• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권5호
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• pp.818-826
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• 2021

Objective : The widely accepted treatment option of a traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (TCCF) has been detachable balloon or coils based fistula occlusion. Recently, covered stent implantation has been proving an excellent results. The purpose of this study is to investigate our experiences with first line choice of covered stent implantation for TCCF at level 1 regional trauma center. Methods : From November 2004 to February 2020, 19 covered stents were used for treatment of 19 TCCF patients. Among them, 15 cases were first line treatment using covered stents. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Results : Procedures were technically successful in all 15 cases (100%). Immediate angiographic results after procedure were total occlusion in 12 patients (80%). All patients except two expired patients had image follow-up (mean 15 months). Recurred symptomatic three patients underwent additional treatments and achieved complete occlusion. Mean clinical follow-up duration was 32 months and results were modified Rankin Scale 1-2 in five, 3-4 in five, and 5 in three patients. Conclusion : The covered stent could be considered as fist line treatment option for treating TCCF patients especially in unstable vital sign. Larger samples and expanded follow-up are required to further develop their specifications and indications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권5호
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• pp.827-836
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• 2021

Objective : Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most common causes of facial pain. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy and borders of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Methods : Between May 2007 and April 2017, 156 patients with trigeminal neuralgia were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation. These 156 patients underwent 209 procedures. In our study, we investigated the early and late results of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation under guiding fluoroscopic imaging in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scale was used for grading the early results. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess long-term outcomes. Of the 156 patients who underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation for trigeminal neuralgia, 45 had additional disease. Patients with this condition were evaluated with their comorbidities. Early and late results were compared with those without comorbidity. Results : In 193 of 209 interventions BNI pain scale I to III results were obtained. Out of the 193 successful operation 136 patients (65.07%) were discharged as BNI I, 14 (6.70%) as BNI II, 43 (20.58%) as BNI III. Sixteen patients (7.65%) remained uncontrolled (BNI IV and V). While the treatment results of trigeminal neuralgia patients with comorbidity seem more successful in the early period, this difference was not observed in follow-up examinations. Conclusion : Finally, we concluded that percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion is a safe and effective method in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. However, over time, the effectiveness of the treatment decreases. Neverthless, the reapprability of this intervention gives it a distinct advantage.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권1호
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• pp.57-63
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• 2022

Objective : To study the factors relating to operative treatment for spinal metastasis in Thailand during 2005-2014 and to determine the hospital costs, mortality rate, and incidence of perioperative complication. Methods : Inpatient reimbursement data from 2005 to 2014 was reviewed from three national healthcare organizations, including the National Health Security Office, the Social Security Office, and the Comptroller General's Department. The search criteria were secondary malignant neoplasm of bone and bone marrow patients (International Classification of Diseases 10th revision, Thai modification codes [ICD 10-TM], C79.5 and C79.8) who underwent spinal surgical treatment (ICD 9th revision, clinical modification procedure with extension codes [ICD 9-CM], 03.0, 03.4, 03.09, and 81.0) during 2005-2014. Epidemiology, comorbidity, and perioperative complication were analyzed. Results : During the study period, the number of spinal metastasis patients who underwent operative treatment was significantly increased from 0.30 to 0.59 per 100000 (p<0.001). More males (56.14%) underwent surgical treatment for spinal metastasis than females. The most common age group was 45-64 (55.1%). The most common primary tumor sites were the unknown origin, lung, breast, prostate, and hepatocellular/bile duct. Interestingly, the proportion of hepatocellular/bile duct, breast, and lung cancer was significantly increased (p<0.001). The number of patients who had comorbidity or in-hospital complication significantly increased over time (p<0.01); however, the in-hospital mortality rate decreased. Conclusion : During the last decade, operative treatment for spinal metastasis increased in Thailand. The overall in-hospital complication rate increased; however, the in-hospital mortality rate decreased.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권1호
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• pp.49-56
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• 2022

Objective : Angiolipomas are usually found in the subcutaneous tissue of the trunk and limbs. Spinal angiolipomas (SALs) are uncommon and have rarely been reported. We report a series of nine SALs patients who received surgical treatment in our department. To summarize the clinical characteristics of SALs, propose our surgical strategies, and evaluate the effects of the operation. Methods : This was a retrospective review of nine SALs patients who received surgical treatment from August 2015 to March 2020. Total or subtotal resection was determined by the axial localization (dorsal or ventral) and the extent of intervertebral foramen involvement. The outcomes were assessed based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system utilized before surgery and at various follow-up points. Results : Among the nine patients, the mean mJOA score before surgery was 6.6±2.3, compared with 10.1±1.1 at the last follow-up time point (33.4±11.8 months). All patients achieved good outcomes, even in cases of subtotal resection. Conclusion : Early surgical resection of SALs is recommended, and the specific procedures should be determined by the axial localization (dorsal or ventral) and the extent of intervertebral foramen involvement. Most of the patients had a good prognosis, even in cases of subtotal resection.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권6호
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• pp.772-778
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• 2022

Objective : Endovascular treatment of large, wide-necked intracranial aneurysms by coil embolization is often complicated by low rates of complete occlusion and high rates of recurrence. A flow diverter device has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of not only large and giant unruptured aneurysms, but small and medium aneurysms. However, in Korea, its use has only recently been approved for aneurysms <10 mm. This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of flow diversion and coil embolization for the treatment of unruptured aneurysms ≥7 mm. Methods : The participants will include patients aged between 19 and 75 years to be treated for unruptured cerebral aneurysms ≥7 mm for the first time or for recurrent aneurysms after initial endovascular coil embolization. Participants assigned to a flow diversion cohort will be treated using any of the following devices : Pipeline Flex Embolization Device with Shield Technology (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA), Surpass Evolve (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, CA, USA), and FRED or FRED Jr. (MicroVention, Tustin, CA, USA). Participants assigned to a coil embolization cohort will undergo traditional endovascular coiling. The primary endpoint will be complete occlusion confirmed by cerebral angiography at 12 months after treatment. Secondary safety outcomes will evaluate periprocedural and post-procedural complications for up to 12 months. Results : The trial will begin enrollment in 2022, and clinical data will be available after enrollment and follow-up. Conclusion : This article describes the aim and design of a multi-center, randomized, open-label trial to compare the safety and efficacy of flow diversion versus traditional endovascular treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms ≥7 mm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권5호
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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 Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권2호
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• pp.307-314
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• 2022

Objective : The percutaneous thread transection technique is a surgical dissecting method using a dissecting thread inserted through a needle under ultrasound guidance without skin incision. As the new dissecting threads were developed domestically, this cadaver study was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety between the new threads (ultra V sswire and smartwire-01) and a pre-existing commercial dissecting thread (loop & shear) by demonstrating a modified looped thread cubital tunnel release. Methods : The percutaneous cubital tunnel release procedure was performed on 29 fresh cadaveric upper extremities. The pre-existing commercial thread was used in 5 upper extremities. The two newly developed threads were used in 24 upper extremities. Two practitioners performed the procedures separately. After the modified looped thread cubital release, anatomical and histological analyses were performed by a blinded anatomist. The presence of the dissected cubital tunnel and damaged adjacent soft tissue was assessed. Results : Out of the 29 cadaveric upper extremities, 27 specimens showed complete dissection of the Osborne ligament and the proximal fascia of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. One specimen was incompletely dissected in each of the ultra V sswire and smartwire-01 groups. There were no injuries of adjacent structures including the ulnar nerve, ulnar artery, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, or flexor tendon with either the commercial thread or the newly developed threads. The anatomical analysis revealed clear and sharp incisional margins of the cubital tunnel in the Smartwire-01 and loop & shear groups. All three kinds of threads maintained proper linear elasticity for easy handling during the procedure. The smartwire-01 provided higher visibility in ultrasound than the other threads. Conclusion : The newly developed threads were effective and safe for use in the thread cubital tunnel release procedure.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제66권2호
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• pp.162-171
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• 2023

Objective : The goal of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and endoscopic septostomy when shunt malfunction occurs in a patient who has previously undergone placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Methods : From 2001 to 2020 at Seoul National University Children's Hospital, patients who underwent ETV or endoscopic septostomy for shunt malfunction were retrospectively analyzed. Initial diagnosis (etiology of hydrocephalus), age at first shunt insertion, age at endoscopic procedure, magnetic resonance or computed tomography image, subsequent shunting data, and follow-up period were included. Results : Thirty-six patients were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-nine patients, 18 males and 11 females, with shunt malfunction underwent ETV. At the time of shunting, the age ranged from 1 day to 15.4 years (mean, 2.4 years). The mean age at the time of ETV was 13.1 years (range, 0.7 to 29.6 years). Nineteen patients remained shunt revision free. The 5-year shunt revision-free survival rate was 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.88). Seven patients, three males and four females, with shunt malfunction underwent endoscopic septostomy. At the time of shunting, the age ranged from 0.2 to 12 years (mean, 3.9 years). The mean age at the time of endoscopic septostomy was 11.9 years (range, 0.5 to 29.5 years). Four patients remained free of shunt revision or addition. The 5-year shunt revision-free survival rate was 57% (95% CI, 0.3-1.0). There were no complications associated with the endoscopic procedures. Conclusion : The results of our study demonstrate that ETV or endoscopic septostomy can be effective and safe in patients with shunt malfunction.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제66권4호
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• pp.382-392
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• 2023

Objective : The use of indocyanine green videoangiography (ICG-VA) to assess blood flow in the brain during cerebrovascular surgery has been increasing. Clinical studies on ICG-VA have predominantly focused on qualitative analysis. However, quantitative analysis numerical modelling for time profiling enables a more accurate evaluation of blood flow kinetics. In this study, we established a multiple exponential modified Gaussian (multi-EMG) model for quantitative ICG-VA to understand accurately the status of cerebral hemodynamics. Methods : We obtained clinical data of cerebral blood flow acquired the quantitative analysis ICG-VA during cerebrovascular surgery. Varied asymmetric peak functions were compared to find the most matching function form with clinical data by using a nonlinear regression algorithm. To verify the result of the nonlinear regression, the mode function was applied to various types of data. Results : The proposed multi-EMG model is well fitted to the clinical data. Because the primary parameters-growth and decay rates, and peak center and heights-of the model are characteristics of model function, they provide accurate reference values for assessing cerebral hemodynamics in various conditions. In addition, the primary parameters can be estimated on the curves with partially missed data. The accuracy of the model estimation was verified by a repeated curve fitting method using manipulation of missing data. Conclusion : The multi-EMG model can possibly serve as a universal model for cerebral hemodynamics in a comparison with other asymmetric peak functions. According to the results, the model can be helpful for clinical research assessment of cerebrovascular hemodynamics in a clinical setting.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제67권1호
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• pp.22-30
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• 2024

Objective : This study aimed to determine the frequency of paraclinoid aneurysms among ruptured cerebral aneurysms and compare paraclinoid aneurysms with other aneurysms to clarify the characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. Methods : This study included 970 ruptured cerebral aneurysms treated at our hospital between 2003 and 2020. Results : There were 15 cases (1.3%) of paraclinoid aneurysms with maximum diameters of 5-22 mm (mean±standard deviation [SD], 11.6±5.4 mm). Treatment consisted of clipping in four patients and endovascular treatment in 11. Factors significantly different in multivariate analysis for paraclinoid aneurysms compared with those for other aneurysms were a history of hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.2-9.8; p=0.021) and aneurysm ≥10 mm (OR, 7.5-390.3; p<0.001). The sites of paraclinoid aneurysm were ophthalmic artery type in nine patients, anterior wall type in five, medial wall type in one, and ventral wall type in zero. The medial wall type (22 mm) was significantly larger than the ophthalmic artery type (mean±SD, 7.2±2.0 mm) (p=0.003), and the anterior wall type (mean±SD, 12.2±4.8 mm) was significantly larger than the ophthalmic artery type (p=0.024). Conclusion : This study showed a low frequency of paraclinoid aneurysms among ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Most were upward-facing with relatively large aneurysms, and no aneurysms were smaller than 5 mm. With recent advances in endovascular treatment devices, paraclinoid aneurysms are easily treatable. However, the treatment indication of each paraclinoid aneurysm should be carefully considered.