• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.202-208
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• 2022

Background: Neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) is a typical treatment for severe epigastric cancer pain, but the therapeutic effect is often affected by the variation of local anatomical structures induced by the tumor. Greater and lesser splanchnic nerve neurolysis (SNN) had similar effects to the NCPB, and was recently performed with a paravertebral approach under the image guidance, or with the transdiscal approach under the guidance of computed tomography. This study observed the feasibility and safety of SNN via a transdiscal approach under fluoroscopic guidance. Methods: The follow-up records of 34 patients with epigastric cancer pain who underwent the splanchnic nerve block via the T11-12 transdiscal approach under fluoroscopic guidance were investigated retrospectively. The numerical rating scale (NRS), the patient satisfaction scale (PSS) and quality of life (QOL) of the patient, the dose of morphine consumed, and the occurrence and severity of adverse events were recorded preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after surgery. Results: Compared with the preoperative scores, the NRS scores and daily morphine consumption decreased and the QOL and PSS scores increased at each postoperative time point (P < 0.001). No patients experienced serious complications. Conclusions: SNN via the transdiscal approach under flouroscopic guidance was an effective, safe, and easy operation for epigastric cancer pain, with fewer complications.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.183-187
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• 2012

The use of fluoroscopy guidance together with the loss of resistance technique during epidural injections has been advocated lately; moreover, epidural injections in the absence of fluoroscopic guidance have a high rate of inaccurate needle-tip placement during the injections. However, the approach to the lower cervical and upper thoracic epidural space may be challenging due to its obscure lateral fluoroscopic views from overlying normal tissue structures. In this case, we report an alternative oblique C-arm fluoroscopy guided view approach to supplement the standard anterior-posterior and lateral fluoroscopic views to facilitate successful needle placement and precise anatomical localization of the epidural space.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 2011

Objective: The author measured levels of fluoroscopic radiation exposure to the surgeon's body based on the different beam directions during kyphoplasty. Methods: This is an observational study. A series of 84 patients (96 vertebral bodies) were treated with kyphoplasty over one year. The patients were divided into four groups based on the horizontal and vertical directions of the X-Ray beams. We measured radiation exposure with the seven dosimetry badges which were worn by the surgeon in each group (total of 28 badges). Twenty-four procedures were measured in each group. Cumulative dose and dose rates were compared between groups. Results: Fluoroscopic radiation is received by the operator in real-time for approximately 50% (half) of the operation time. Thyroid protectors and lead aprons can block radiation almost completely. The largest dose was received in the chest irrespective of beam directions. The lowest level of radiation were received when X-ray tube was away from the surgeon and beneath the bed (dose rate of head, neck, chest, abdomen and knee: 0.2986, 0.2828, 0.9711, 0.8977, 0.8168 mSv, respectively). The radiation differences between each group were approximately 2.7-10 folds. Conclusion: When fluoroscopic guided-KP is performed, the X-Ray tube should be positioned on the opposite side of the operator and below the table, otherwise the received radiation to the surgeon's body would be 2.7-10 times higher than such condition.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.356-357
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• 2022

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2010

Background: Complications following lumbar transforaminal epidural injection are frequently related to inadvertent vascular injection of corticosteroids. Several methods have been proposed to reduce the risk of vascular injection. The generally accepted technique during epidural steroid injection is intermittent fluoroscopy. In fact, this technique may miss vascular uptake due to rapid washout. Because of the fleeting appearance of vascular contrast patterns, live fluoroscopy is recommended during contrast injection. However, when vascular contrast patterns are overlapped by expected epidural patterns, it is hard to distinguish them even on live fluoroscopy. Methods: During 87 lumbar transforaminal epidural injections, dynamic contrast flows were observed under live fluoroscopy with using digital subtraction enhancement. Two dynamic fluoroscopy fluoroscopic images were saved from each injection. These injections were performed by five physicians with experience independently. Accuracy of live fluoroscopy was determined by comparing the interpretation of the digital subtraction fluoroscopic images. Results: Using digital subtraction guidance with contrast confirmation, the twenty cases of intravascular injection were found (the rate of incidence was 23%). There was no significant difference in incidence of intravascular injections based either on gender or diagnosis. Only five cases of intravascular injections were predicted with either flash or aspiration of blood (sensitivity = 25%). Under live fluoroscopic guidance with contrast confirmation to predict intravascular injection, twelve cases were predicted (sensitivity = 60%). Conclusions: This finding demonstrate that digital subtraction fluoroscopic imaging is superior to blood aspiration or live fluoroscopy in detecting intravascular injections with lumbar transforaminal epidural injection.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.446-452
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• 2011

Objective : We retrospectively investigated the long-term results of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) using fluoroscopic image-guidance for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Methods : A total of 38 patients diagnosed and treated with RFT as an idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia were investigated. To minimize the risks related to conventional technique based on cutaneous landmarks, and to eliminate the need to frequent reposition of cannula, we adopted a technique of image-guided fluoroscopic cannulation of the foramen ovale. To minimize sensory complication following thermal lesion, our target response was a generation of a lesion with mild to moderate hypalgesia rather than dense hypalgesia. Results : The immediate pain-relief was achieved in all patients underwent RFT. With mean duration of follow-up of 38.2 months (range,12-72), 11 (28.9%) experienced recurrence of pain. The mean timing of recurrence was 26.1 months (range,12-46). A 42.7% recurrence rate was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis for the 38 patients at 46 months; 20.2% within 2 years, 29.1% within 3 years. In the long-term, 27 patients (71%) and 6 patients (15.8%) showed Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) score I and BNI score II responses. Three (7.9%) patients was assessed as BNI score III, 2 patients (5.3%) showed BNI score IV response. As a complication, troublesome dysesthesia occurred in 3 of 38 patients (7.9%), however, there was no permanent cranial nerve palsy or morbidity. Conclusion : These results indicates that RFT under fluoroscopic image-guided cannulation of foramen ovale is a safe, effective, and reliable means of treating trigeminal neuralgia.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.131-135
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• 2008

A 5-year-old Chihuahua dog was evaluated for a tetraparesis. The dog was presented with a non-ambulatory tetraparesis and neck pain. Radiography demonstrated an atlantoaxial (AA) subluxation and increased distance between the dorsal arch of the C1 and the dorsal spinous process of the C2. The AA joint was fixed with ventral transarticular fixation using two screws under fluoroscopic guidance. Neck brace was applied during 3 weeks post-operation. After 4 weeks, the dog was fully ambulatory with improved neurological function. Postoperative radiographs confirmed reduction of the luxation and no migration of screws. The dog showed complete resolution of clinical signs without signs of recurrence till 4 months after operation. Proper angulations of screws provided under fluoroscopic guidance, enabled adequate stabilization of the AA joints using ventral transarticular screw fixation which improved neurologic outcome of the patient.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.732-735
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• 1992

We experienced a case of application of Gianturco Self-Expendable Metal vascular stent for S V.C. syndrome at the postoperative stae of pneumonectomy for Lung cancer[Squamous cell carcinoma, stage IIIa] Placement was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Clinical problem for patient was resolved satisfactorily Long-term follow-up is required to determine restenosis, complication, and recurrence of cancer, etc.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.82-85
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• 1997

Destruction of the gasserian ganglion can be carried out by creating a radiofrequency lesion under biplanar fluoroscopic guidance. This procedure is reserved for patients who have failed various interventions for intractable trigeminal neuralgia including retro-gasserian injection of glycerol and whose physical status otherwise precludes more invasive neuro-surgical treatments such as microvascular decompression. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the gasserian ganglion provides a safe method of achieving long-standing relief from trigeminal neuralgia with low risk. This technique is currently emerging worldwide as the surgical treatment of choice for trigeminal neuralgia. Recently we performed a successful radiofrequency gasserian ganglionotomy, without any complication, under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure was successful and complete pain relief was achieved for a patient who already had treatments of various interventions including microvascular decompression but never experienced pain relief.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.376-378
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• 2015

Cervical epidural steroid injection is indicated for radicular symptoms with or without axial neck pain. Complications are rare but can be serious. Here, we report the case of a 54-year-old man with cervical radicular pain who was treated with cervical epidural steroid injection. Injection was administered twice under fluoroscopic guidance with the loss-of-resistance technique using air to confirm the epidural space. After the second procedure, the patient complained of severe persistent headache and was diagnosed with pneumocephalus on brain computed tomography. The patient returned home without any neurological complication, after a few days of conservative treatment. Though, a fluoroscopic guidance cervical epidural injection is also known to diminish the risk of complications. Physicians should always keep in mind that it does not guarantee safety, particularly in the cervical region, related to its anatomical considerations.