• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.283-288
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the transverse cervical artery of those who received preoperative radiotherapy or radical neck dissection and those who are unable to utilize the branch of external carotid artery system, which are most commonly used as recipient artery in head and neck reconstruction. Methods: 10 patients were selected as head and neck cancer candidates for study. 8 patients received radical neck dissection or modified radical neck dissection and 3 patients underwent preoperative radiotheraphy. In call cases, reconstruction using free flap was performed with transverse cervical artery as recipient artery and posterolateral cervical vein or transverse cervical vein as recipient vein. Results: Partial necrosis of flap due to wound infection was noted in one case and successful microsurgery was achieved in all other cases. The average pedicle length was 9.3 cm and all arteries underwent end to-end anastomosis. In 7 patients, posterolateral cervical vein was used as recipient artery and transverse cervical vein was utilized in 3 patients. Conclusion: In cases where recipient artery from external carotid system cannot be utilized due to preoperative radiotherapy or radical neck dissection, the transverse cervical artery can be an alternative option of choice. Due to diverse variations of transverse cervical vein as a recipient vein, the posterolateral cervical vein may be considered in such cases.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.266-270
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• 2014

Background: Knowledge of the anatomical variation of the vertebral artery has clinical importance not only for the performance of interventional or surgical procedures itself but also to ensure their safety. We conducted a study of the anatomical variation by reviewing multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images of the cervical spine from 460 Korean patients. Methods: 16-row MDCT data from 460 patients were used in this study. We observed 920 vertebral arteries. Examination points included level of entrance of the artery into the transverse foramen of the cervical vertebra, origin site of the vertebral artery, course of a vertebral artery with aberrant entrance. Result: The vertebral artery in 2 (0.2%) cases in this study entered into the transverse foramen of the 7th cervical vertebra from the left. In 45 (4.9%) cases, the vertebral artery entered into the transverse foramen of the 5th cervical vertebra. Of these, the entrance was on the right in 15 (1.6%) and on the left in 30 (3.3%). We found 17 (1.8%) cases in which the artery entered into the transverse foramen of the 4th cervical vertebra, 10 (1.1%) on the right and 7 (0.7%) on the left side. As is commonly acknowledged, the 6th cervical vertebra was the most common site of entry; the vertebral artery entered the transverse foramen of the 6th cervical vertebra in the remaining 855 (93.0%) cases, on the right in 434 (47.2%) and on the left in 421 (45.8%). Conclusions: In conclusion, the possibility of an atypical course of the vertebral artery in segments V1 and V2 should be evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT images before carrying out procedures involving the anterior cervical vertebrae.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify the topographical relationship between the accessory nerve (AN) and transverse cervical artery (TCA) to provide safe and convenient injection points for AN blockade. Methods: This study included 21 and 30 shoulders of 14 embalmed Korean adult cadavers and 15 patients, respectively, for dissection and ultrasound (US) examination. Results: The courses of the TCA and AN in the scapular region were classified into four types based on their positional relationships. Type A indicated the nerve that was medial to the artery and ran parallel without changing its location (38%). In type B (38%), the nerve was lateral to the artery and ran parallel without changing its location. In type C (19%), the nerve or artery traversed each other only once during the whole course. In type D (5%), the nerve or artery traversed each other more than twice forming a twist. At the levels of lines I-IV, the nerve was relatively close to the artery (approximately 10 mm). TCAs were observed in all specimens around the superior angle of the scapula at the level of line II, whereas they were not found below line VI. In US images of the patients, the TCA was commonly observed at the level of line II (93.3%) where all ANs and TCAs were observed in cadaveric dissection. Conclusions: The results expand the current knowledge of the relation between the AN and TCA, and provide helpful information for selective diagnostic nerve blocks in the scapular region.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.183-187
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• 2018

Complex cervical spine fractures are a serious complications of maxillofacial trauma and associated with high mortality and neurological morbidity. Strict vigilance in preventing further insult to the cervical spine is a crucial step in managing patients who are at risk for neurologic compromise. We report a rare case of a right transverse process of atlas fracture with right-sided vertebral artery injury that was associated with a comminuted fracture of the body and angle of the mandible, which restricted mouth opening. Airway management was performed by an awake fiber-optic nasotracheal intubation, where neck movement was avoided with a cervical collar. Vertebral artery injuries may have disastrous consequences, such as basilar territory infarction and death, and should be suspected in patients with head and neck trauma. After mandibular plating, the patient was on cervical collar immobilization for 12 weeks and anti-coagulant therapy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2002

This study was carried to identify the component of Large Intestine Meridian Muscle in human, dividing into outer, middle, and inner part. Brachium and antebrachium were opened widely to demonstrate muscles, nerve, blood vessels and the others, displaying the inner structure of Large Intestine Meridian Muscle. We obtained the results as follows; 1. Meridian Muscle is composed of the muscle, nerve and blood vessels. 2. In human anatomy, it is present the difference between a term of nerve or blood vessels which control the muscle of Meridian Muscle and those which pass near by Meridian Muscle. 3. The inner composition of meridian muscle in human arm is as follows. 1) Muscle; extensor digitorum tendon(LI-1), lumbrical tendon(LI-2), 1st dosal interosseous muscle(LI-3), 1st dosal interosseous muscle and adductor pollicis muscle(LI-4), extensor pollicis longus tendon and extensor pollicis brevis tendon(LI-5), adductor pollicis longus muscle and extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon(LI-6), extensor digitorum muscle and extensor carpi radialis brevis mucsle and abductor pollicis longus muscle(LI-7), extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and pronator teres muscle(LI-8), extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and supinator muscle(LI-9), extensor carpi radialis longus muscle and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and supinator muscle(LI-10), brachioradialis muscle(LI-11), triceps brachii muscle and brachioradialis muscle(LI-12), brachioradialis muscle and brachialis muscle(LI-13), deltoid muscle(LI-14, LI-15), trapezius muscle and supraspinous muscle(LI-16), platysma muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalenous muscle(LI-17, LI-18), orbicularis oris superior muscle(LI-19, LI-20) 2) Nerve; superficial branch of radial nerve and branch of median nerve(LI-1, LI-2, LI-3), superficial branch of radial nerve and branch of median nerve and branch of ulna nerve(LI-4), superficial branch of radial nerve(LI-5), branch of radial nerve(LI-6), posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve and branch of radial nerve(LI-7), posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve(LI-8), posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve and radial nerve(LI-9, LI-12), lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and deep branch of radial nerve(LI-10), radial nerve(LI-11), lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and branch of radial nerve(LI-13), superior lateral cutaneous nerve and axillary nerve(LI-14), 1st thoracic nerve and suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve(LI-15), dosal rami of C4 and 1st thoracic nerve and suprascapular nerve(LI-16), transverse cervical nerve and supraclavicular nerve and phrenic nerve(LI-17), transverse cervical nerve and 2nd, 3rd cervical nerve and accessory nerve(LI-18), infraorbital nerve(LI-19), facial nerve and infraorbital nerve(LI-20). 3) Blood vessels; proper palmar digital artery(LI-1, LI-2), dorsal metacarpal artery and common palmar digital artery(LI-3), dorsal metacarpal artery and common palmar digital artery and branch of deep palmar aterial arch(LI-4), radial artery(LI-5), branch of posterior interosseous artery(LI-6, LI-7), radial recurrent artery(LI-11), cephalic vein and radial collateral artery(LI-13), cephalic vein and posterior circumflex humeral artery(LI-14), thoracoacromial artery and suprascapular artery and posterior circumflex humeral artery and anterior circumflex humeral artery(LI-15), transverse cervical artery and suprascapular artery(LI-16), transverse cervical artery(LI-17), SCM branch of external carotid artery(LI-18), facial artery(LI-19, LI-20)

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.341-344
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• 2021

Reconstruction of submental defects is a challenge that needs to be approached carefully, since many important anatomical structures are located in this small space. Both aesthetic and functional outcomes should be considered during reconstruction. In this report, we describe a case where a superficial branch of the transverse cervical artery (STCA) perforator propeller flap was applied for coverage of the submental area. An 85-year-old woman presented with a 3-cm ovoid mass on her submental area. We covered the large submental defect with a STCA rotational flap in a 180° propeller pattern. The flap survived well without any complications at 1 year of followup. A STCA propeller flap is a useful surgical option in reconstruction for defect coverage of the submental area.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.141-145
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• 2011

Background: Stellate ganglion block is usually performed at the transverse process of C6, because the vertebral artery is located anterior to the transverse process of C7. The purpose of this study is to estimate the location of the transverse process of C6 using the cricoid cartilage in the performance of stellate ganglion block. Methods: We reviewed cervical lateral neutral-flexion-extension views of 48 patients who visited our pain clinic between January and June of 2010. We drew a horizontal line at the surface of the cricoid cartilage in the neutral and extension views of cervical lateral x-rays. We then measured the change in the shortest distance from this horizontal line to the lowest point of the transverse process of C6 between the neutral and extension views. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the shortest distance from the horizontal line at the surface of the cricoid cartilage to the lowest point of transverse process of C6 between neutral position and neck extension position in both males and females, and between males and females in both neutral position and neck extension position. The cricoid cartilage level was 4.8 mm lower in males and 14.4 mm higher in females than the lowest point of transverse process of C6 in neck extension position. Conclusions: Practitioners should recognize that the cricoid cartilage has cephalad movement in neck extension. In this way, the cricoid cartilage can be still useful as a landmark for stellate ganglion block.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1094-1102
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• 2001

Objective : During the trans-condylar or trans-jugular approach for the lesion of cranio-cervical junction(CCJ), its necessary to identify the accurate locations of vertebral artery(VA), internal jugular vein(IJV) and its related lower cranial nerves. These neurovascular structures can also be damaged during the operation for vascular tumor or traumatic aneurysm around extra-jugular foramen, because of their changed locations. To reduce the neurovascular injury at the operation for CCJ, morphometric relationship of its surrounding neurovascular structures based on the tip of the transverse process of atlas(C1 TP), were studied. Materials & Methods : Using 10 adult formalin fixed cadavers, tip of mastoid process(MT) and TPs of atlas and axis were exposed bilaterally after removal of occipital and posterior neck muscles. Using standard caliper, the distances were measured from the C1 TP to the following structures : 1) exit point of VA from C1 transverse foramen, 2) branching point of muscular artery from VA, 3) entry point of VA into posterior atlanto-occipital membrane(AOM), 4) branching point of C-1 nerve. In addition, the distances were measured from the mid-portion of the posterior arch of atlas to the entry point of the VA into AOM and to the exit point of the VA from C1 transverse foramen. After removal of the ventrolateral neck muscles, neurovascular structures were exposed in the extra-jugular foraminal region. Distances were then measured from the C1 TP to the following structures : 1) just extra-jugular foraminal IJV and lower cranial nerves, 2) MT and branching point of facial nerve in parotid gland. In addition, distance between MT and branching point of facial nerve was measured. Results : The VA was located at the mean distance of 12mm(range, 10.5-14mm) from the C1 transverse foramen and entered into the AOM at the mean distance of 24mm(range, 22.8-24.4mm) from the C1 TP. The mean distance from the mid portion of the C1 posterior arch was 20.6mm(range, 19.1-22.3mm) to the entry point of the VA into AOM and 38.4mm(range, 34-42.4mm) to the exit point of the VA from C1 transverse foramen. Muscular artery branched away from the posterior aspect of the transverse portion of VA below the occipital condyle at the mean distance of 22.3mm(range, 15.3-27.5mm) from the C1 TP. The C-1 nerve was identified in all specimens and ran downward through the ventroinferior surface of the transverse segment of VA and branched at the mean distance of 20mm(range, 17.7-20.3mm) from the C1 TP. The IJV was located at the mean distance of 6.7mm(range, 1-13.4mm) ventromedially from the lateral surface of the C1 TP. The XI cranial nerve ran downward on the lateral surface of the IJV at the mean distance of 5mm(range, 3-7.5mm) from the C1 TP. Both IX and X cranial nerves were located in the soft tissue between the medial aspect of the internal carotid artery(ICA) and the medial aspect of the IJV at the mean distance of 15.3mm(range, 13-24mm) and 13.7mm(range, 11-15.4mm) from the C1 TP, respectively. The IX cranial nerve ran downward ventroinferiorly crossing the lateral aspect of the ICA. The X cranial nerve ran downward posteroinferior to the IX cranial nerve and descended posterior to the ICA. The XII cranial nerve was located between the posteroinferior aspect of the IX cranial nerve and the posterior aspect of the ICA at the mean distance of 13.3mm(range, 9-15mm) ventromedially from the C1 TP. The distance between MT and C1 TP was 17.4mm(range, 12.5-23.9mm). The VII cranial nerve branched at the mean distance of 10.2mm(range, 6.8-15.3mm) ventromedially from the MT and at the mean distance of 17.3mm(range, 13-21mm) anterosuperiorly from the C1 TP. Conclusion : This study facilitates an understanding of the microsurgical anatomy of CCJ and may help to reduce the neurovascular injury at the surgery around CCJ.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.569-573
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• 2007

Purpose: The selection of the recipient vessels in breast reconstruction has a great influence on the surgical result and the shape of the reconstructed breast. We would like to introduce the criteria for the selection of recipient vessels in delayed reconstruction of the breast. Methods: We studied 56 patients with delayed breast reconstruction using free TRAM flaps from April 1994 to December 2006. The thoracodorsal and the ipsilateral internal mammary vessels were used as recipients in 25 patients each, the opposite internal mammary vessels in 3 patients, the thoracoacromial vessels in 2 patients, and the transverse cervical artery with the cephalic vein in 1 patient. The survival rate of the flaps, the vessel diameter, the length of the pedicles, and the convenience of vessel dissection were studied. Results: The diameter of the recipient vessel did not influence the anastomosis. The operation time, the survival rate of flap, the postoperative complications showed no significant difference according to the recipient vessel. Dissection of the thoracodorsal vessels was tedious due to scar formation from the prior operation. Dissection of the internal mammary vessels proved to be relatively easy, and the required length of the pedicle was shorter than any other site, but the need for removal of rib cartilage makes this procedure inconvenient. Conclusion: The first choice of the recipient vessel in immediate breast reconstruction is the thoracodorsal vessels, but in cases of delayed reconstruction the internal mammary vessels are favored as the first choice, because the thoracodorsal vessels have a high unusability rate. If the ipsilateral internal mammary vessels prove to be useless, the contralateral vessels can be used. The thoracoacromial vessels are useful, when the mastectomy scar is located in the upper portion. The transverse cervical artery and the cephalic vein can serve as the last resort, if all other vessels are unreliable.

• Journal of International Society for Simulation Surgery
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.67-70
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• 2015

We propose an automatic vessel segmentation method of vertebral arteries in CT angiography using combined circular and cylindrical model fitting. First, to generate multi-segmented volumes, whole volume is automatically divided into four segments by anatomical properties of bone structures along z-axis of head and neck. To define an optimal volume circumscribing vertebral arteries, anterior-posterior bounding and side boundaries are defined as initial extracted vessel region. Second, the initial vessel candidates are tracked using circular model fitting. Since boundaries of the vertebral arteries are ambiguous in case the arteries pass through the transverse foramen in the cervical vertebra, the circle model is extended along z-axis to cylinder model for considering additional vessel information of neighboring slices. Finally, the boundaries of the vertebral arteries are detected using graph-cut optimization. From the experiments, the proposed method provides accurate results without bone artifacts and eroded vessels in the cervical vertebra.