sciatic artery (PSA), a rare congenital vascular anomaly, increases susceptibility to aneurysms and accounts for 40-61% of the cases. Here, we describe a case of PSA in a 70-yearold man with a history of alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Bilateral complete PSAs were detected incidentally on computed tomography angiography during evaluation for spontaneous intramuscular bleeding in the thigh due to cirrhosis-related coagulopathy. Selective angiography of the left PSA revealed aneurysmal dilatation and thrombotic occlusion of the PSA, which was partially removed with aspiration thrombectomy. Intramuscular bleeding was succesfully managed with empirical embolization of the deep femoral artery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.42-49
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• 2024

Objective : There is still controversy regarding whether neck remodeling stent affects the occurrence of silent embolic infarction (SEI) after aneurysm coiling. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate the incidence of SEI after stent-assisted coiling (SAC) using Neuroform Atlas Stent (NAS) and possible risk factors. This study also includes a comparison with simple coiling group during the same period to estimate the impact of NAS on the occurrence of SEI. Methods : This study included a total of 96 unruptured intracranial aneurysms in 96 patients treated with SAC using NAS. Correlations of demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, and angiographic parameters with properties of SEI were analyzed. The incidence and characteristics of SEI were investigated in 28 patients who underwent simple coiling during the same period, and the results were compared with the SAC group. Results : In the diffusion-weighted imaging obtained on the 1st day after SAC, a total of 106 SEI lesions were observed in 48 (50%) of 96 patients. Of these 48 patients, 38 (79.2%) had 1-3 lesions. Of 106 lesions, 74 (69.8%) had a diameter less than 3 mm. SEI occurred more frequently in older patients (≥60 years, p=0.013). The volume of SEI was found to be significantly increased in older age (≥60 years, p=0.032), hypertension (p=0.036), and aneurysm size ≥5 mm (p=0.047). The incidence and mean volume of SEI in the SAC group (n=96) were similar to those of the simple coiling group (n=28) during the same period. Conclusion : SEIs are common after NAS-assisted coiling. Their incidence in SAC was comparable to that in simple coiling. They occurred more frequently at an older age. Therefore, the use of NAS in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysm does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events if antiplatelet premedication has been performed well.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.3
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• pp.713-718
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• 2023

Orthotopic liver transplantation has become the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage liver disease. Various early or delayed vascular complications, including arterial pseudoaneurysm, thrombosis, or stenosis, and venous stenosis or occlusion, may lead to graft failure. Early detection and prompt management of such complications are essential to achieve successful transplantation and prevent the need for retransplantation. This report presents differentiating points, using computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography findings and measurement of pressure gradient across the stenotic lesion, that require immediate intervention in patients with inferior vena cava stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) in elderly high-risk patients with symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in terms of reduction in hematoma volume and recurrence rate. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data prospectively collected from nine patients who underwent 13 MMAE for CSDH between June 2017 and May 2022. The volume of the subdural hematoma was measured using a computer-aided volumetric analysis program. Hematoma volume changes during the follow-up period were analyzed and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results: The mean follow-up period was 160 days (range, 46-311 days). All procedures were technically successful and there were no procedure-related complications. Of the 13 MMAE, 84% (11 out of 13 hemispheres) showed mean 88% of reduction on follow-up volumetric study with eight cases of complete resolution. There was one refractory case with MMAE which had been performed multiple burr-hole trephinations, for which treatment was completed by craniotomy and meticulous resection of multiple pseudomembranes. There was no recurrent case during the follow-up period, except for refractory case. Conclusions: MMAE for CSDH in selected high-risk elderly patients and relapsed patients might be effective. Despite the small cohort, our findings showed a high rate of complete resolution with no complications. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to evaluate its usefulness as a primary treatment option for CSDH.