• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2020

Background: We aimed to investigate the associations of critical care provided in a cardiac surgical intensive care unit (CSICU) staffed by an attending intensivist with improvements in intensive care unit (ICU) quality and reductions in postoperative complications. Methods: Patients who underwent elective isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between January 2007 and December 2012 (the control group) were propensity-matched (1:1) to CABG patients between January 2013 and June 2018 (the intensivist group). Results: Using propensity score matching, 302 patients were extracted from each group. The proportion of patients with at least 1 postoperative complication was significantly lower in the intensivist group than in the control group (17.2% vs. 28.5%, p=0.001). In the intensivist group, the duration of mechanical ventilation (6.4±13.7 hours vs. 13.7±49.3 hours, p=0.013) and length of ICU stay (28.7±33.9 hours vs. 41.7±90.4 hours, p=0.018) were significantly shorter than in the control group. The proportions of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (2.3% vs. 7.6%, p=0.006), delirium (1.3% vs. 6.3%, p=0.003) and acute kidney injury (1.3% vs. 5.3%, p=0.012) were significantly lower in the intensivist group than in the control group. Conclusion: A transition from an open ICU model with trainee coverage to a closed ICU model with attending intensivist coverage can be expected to yield improvements in CSICU quality and reductions in postoperative complications.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.745-761
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• 2000

Literatural study for Delirious speech and Fading murmuring, the results were as follows. 1. Delirious speech and Fading murmuring are given at the speech impediment. Derious speech to be out of language's order and slur the end of his words, and Fading murmuring is to repeat in losing conscious. 2. In constrast with Delirious speech and Fading murmuring, Maniac speech is induced by a general term for manic-depressive psychosis. Luoyan is to say in a feeble voice and mumble in a sleeping condition, and Paraphasia and Solioquy are appeared in a clear mental condition. The speech impediment is caused by damages of the nervous system and speech organ, and Yuyancuoluan is appeared in a feverless condition. 3. The symptoms of Delirious speech are to utter ravings and have a loud and heavy voice, and these resemble the delirium which specially has a speech impediment and muddle in the western medical world. The symptoms of Fading murmuring are to speak ambigously, repeatedly, and illogically and so are similar to the Wernicke dysphasia which is caused by a incomprehensible conversation. 4. The causes of Delirious speech are to spread a stomach heat and the lungs pathogenic qi into heart, not to sweat in cold damage, the Three Yang Combination of syndrome, stomach repletion, yang collapse due to excessive sweat, diarrhea, after diarrhea, heat to enter the blood chamer, feces to remain in the stomach, stasis blood to enter the viscera, to carry anger to extremity, and to be constipated. the cause of Fading murmuring is to despair vacuity desertion of vital essence and energy after a serious illness. 5. The causes of delirium are general infection, postoperative states, and metabolism disorders and those of Wernicke dysphasia are disorders of the blood vessel, brain tumors and traumas. 6. Delirious speech is cured with the discrimination of vacuity and repletion. Baitong Tang(白通湯), Chaihu Guizhi Tang(柴胡桂枝湯), Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang(柴胡加龍骨牡蠣湯) are prescribed in case of vacuity, while Chengqi Tang(承氣湯), Baihu Tang(白虎湯), Liangge San(凉膈散) are in case of repletion. Fading murmuring is treated with Xiao Chaihu Tang(小柴胡湯), Fuzi Tang Jiawei(附子湯加味), Shengmai San(生脈散), and Renshen Sanbai Tang(人蔘三白湯). 7. To acupunture Qimen-Xue(期門穴) is required when it is late to prescribe a medical decoction or the hyperactive liver qi attacking the spleen.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.193-198
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• 2015

Background: Patients on dialysis undergoing surgery belong to a high-risk group. Only a few studies have evaluated the outcome of major thoracic surgical procedures in dialysis patients. We evaluated the outcomes of pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients on hemodialysis (HD). Methods: Between 2008 and 2013, seven patients on HD underwent pulmonary resection for NSCLC at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed their surgical outcomes and prognoses. Results: The median duration of HD before surgery was 55.0 months. Five patients underwent lobectomy and two patients underwent wedge resection. Postoperative morbidity occurred in three patients, including pulmonary edema combined with pneumonia, cerebral infarction, and delirium. There were no instances of in-hospital mortality, although one patient died of intracranial bleeding 15 days after discharge. During follow-up, three patients (one patient with pathologic stage IIB NSCLC and two patients with pathologic stage IIIA NSCLC) experienced recurrence and died as a result of the progression of the cancer, while the remaining three patients (with pathologic stage I NSCLC) are alive with no evidence of disease. Conclusion: Surgery for NSCLC in HD patients can be performed with acceptable perioperative morbidity. Good medium-term survival in patients with pathologic stage I NSCLC can also be expected. Pulmonary resection seems to be the proper treatment option for dialysis patients with stage I NSCLC.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.271-280
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• 2017

Background: The number of patients with Alzheimer's disease is growing worldwide, and the proportion of patients requiring dental treatment under general anesthesia increases with increasing severity of the disease. However, outpatient anesthesia management for these patients involves great risks, as most patients with Alzheimer's disease are old and may show reduced cardiopulmonary functions and have cognitive disorders. Methods: This study retrospectively investigated 43 patients with Alzheimer's disease who received outpatient anesthesia for dental treatment between 2012-2017. Pre-anesthesia patient evaluation, dental treatment details, anesthetics dose, blood pressure, duration and procedure of anesthesia, and post-recovery management were analyzed and compared between patients who underwent general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Results: Mean age of patients was about 70 years; mean duration of Alzheimer's disease since diagnosis was 6.3 years. Severity was assessed using the global deterioration scale; 62.8% of patients were in level ${\geq}6$. Mean duration of anesthesia was 178 minutes for general anesthesia and 85 minutes for intravenous sedation. Mean recovery time was 65 minutes. Eleven patients underwent intravenous sedation using propofol, and 22/32 cases involved total intravenous anesthesia using propofol and remifentanil. Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane for other patients. While maintaining anesthesia, inotropic and atropine were used for eight and four patients, respectively. No patient developed postoperative delirium. All patients were discharged without complications. Conclusion: With appropriate anesthetic management, outpatient anesthesia was successfully performed without complications for dental treatment for patients with severe Alzheimer's disease.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.37-47
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• 2023

This review article explores the psychological characteristics, comorbid mental disorders, and psychosocial assessments throughout the solid organ transplant journey, spanning the pre-transplant, peri-transplant, and post-transplant phases for transplant recipients. The psychological burden and anxiety in the pre-transplant phase are high for organ failure patients with complex physical difficulties who are deciding to undergo transplantation and are on the waiting list. The pre-transplant psychosocial evaluation covers various aspects, including the patient's readiness, awareness of, and commitment to transplant treatment, medical compliance, psychopathological conditions such as cognitive function and personality disorders, lifestyle factors, including substance abuse, as well as various psychosocial factors like social support. During the peri-transplant phase, mental health problems such as postoperative delirium should be carefully recognized and addressed. After transplantation, it is essential to assist patients in coping with the various stressful experiences they encounter, manage psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and improve treatment adherence and quality of life during long-term care for the transplanted organ. Managing psychiatric problems in post-transplant patients requires a deep understanding of immunosuppressant medications and a keen awareness of associated risks, including adverse effects and potential drug interactions. This comprehensive review emphasizes the significance of proactive mental health care and psychosocial evaluation, highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the quality of life and overall success of transplant patients throughout all phases of transplantation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.472-482
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• 2003

Recent studies have demonstrated that cerebral desaturation during rewarming period of CPB was associated with postoperative neurologic dysfunction. The prevention of cerebral desaturation during CPB may reduce the incidences of neurologic and neuropsychological complications. The present study was prospectively undertaken to compare the clinical effects between two strategies (hypercapnic CPB and high flow CPB) to prevent cerebral desaturation for establishing a proper CPB technique. Material and Method: Thirty-six adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were randomized into either hypercapnic (Pa$CO_2$ 45~50mmHg, n＝18) or high flow group (flow rate 2.75 L/ $m^2$/min and Pa$CO_2$ 35~40mmHg, n＝18) during rewarming period of CPB. In each patient, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity ( $V_{MCA}$), cerebral arteriovenous oxygen content difference (C(a-v) $O_2$), modified cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (MCMR $O_2$), cerebral oxygen transport rate ( $T_{E}$ $O_2$), incidence of cerebral desaturation (internal jugular bulb blood oxygen saturation $\leq$ 50%), increased rate of S-100 $\beta$ concentration, and arterial and internal jugular bulb blood gas were measured during the five phases of the operation; Pre-CPB, CPB-10 min (steady-state CPB, nasopharyngeal temperature 29~3$0^{\circ}C$), Rewarm-1 (rewarming phase, nasopharyngeal temperature 33$^{\circ}C$), Rewarm-2 (nasopharyngeal temperature 37$^{\circ}C$), and CPB-off. Incidence of postoperative delirium and duration were assessed in all patients. All variables were compared between the two groups. Result: $V_{MCA}$ (157.88$\pm$10.87 vs 120.00$\pm$6.18%, p＝0.006), internal jugular bulb $O_2$ saturation (68.01$\pm$2.75 vs 61.28$\pm$2.87%, p＝0.03) and $O_2$ tension (41.01$\pm$2.25 vs 32.02$\pm$ 1,67 mmHg, p＝0.03), and $T_{E}$ $O_2$(110.84$\pm$7.41 vs 81.15$\pm$8.11%, p＝0.003) at rewarming periods were higher in the hypercapnic group than in the high flow group. C(a-v) $O_2$ (4.0$\pm$0.30 vs 4.84$\pm$0.38 mg/dL, p＝0.04), COE (0.36$\pm$0.03 vs 0.42$\pm$0.03, p＝0.04), increased rate of S- 100$\beta$ (391.67$\pm$23.40 vs 940.0$\pm$17.02%, p＝0.003), and incidence of cerebral desaturation (2 vs 4 patients, p＝0.04) at rewarming periods, and duration of postoperative delirium (18 vs 34 hr, p＝0.02) were low in the hypercapnic group compared to the high flow group. Conclusion: These results indicate that hypercapnic CPB may provide relatively diminished cerebral injury and beneficial effects for cerebral metabolism relatively compared to high flow CPB.low CPB.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.941-947
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• 2000

Background: Central nervous system complication after coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) is one of the major prognostic determinants and the use of the cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) may increase the incidence of this devastating complication. In this study, the outcomes after off-pump CABG were studied and compared with those following the conventional CABG using CPB. Material and Method: Among the consecutive isolated CABG's performed in SNUH during Feb. 1995 and Jun. 1999, 338 coronary artery bypass grafting were divided into two groups. 223 patients underwent CABG using the CPB(Group I), and 115 patients underwent CABG without CPB(OPCAB)(Group II). All patients enrolled in this study received extensive preoperative examinations including thorough neurologic examination before and after surgery, transcranial doppler study, carotid duplex ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance angiography if necessary. Central nervous system(CNS) complications were defined as stroke, seizure, metabolic or hypoxic encephalopathy and transient delirium after surgery. Result: There were 61 cases(27.3%) who developed postoperative CNS complication in Group I, whereas 8 cases(7.0%) of CNS complications developed postoperatively in group II(p<0.05). Statistically significant predictors of postoperative CNS complications in group I were age and the use of cardiac assist devices perioperatively. Conclusion: This study suggested that omitting the use of CPB in CABG resulted in significant decrease of the postoperative CNS complications. OPCAB should be more widely applied especially to the elderly who have preexisting cerebrovascular disease.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.420-429
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• 2002

Moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has commonly been used in cardiac surgery. Several cardiac centers recently practice normothermic CPB in cardiac surgery, However, the clinical effect and safety of normothermic CPB on cerebral metabolism are not established and not fully understood. This study was prospectively designed to evaluate the clinical influence of normothermic CPB on brain metabolism and to compare it with that of moderate hypothermic CPB. Material and Method: Thirty-six adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were randomized to receive normothermic (nasopharyngeal temperature ＞34.5 $^{\circ}C$, n=18) or hypothermic (nasopharyngeal temperature 29~3$0^{\circ}C$, n=18) CPB with nonpulsatile pump. Middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (VMCA), cerebral arteriovenous oxygen content difference (CAVO$_{2}$), cerebral oxygen extraction (COE), modified cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (MCMRO$_{2}$), cerebral oxygen transport (TEO$_{2}$), cerebral venous desaturation (oxygen saturation in internal jugular bulb blood$\leq$50 %), and arterial and internal jugular bulb blood gas analysis were measured during six phases of the operation： Pre-CPB (control), CPB-10 min, Rewarm-1 (nasopharyngeal temperature 34 $^{\circ}C$ in the hypothermic group), Rewarm-2 (nasopharyngeal temperature 37 $^{\circ}C$ in the both groups), CPB-off and Post-CPB (skin closure after CPB-off). Postoperaitve neuropsychologic complications were observed in all patients. All variables were compared between the two groups. Result： VMCA at Rewarm-2 was higher in the hypothermic group (153.11$\pm$8.98%) than in the normothermic group (131.18$\pm$6.94%) (p＜0.05). CAVO$_{2}$ (3.47$\pm$0.21 vs 4.28$\pm$0.29 mL/dL, p＜0.05), COE (0.30$\pm$0.02 vs 0.39$\pm$0.02, p＜0.05) and MCMRO$_{2}$ (4.71 $\pm$0.42 vs 5.36$\pm$0.45, p<0.05) at CPB-10 min were lower in the hypothermic group than in the normothermic group. The hypothermic group had higher TEO$_{2}$ than the normothermic group at CPB-10 (1,527.60$\pm$25.84 vs 1,368.74$\pm$20.03, p＜0.05), Rewarm-2 (1,757.50$\pm$32.30 vs 1,478.60$\pm$27.41, p＜0.05) and Post-CPB (1,734.37$\pm$41.45 vs 1,597.68$\pm$27.50, p＜0.05). Internal jugular bulb oxygen tension (40.96$\pm$1.16 vs 34.79$\pm$2.18 mmHg, p＜0.05), saturation (72.63$\pm$2.68 vs 64.76$\pm$2.49 %, p＜0.05) and content (8.08$\pm$0.34 vs 6.78$\pm$0.43 mL/dL, p<0.05) at CPB-10 were higher in the hypothermic group than in the normothermic group. The hypothermic group had less incidence of postoperative neurologic complication (delirium) than the normothermic group (2 vs 4 patients, p＜0.05). Lasting periods of postoperative delirium were shorter in the hypothermic group than in the normothermic group (60 vs 160 hrs, p<0.01). Conclusion: These results indicate that normothermic CPB should not be routinely applied in all cardiac surgery, especially advanced age or the clinical situations that require prolonged operative time. Moderate hypothermic CPB may have beneficial influences relatively on brain metabolism and postoperative neuropsychologic outcomes when compared with normothermic CPB.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.8 s.265
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• pp.626-632
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• 2006

Background: Pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary embolism is underrecognized and carries a poor prognosis. Medical therapy is generally unsatisfactory and palliative. With the improvement of operative technique and postoperative management, pulmonary endarterectomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition. Material and Method: Between January 2001 and December 2005, eleven patients were received pulmonary endarterectomy. All patients had chronic dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Diagnosis was made with cardiac echocardiography, lung perfusion scan and computed tomography. Before the operation, Greenfield vena cava filter were placed in all patient except one. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used for the distal-most portion of the endarterectomy procedure. More than moderate degree of tricuspid reguirgitation was repaired during operation. Result: There was no early and late death. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly after operation from $91{\pm}21$ mmHg to $40{\pm}17$ mmHg on echocardiography (p=0.001). NYHA class and tricuspid reguirgitaion were improved postoperatively. Although mild reperfusion injury in three case and postoperative delirium in one case were observed, all of them recovered without complication. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterctomy offers to patient an acceptable morbidity rate and anticipation of clinical improvement. This method is safe and effective operation for pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.10
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• pp.939-944
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• 1998

Background: The sugical results of the Cox-Maze procedure (CMP) for lone atrial fibrillation(AF) have proven to be exellent. However, those for AF associated with mitral valve(MV) disease have been reported to be a little inferior. Materials and methods: To assess the efficacy and safety of the CMP as a combined procedure with MV operation, we studied retrospectively our experiences. Between April 1994 and October 1997, we experienced 70 (23 males, 47 females) cases of CMP concomitantly with MV operation. Results: The etiologies of MV disease were rheumatic in 67 and degenerative in 3 cases. The mean duration of AF before sugery was 66$\pm$70 months. Fifteen patients had the past medical history of thromboembolic complications, and left atrial thrombi were identified at operation in 24 patients. Twelve cases were reoperations. Aortic cross clamp (ACC) time was mean 151$\pm$44 minutes, and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was mean 246$\pm$65 minutes. Concomitant procedures were mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 19, MVR and aortic valve replacement (AVR) in 14, MVR and tricupid annuloplasty (TAP) in 8, MVR with AV repair in 3, MV repair in 11, MVR and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 2, MVR and AVR and CABG in 1, redo-MVR in 10, redo-MVR and redo-AVR in 2 patients. The rate of hospital mortality was 1.4%(1/70). Perioperative recurrence of AF was seen in 44(62.9%), and atrial tachyarrhythmias in 10(14.3%), low cardiac output syndrome in 4(5.7%), postoperative bleeding that required mediastinal exploration in 4(5.7%) patients. Other complications were acute renal failure in 2, aggravation of preoperative hemiplegia in 1, and transient delirium in 1 patient. We followed up all the survivors for 16.4 months(3-44months) on an average. Sinus rhythm has been restored in 65(94.2%) patients. AF has been controlled by operation alone in 73.9% and operation plus medication in 20.3%. Two patients needed permanent pacemaker implantation; one with sick sinus syndrome, and the other with tachycardia- bradycardia syndrome. Only two patients remained in AF. We followed up our patients with transthoracic echocardiography to assess the atrial contractilities and other cardiac functions. Right atrial contractility could be demonstrated in 92% and left atrial contractility in 53%.We compared our non-redo cases with redo cases. Although the duration of AF was significantly longer in redo cases, there was no differences in ACC time, CPB time, postoperative bleeding amount and sinus conversion rate. Conclusions: In conclusion, the CMP concomitant with MV operation demonstrated a high sinus conversion rate under the acceptable operative risk even in case of reoperation.