• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.5
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• pp.640-644
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• 2018

Objective : The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the safety and function of the newly developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reservoir called the V-Port. Methods : The newly developed V-Port consists of a non-collapsible reservoir outlined with a titanium cage and a connector for the ventricular catheter to be assembled. It is designed to be better palpated and more durable to multiple punctures than the Ommaya reservoir. A total of nine patients diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis were selected for V-Port insertion. Each patient was followed up for evaluation for a month after the operation. Results : The average operation time for V-Port insertion was 42 minutes and the average incision size was 6.6 cm. The surgical technique of V-Port insertion was found to be intuitive by all neurosurgeons who participated in the pilot study. There was no obstruction or leakage of the V-Port during intrathecal chemotherapy or CSF drainage. Also, there were no complications including post-operative intracerebral hemorrhage, infection and skin problems related to the V-Port. Conclusion : V-Port is a safe and an easy to use implantable CSF reservoir that addresses problems of other implantable CSF reservoirs. Further multicenter clinical trial is needed to prove the safety and the function of the V-Port.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.23-26
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• 2009

During operations, neurosurgeons usually perform multiple temporary occlusions of parental artery, possibly resulting in the neuronal damage. It is generally thought that neuronal damage by cerebral ischemia is associated with extracellular concentrations of the excitatory amino acids. In this study, we measured the dynamics of extracellular glutamate release in 11 vessel occlusion(VO) model to compare between single occlusion and repeated transient occlusions within short interval. Changes in cerebral blood flow were monitored by laser-Doppler flowmetry simultaneously with cortical glutamate level measured by amperometric biosensor. From real time monitoring of glutamate release in 11 VO model, the change of extracellular glutamate level in repeated transient occlusion group was smaller than that of single occlusion group, and the onset time of glutamate release in the second ischemic episode of repeated occlusion group was delayed compared to the first ischemic episode which was similar to that of single 10 min ischemic episode. These results suggested that repeated transient occlusion induces less glutamate release from neuronal cell than single occlusion, and the delayed onset time of glutamate release is attributed to endogeneous protective mechanism of ischemic tolerance.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.169-173
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• 2010

Objective : The normal anatomic relationships characteristic of the pituitary stalk area were previously thought to involve only one location. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the anatomic location of the pituitary stalk and possible varying locations in relation to the tuberculum sellae and dorsum sellae using morphometric evaluation and anatomic dissection of human cadaveric specimens. The surgical implications of the variations are discussed. Methods : The calvaria were removed via routine autopsy dissections, and the brains were removed from the skull while preserving the pituitary stalk. The diaphragma sellae, tuberculum sellae, and the location of the pituitary stalk were examined in 60 human cadaveric heads obtained from fresh adult cadavers. Empty sellae were excluded. Results : The openings of the diaphragma sellae averaged $6.62{\pm}1.606mm$ (range, 3-9 mm). The distance between the tuberculum sellae and the posterior part of the pituitary stalk was 1 to 8 mm. The upper face of the diaphragma sellae appeared flat in 26 (43%), concave in 24 (40%), and convex in 6 cases (10%), with a prominent tuberculum sellae in 4 cases (7%). The location of the chiasm was normal in 47 cases (78%), with a prefixed chiasm in 3 cases (5%) and a postfixed chiasm (17%) in the 10 cases. Four cadaver specimens had prominent tuberculum sellae and other parameters were not evaluated. Conclusion : When opening the chiasmatic cistern, neurosurgeons should be aware about the relationship between the pituitary stalk and the surrounding structures to prevent inadvertent injury to the pituitary stalk.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.77-80
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• 2011

Purpose: We report a patient with DiGeorge syndrome who was later diagnosed as mild metopic synostosis and received anterior 2/3 calvarial remodeling. Methods: A 16-month-old boy, who underwent palatoplasty for cleft palate at Chungnam National University Hospital when he was 12 months old of age, visited St. Mary's Hospital for known DiGeorge syndrome with craniosynostosis. He had growth retardation and was also diagnosed with hydronephrosis and thymic agenesis. His chromosomal study showed microdeletion of 22q11.2. On physical examination, there were parieto-occipital protrusion and bifrontotemporal narrowing. The facial bone computed tomography showed premature closure of metopic suture, orbital harlequin sign and decreased anterior cranial volume. The interorbital distance was decreased (17 mm) and the cephalic index was 93%. Results: After the correction of metopic synostosis by anterior 2/3 calvarial remodeling, the anterior cranial volume expanded with increased interorbital distance and decreased cephalic index. Fever and pancytopenia were noted at 1 month after the operation, and he was diagnosed as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis by bone marrow study. He however, recovered after pediatric treatment. There was no other complication during the 12 month follow up period. Conclusion: This case presents with a rare combination of DiGeorge syndrome and metopic synostosis. When a child is diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome soon after the birth, clinicians should keep in mind the possibility of an accompanying craniosynostosis. Other possible comorbidities should also be evaluated before the correction of craniosynostosis in patients as DiGeorge syndrome. In addition, postoperative management requires a thorough follow up by a multidisciplinary team of plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists and pediatricians.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.834-840
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• 2020

Objective : Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an effective surgical procedure for treating symptomatic or asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis. Many neurosurgeons use a shunt to reduce perioperative ischemic complications. However, the use of shunting is still controversial, and the shunt procedure can cause several complications. In our institution, we used two types of modified arteriotomy suture techniques instead of using a shunt. Methods : In technique 1, to prevent ischemic complications, we sutured a third of the arteriotomy site from both ends after removing the plaque. Afterward, the unsutured middle third was isolated from the arterial lumen by placing a curved Satinsky clamp. And then, we opened all the clamped carotid arteries before finishing the suture. In technique 2, we sutured the arteriotomy site at the common carotid artery (CCA). We then placed a curved Satinsky clamp crossing from the sutured site to the carotid bifurcation, isolating the unsutured site at the internal carotid artery (ICA). After placing the Satinsky clamp, the CCA and external carotid artery (ECA) were opened to allow blood flow from CCA to ECA. By opening the ECA, ECA collateral flow via ECA-ICA anastomoses could help to reduce cerebral ischemia. Results : The modified suture methods can reduce the cerebral ischemia directly (technique 1) or via using collaterals (technique 2). The modified arteriotomy suture techniques are simple, safe, and applicable to almost all cases of CEA. Conclusion : Two modified arteriotomy suture techniques could reduce perioperative ischemic complications by reducing the cerebral ischemic time.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 2013

Objective : To investigate the cases of intracranial abnormal brain MRI findings even in the negative brain CT scan after mild head injury. Methods : During a 2-year period (January 2009-December 2010), we prospectively evaluated both brain CT and brain MRI of 180 patients with mild head injury. Patients were classified into two groups according to presence or absence of abnormal brain MRI finding even in the negative brain CT scan after mild head injury. Two neurosurgeons and one neuroradiologist validated the images from both brain CT scan and brain MRI double blindly. Results : Intracranial injury with negative brain CT scan after mild head injury occurred in 18 patients (10.0%). Headache (51.7%) without neurologic signs was the most common symptom. Locations of intracranial lesions showing abnormal brain MRI were as follows; temporal base (n=8), frontal pole (n=5), falx cerebri (n=2), basal ganglia (n=1), tentorium (n=1), and sylvian fissure (n=1). Intracranial injury was common in patients with a loss of consciousness, symptom duration >2 weeks, or in cases of patients with linear skull fracture (p=0.00013), and also more frequent in multiple associated injury than simple one (35.7%>8.6%) (p=0.105). Conclusion : Our investigation showed that patients with mild head injury even in the negative brain CT scan had a few cases of intracranial injury. These findings indicate that even though the brain CT does not show abnormal findings, they should be thoroughly watched in further study including brain MRI in cases of multiple injuries and when their complaints are sustained.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.134-141
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• 2009

Purpose: Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were referred from other hospitals for further management. In addition, patients routinely underwent computed tomography examinations of the head (HCT) in the referral hospitals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the utility of routine HCT scans according to the severity of TBI. Methods: Patients with TBI referred to our hospital between December 2005 and July 2008 were included in this study. We investigated HCT findings, indications for repeat HCT examinations (routine versus a neurological change), and neurosurgical interventions. The head injury severity was divided into three categories according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, including mild, moderate, and severe TBI. The use of neurosurgical interventions between patients who underwent routine HCT scans and patients who underwent HCT scans for a neurological change were compared according to the severity of TBI. Results: A total of 81 patients met the entry criteria for this study. Among these patients, 67%(n=54) of the patients underwent HCT scans on a routine basis, whereas 33%(n=27) of the patients underwent HCT scans for a neurological change. A total of 21 patients showed signs of a worsening condition on the HCT scans. Neurosurgical intervention was required for 23(28.4%) patients. For patients who underwent routine HCT examinations, no patient with mild TBI underwent a neurosurgical intervention. However, one patient with moderate TBI and three(13%) patients with severe TBI underwent neurosurgical interventions. The kappa index, the level of agreement for HCT indications of intervention and referral reasons for intervention, was 0.65 for high hierarchy hospitals and 0.06 for low hierarchy hospitals. Conclusion: Routine serial HCT examinations in the referred hospitals would be useful for patients with severe head injury and for patients from low hierarchy hospitals where no emergency physicians or neurosurgeons are available.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.82-86
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• 2018

Craniocerebral gunshot injuries (CGIs) are extremely seldom happened in Korea because possession of individual firearm is illegal. So, CGIs are rarely encountered by Korean neurosurgeons or Korean trauma surgeons, though in other developing countries or Unites states of America their cases are indefatigably increasing. Management goal should focus on early aggressive, vigorous resuscitation. The treatments consist of immediate life salvage through correction of coagulopathy, intracranial decompression, prevention of infection and preservation of nervous tissue. There have been few studies involving penetrating CGIs in Korea. Here we present a case of penetrating gunshot wound in Korea. We present a 58-year-old man who was unintentionally shot by his colleague with a shotgun. The patients underwent computed tomography (CT) for assessment of intracranial injury. The bullet passed through the left parietal bone and right lateral ventricle and exited through the posterior auricular right temporal bone. After CT scan, he arrested and the cardiopulmonary resuscitation was conducted immediately. But we were unable to resuscitate him. This case report underscores the importance of the initial clinical exam and CT studies along with adequate resuscitation to make the appropriate management decision. Physicians should be familiar with the various injury patterns and imaging findings which are poor prognostic indicators.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.126-146
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• 1999

In clinical neurology various different electrophysiological tests are widely used to demonstrate the unsuspected malfunctioning in the nervous system and to monitor over time the clinical status of patients. In addition clinical neurologists and neurosurgeons take advantage of the intraoperative monitorings to increase the quality of neurosurgical operations in the posterior fossa, in the spinal cord, or in visual pathways. In the field of movement disorders, elecrophysiolgical tests provide neurologists with making accurate differential diagnoses with useful therapeutic stratergies as well as with investigating the pathophysiological machanisms. By using the electromyographic tests it could be possible for us to evaluate the types of blephalospasm, the extent of hemifacial spasm, the level of myoclonus, and the prime muscles of torticollis etc. Sometimes the myographic guidance may be critical for choosing the exact injecting site of botulinum toxin. These several decades various electroencephalographic and evoked potential tests has been utilized in the electrophysiological laboratories to understand the basic pathophysiology of myoclonus, spasticity and other central motor dysfunctions. It could be one of the breakthroughs in the area of behavorial neurology that the brain function can be mapped by the spontaneous or evoked electrical activities of nervous system since the movement related potentials (MRPs) had been studies for several decades. Various reflex tests such as masseter reflex, blink reflex, click evoked vestibulocollic reflex, facial reflex, stretch reflex, flexor reflex, H-reflex, H-reflex recovery curve, vestibular inhibition of H-reflex, reciprocal inhibition, recurrent or Renshaw reflex, Ib inhibition, cutaneous reflex have been also used to understand normal or abnormal physiology in movement disorders. Polysomnography, posturography and gait studies are also applied in clinical neurology in association with with movement disorders which are useful in deciding the treatment regimen.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.183-187
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• 2005

The coronal approach has been used for over a century by neurosurgeons to access to the anterior cranium. Indications for the coronal approach expanded from use in the correction of congenital skeletal anomalies to applications in acute maxillofacial trauma and secondary deformity correction, oncologic surgery and reconstruction, and esthetic surgery. Complications were such as injury to frontal branch of the facial nerve, motor nerve paralysis, hematoma under flap, trismus, ptosis, epiphora, infection and anterior temporal depression. $Medpor^{(R)}$ is made up of dense polyethylene connected in porous structures. It is easily shapable without collapsing the pores due to it's hardness and tissue growth takes place at the porosities. Based on these advantages, $Medpor^{(R)}$ has been used in augmentation and restoration in craniofacial defect. A temporal depression after the coronal approach for treatment of Le Fort III fracture was successfully reconstruction with $Medpor^{(R)}$ and we report this case with review of literature.