• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제51권2호
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• pp.75-80
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• 2012

Objective : To optimize the recanalization of acute cerebral stroke that were not effectively resolved by conventional intraarterial thrombolysis (IAT), we designed a double device technique to allow for rapid and effective reopening. In this article, we describe the feasibility and efficacy of this technique. Methods : From January 2008 to September 2009, twenty patients with acute cerebral arterial occlusion (middle cerebral artery : n=12; internal carotid artery terminus : n=5; basilar artery : n=3) were treated by the double device technique. This technique was applied when conventional thrombolytic methods using drug, microwires, microcatheters and balloons did not result in recanalization. In the double device technique, two devices are simultaneously placed at the lesion (for example, one microcatheter and one balloon or two microcatheters). Chemicomechanical or mechanicomechanical thrombolysis was performed simultaneously using various combinations of two devices. Recanalization rates, procedural time, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results : The initial median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16 (range 5-26). The double device technique was applied after conventional IAT methods failed. Recanalization was achieved in 18 patients (90%). Among them, 55% (11 cases) were complete (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2B, 3). The median thrombolytic procedural time including the conventional technique was $135{\pm}83.7$ minutes (range 75-427). Major symptomatic hemorrhages (neurological deterioration ${\geq}4$ points in NIHSS) developed in two patients (10%). Good long term outcomes (modified Rankin Scale ${\leq}2$ at 90 days) occurred in 25% (n=5) of the cases. Mortality within 90 days developed in two cases (10%). Conclusion : The double device technique is a feasible and effective technical option for large vessel occlusion refractory to conventional thrombolysis.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권5호
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• pp.582-587
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• 2020

Objective: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) fails in approximately 20% of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (AC-LVO). Nonetheless, the factors that affect clinical outcomes of non-recanalized AC-LVO despite EVT are less studied. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting clinical outcomes in non-recanalized AC-LVO patients despite EVT. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data from 136 consecutive patients who demonstrated recanalization failure (modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia [mTICI], 0-2a) despite EVT for AC-LVO. Data were collected in prospectively maintained registries at 16 stroke centers. Collateral status was categorized into good or poor based on the CT angiogram, and the mTICI was categorized as 0-1 or 2a on the final angiogram. Patients with good (modified Rankin Scale [mRS], 0-2) and poor outcomes (mRS, 3-6) were compared in multivariate analysis to evaluate the factors associated with a good outcome. Results: Thirty-five patients (25.7%) had good outcomes. The good outcome group was younger (odds ratio [OR], 0.962; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.932-0.992; p = 0.015), had a lower incidence of hypertension (OR, 0.380; 95% CI, 0.173-0.839; p = 0.017) and distal internal carotid artery involvement (OR, 0.149; 95% CI, 0.043-0.520; p = 0.003), lower initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR, 0.789; 95% CI, 0.713-0.873; p < 0.001) and good collateral status (OR, 13.818; 95% CI, 3.971-48.090; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the initial NIHSS (OR, 0.760; 95% CI, 0.638-0.905; p = 0.002), good collateral status (OR, 14.130; 95% CI, 2.264-88.212; p = 0.005) and mTICI 2a recanalization (OR, 5.636; 95% CI, 1.216-26.119; p = 0.027) remained as independent factors with good outcome in non-recanalized patients. Conclusion: Baseline NIHSS score, good collateral status, and mTICI 2a recanalization remained independently associated with clinical outcome in non-recanalized patients. mTICI 2a recanalization would benefit patients with good collaterals in non-recanalized AC-LVO patients despite EVT.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.416-428
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• 2006

Objectives : Arterial stiffness and pulse pressure are related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular survival and longevity. This study is aimed at examining the effects of Chungpyesagan-tang on arterial stiffness and Pulse pressure in acute stroke Patients. Methods: The subject of this study was acute strike Patients within 1 week after ictus, with Cardio-ankle vascular index(CAVI) higher than 9.0. They were divided into two groups: A treatment group (n=44) and a control group(n=46). For two weeks, Chungpyesagan-tang was given to the former, other herbal medicines to the latter. used for stroke patients for the control group for 2 weeks. At the end of first and second week, CAVI, pulse Pressure, National Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS), Modified Barthel Index(MBI) were measured. Serum lipid Profile, aspartate transaminase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT). blood urea nitrogen(BUN), creatinine were also measured at the end of the study. Results : After 2 weeks, CAVI and Pulse Pressure in Chungpyesagan-tane group were significantly tower than those in the control group(P<0.05). NIHSS and MBI were improved in both groups. But there was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group in terms of the NIHSS and MBI. Conclusions : We suggest Chungpyesagan-tanghas desirable effects on arterial stiffness and Pulse Pressure of acute stroke patients. It can improve morbidity and mortality of patients on the basis of influencing vascular stiffness and increased pulse pressure.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.488-496
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• 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to address a case of cerebral infarction with dysesthesia and weakness. Methods: A patient diagnosed with cerebral infarction with dysesthesia and weakness was treated with Korean medicine therapies including herbal medication (Sunhyunagjunggi-san) for 8 days. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, we used the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Results: After the treatment, the NIHSS and NRS scores dramatically decreased, and the symptoms no longer disturbed the patient. Although the symptoms of dysesthesia did not disappear completely, fine therapeutic effects were noted. Conclusion: These results suggested that Korean medicine therapies with Sunghyuangjunggi-san have a beneficial effect on the dysesthesia and weakness of cerebral infarction.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제52권4호
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• pp.293-299
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• 2012

Objective : To evaluate the surgical efficacy of and factors associated with decompressive craniectomy in patients with an internal carotid artery (ICA) territory infarction. Methods : Seventeen patients (8 men and 9 women, average age 61.53 years, range 53-77 years) were treated by decompressive craniectomy for an ICA territory infarction at our institute. We retrospectively reviewed medical records, radiological findings, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at presentation and before surgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Results : Of the 17 patients, 15 (88.24%) achieved a poor outcome (Group A, GOS 1-3) and 2 (11.76%) a good outcome (Group B, GOS 4-5). The mortality rate at one month after surgery was 52.9%. Average preoperative NIHSS was $27.6{\pm}10.88%$ in group A and $10{\pm}4.24%$ in group B. Mean cerebral infarction fraction at the septum pellucidum level before surgery in group A and B were 33.67% and 23.72%, respectively. Mean preoperative NIHSS (p=0.019) and cerebral infarction fraction at the septum pellucidum level (p=0.017) were found to be significantly associated with a better outcome. However, no preexisting prognostic factor was found to be of statistical significance. Conclusion : The rate of mortality after ICA territory infarction treatment is relatively high, despite positive evidence for surgical decompression, and most survivors experience severe disabilities. Our findings caution that careful consideration of prognostic factors is required when considering surgical treatment.

• 턱관절균형의학회지
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.21-25
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to report the effectiveness of TMJ balancing therapy and Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) treatments on a thalamus cerebral infarction patient with hemiparesis and gait disturbance. Methods: The patient was treated with TMJ balancing therapy, along with korean herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and physical therapy. The motor function was evaluated through the Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Grasp power and Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC). And the daily life ability was evaluated by the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) and Korean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (K-NIHSS). Results: After 17 days of TMJ balancing therapy and TKM treatments, the score of MMT did not improved, but the score of FAC, K-MBI, K-NIHSS improved. Conclusions: This study suggested that TMJ balancing therapy and TKM treatments could be effective for hemiparesis and gait disturbance in patients with thalamus cerebral infarction.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제67권1호
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• pp.31-41
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• 2024

Objective : Collateral circulation is associated with the differential treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to verify the ability of the collateral map to predict futile EVT in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Methods : This secondary analysis of a prospective observational study included data from participants underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery and/or the middle cerebral artery within 8 hours of symptom onset. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of futile recanalization (modified Rankin scale score at 90 days of 4-6 despite of successful reperfusion). Results : In a total of 214 participants, older age (odds ratio [OR], 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56 to 3.67; p<0.001), higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.21; p=0.004), very poor collateral perfusion grade (OR, 35.09; 95% CI, 3.50 to 351.33; p=0.002), longer door-to-puncture time (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.14; p=0.009), and failed reperfusion (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.30 to 10.76; p=0.015) were associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. In 184 participants who achieved successful reperfusion, older age (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.44 to 3.67; p<0.001), higher baseline NIHSS scores (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.22; p=0.006), very poor collateral perfusion grade (OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.42 to 17.37; p=0.012), and longer door-to-reperfusion time (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.15; p=0.003) were associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. Conclusion : The assessment of collateral perfusion status using the collateral map can predict futile EVT, which may help select ineligible patients for EVT, thereby potentially reducing the rate of futile EVT.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권5호
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• pp.732-739
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• 2021

Objective : Early successful reperfusion is associated with favorable outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The purpose of this study was to achieve successful recanalization by a combined mechanical thrombectomy technique, the Aspiration-Retriever Technique for Stroke (ARTS), which is composed of a flexible large lumen distal access catheter and a retrievable stent as the first-line strategy of mechanical thrombectomy. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients with AIS who underwent mechanical thrombectomy from 2018 to 2019 at our institute by a senior neurointerventionalist. Among them, patients who were treated using the ARTS technique with the soft torqueable catheter optimized for intracranial access (SOFIA^®; MicroVention-Terumo, Tustin, CA, USA) as the first-line treatment were included. Patients who had tandem occlusions or underlying intracranial artery stenosis were excluded. The angiographic and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The angiographic outcome was analyzed by the rate of successful recanalization, defined as a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or 3 at the end of all procedures and the rate of successfully achieving the first pass effect (FPE), defined as complete recanalization with a single pass of the device. The clinical outcomes included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and mortality. Results : A total of 27 patients (mean age, 59.3 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The successful recanalization rate was 96% (n=26) while the FPE rate was 41% (n=11). The mean post-procedural NIHSS change was -3.0. Thirteen patients (48%) showed good clinical outcomes after thrombectomy with the ARTS technique (mRS at 90 days ≤2). Postoperative complications occurred in seven of 25 patients : hemorrhagic transformation in six patients (22%) and distal embolization in one patient (4%). Mortality was 15% (n=4). Conclusion : Although the clinical outcomes using the ARTS technique with a flexible large lumen distal access catheter performed as the frontline thrombectomy in patients with AIS were not significantly superior than those of other studies, this study showed a high rate of successful endovascular recanalization which was comparable to that of other studies. Therefore, ARTS using the SOFIA^® catheter can be considered as the first choice of treatment for AIS due to large vessel occlusion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권6호
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• pp.816-824
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• 2022

Objective : Emergency superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis in patients with large vessel occlusion who fails mechanical thrombectomy or does not become an indication due to over the time window can be done as an alternative for blood flow restoration. The authors planned this study to quantitatively measure the degree of improvement in cerebral perfusion flow using perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after bypass surgery and to find out what factors are related to the outcome of the bypass surgery. Methods : For a total of 107 patients who underwent emergent STA-MCA bypass surgery with large vessel occlusion, the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin score (mRS), infarction volume, and hypoperfusion area volume was calculated, the duration between symptom onset and reperfusion time, occlusion site and infarction type were analyzed. After emergency STA-MCA bypass, hypoperfusion area volume at post-operative 7 days was calculated and analyzed compared with pre-operative hypoperfusion area volume. The factors affecting the improvement of mRS were analyzed. The clinical status of patients who underwent emergency bypass was investigated by mRS and NIHSS before and after surgery, and changes in infarct volume, extent, degree of collateral circulation, and hypoperfusion area volume were measured using MRI and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Results : The preoperative infarction volume was median 10 mL and the hypoperfusion area volume was median 101 mL. NIHSS was a median of 8 points, and the last normal to operation time was a median of 60.7 hours. STA patency was fair in 97.1% of patients at 6 months follow-up DSA and recanalization of the occluded vessel was confirmed at 26.5% of patients. Infarction volume significantly influenced the improvement of mRS (p=0.010) but preoperative hypoperfusion volume was not significantly influenced (p=0.192), and the infarction type showed marginal significance (p=0.0508). Preoperative NIHSS, initial mRS, occlusion vessel type, and last normal to operation time did not influence the improvement of mRS (p=0.272, 0.941, 0.354, and 0.391). Conclusion : In a patient who had an acute cerebral infarction due to large vessel occlusion with large ischemic penumbra but was unable to perform mechanical thrombectomy, STA-MCA bypass could be performed. By using time-to-peak images of perfusion MRI, it is possible to quickly and easily confirm that the brain tissue at risk is preserved and that the ischemic penumbra is recovered to a normal blood flow state.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제42권5호
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• pp.1131-1141
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• 2021

Objective: This study examined the case of a 63-year-old man with a history of hypertension and gout who had developed an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) of the right basal ganglia of the corona radiata. Methods: The patient was treated with herbal medicine (Boyanghwanoh-tang and powdered Oryeong-san extract), Western medicine (Anticonvulsants, antihypertensive drugs, psychotropic agents, and others), acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and rehabilitative therapy. Their effects were evaluated using the Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Korean version of the modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), National Institute of Health's Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: After treatment, the MMT grade improved from 3/3+ to 4+/4+. Additionally, the K-MBI score improved from 62 to 77. Conclusion: The results suggest that combined traditional Korean and Western medicine can effectively treat patients with ICH.