• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.75-86
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• 1995

Embryos and fetuses are more sensitive to various environmental agents than adults of children biological effects following the exposure, such as intrauterin, malformation, have intimate conception with the prenatal exposure. There have been many studies on radiation and other agent. However, imformation about the ultrasound effects is limited. It is very important to study the effect of ultrasound with these kinds of fatera in consideration of ultrasound protection and safty. In this study, embryonic and fefal effects of ICR mouse embryos irradiated on 24, 48, 12 and 192 hpc of preimplantation and organogenesis period at the intensity of $0.5{\sim}3\;W/cm^2$ were investigated. Many type of external malformation observed in mouse irradiated on 72 hpc and 192 hpc. However, the embryos irradiated on 24 hpc and 48 hpc, at witch embryos had less then 6 cells and were pre-compaction stage, had no sensitivity for external malformation. The threshold doses of external malformation in mouse irradiated on 72 hpc and 192 hpc, at which embryos were consisted of $16{\sim}32$ cells and neural formation stage, were $1\;W/cm^2$ and $0.5\;W/cm^2$.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.172-182
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• 2023

Objective : The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an obstacle for molecules to pass through from blood to the brain. Focused ultrasound is a new method which temporarily opens the BBB, which makes pharmaceutical delivery or removal of neurodegenerative proteins possible. This study was demonstrated to review our BBB opening procedure with magnetic resonance guided images and find specific patterns in the BBB opening. Methods : In this study, we reviewed the procedures and results of two clinical studies on BBB opening using focused ultrasound regarding its safety and clinical efficacy. Magnetic resonance images were also reviewed to discover any specific findings. Results : Two clinical trials showed clinical benefits. All clinical trials demonstrated safe BBB opening, with no specific side effects. Magnetic resonance imaging showed temporary T1 contrast enhancement in the sonication area, verifying the BBB opening. Several low-signal intensity spots were observed in the T2 susceptibility-weighted angiography images, which were also reversible and temporary. Although these spots can be considered as microbleeding, evidence suggests these are not ordinary microbleeding but an indicator for adequate BBB opening. Conclusion : Magnetic resonance images proved safe and efficient BBB opening in humans, using focused ultrasound.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.452-465
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• 2016

In this study, the structure of a concave annular array transducer was optimized to generate high intensity focused ultrasound for medical therapeutic application. The transducer has a phased array structure composed of several concentric channels that have 40 mm as the radius of curvature. We derived theoretical equations to analyze the sound field of the transducer and verified the validity of the equations by comparing the results calculated by the equations with those from finite element analyses. We also checked the possibility of dynamic focusing at around the geometric focal point. Further, the level of a grating lobe occurring at an unwanted position in the transducer sound field was confirmed to be reducible through the relation between the number of channels and the frequency of the transducer. Hence, the structure of the transducer was optimized to place the main lobe within a specific range from the zenith while systematically reducing the level of the maximum sidelobe including the grating lobe. The designed structure showed the performance better than that targeted at all the focal points.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.59-63
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• 2019

Background and Objectives High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been developed as an effective, non-invasive, skin-tightening method in response to the increasing demand for improvements in skin laxity and tightening with minimal risk and recovery time. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of HIFU for non-invasive skin tightening of crow's feet wrinkles, with the aim of determining how long the tightening can be maintained. Materials and Methods Between January and March 2019, 21 female patients with crow's feet wrinkles were treated with HIFU. The treatment involved 200 shots, three times every 2 weeks. Three blinded, experienced plastic surgeons and patients evaluated satisfaction at 2 weeks after the first procedure, 2 weeks after the second procedure, 2 weeks after the third procedure, and 6 weeks after the first procedure based on photographs according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). The Friedman test was used to compare data. Results Of the 21 patients treated using HIFU, one was lost to follow-up for nonstudy-related reasons. Therefore, 20 patients were evaluated and ranged in age from 28 to 48 years. Plastic surgeons' GAIS scores were 2.6, 2.3, 1.7, and 1.3 and patients' GAIS scores were 2.6, 2.2, 1.8, and 1.4 at 2 weeks after the first procedure, 2 weeks after the second procedure, 2 weeks after the third procedure, and 6 weeks after the third procedure. No serious adverse effects were observed. Conclusion The aging face with crow's feet wrinkles can be improved by using HIFU, while minimizing epidermal and dermal injury.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.179-184
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• 2016

Background: Recently, ultrasound has been commonly used. Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block (IBPB) by posterior approach is more commonly used because anterior approach has been reported to have the risk of phrenic nerve injury. However, posterior approach also has the risk of causing nerve injury because there are risks of encountering dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) and long thoracic nerve (LTN). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of encountering DSN and LTN during ultrasound-guided IBPB by posterior approach. Methods: A total of 70 patients who were scheduled for shoulder surgery were enrolled in this study. After deciding insertion site with ultrasound, awake ultrasound-guided IBPB with nerve stimulator by posterior approach was performed. Incidence of muscle twitches (rhomboids, levator scapulae, and serratus anterior muscles) and current intensity immediately before muscle twitches disappeared were recorded. Results: Of the total 70 cases, DSN was encountered in 44 cases (62.8%) and LTN was encountered in 15 cases (21.4%). Both nerves were encountered in 10 cases (14.3%). Neither was encountered in 21 cases (30.4%). The average current measured immediately before the disappearance of muscle twitches was 0.44 mA and 0.50 mA at DSN and LTN, respectively. Conclusions: Physicians should be cautious on the risk of injury related to the anatomical structures of nerves, including DSN and LTN, during ultrasound-guided IBPB by posterior approach. Nerve stimulator could be another option for a safer intervention. Moreover, if there is a motor response, it is recommended to select another way to secure better safety.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2006

PURPOSE: Previous studies have documented the lack of ultrasound's non-thermal effects on nerve conduction using frequencies of 1 MHz and 870 kHz. The purpose of this study was to determine the biophysical effects of continuous ultrasound on median local forearm temperature and motor nerve conduction velocities using frequencies of 3.0 MHz. SUBJECTS: Twelve healthy subjects (6 males, 6 females, age $22.30{\pm}2.41$ yrs, weight $61.33{\pm}10.16$ kg, height $167.58{\pm}8.04$ cm) without a history of neurological or musculoskeletal injury to their dominant arm volunteered for this study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Each subject received a total of five treatments, one each at .0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 W/$cm^2$ of 3 MHz continuous ultrasound on the anterior surface of the middle area of dominant forearm for 10 minutes. Dependent measures for forearm local temperature and median motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) were taken pretreatment and immediately post-treatment. One-way ANOVA were used for each dependent measure. RESULTS: The posttreatment forearm local temperature were differed significantly (p<0.001) between intensities of ultrasound. The posttreatment forearm local temperature of the ultrasound treated with 1.0 w/$cm^2$, 1.5 w/$cm^2$ and 2.0 w/$cm^2$ were significantly higher than 0.5 w/$cm^2$ and 0.0 w/$cm^2$ of ultrasound (p<0.05). The posttreatment median MNCV were differed significantly from the respective pretreatment velocities (p<0.001). The MNCV of the ultrasound treated with 0.0 w/$cm^2$ and 0.5 w/$cm^2$ were significantly (p<0.05) slower than that observed pretreatment, while the three ultrasound intensities produced significantly increased posttreatment MNCV: 1.0 w/$cm^2$ and 1.5 w/$cm^2$ and 2.0 W/$cm^2$. The posttreatment MNCV at 2.0 w/$cm^2$ and 1.5 w/$cm^2$ was significantly faster than that at 0 w/$cm^2$, 0.5 w/$cm^2$ and 1.0 w/$cm^2$ (p<0.05), the MNCV at 1.0 w/$cm^2$ was significantly faster than that associated with 0 w/$cm^2$ and 0.5 w/$cm^2$ of ultrasound (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The decreased median motor forearm local temperature and MNCV of the ultrasound treated with 0.0 w/$cm^2$ and 0.5 w/$cm^2$ were attributed to the cooling effect by ultrasound transmission gel. Local forearm temperature and nerve conduction velocity were directly related to the intensity of ultrasound. Alterations in MNCV from ultrasound on healthy nerves appeared to be related to temperature changes induced by thermal effects of ultrasound.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.47-58
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• 2006

Purpose: The study to pulsed ultrasound effects of diabetes mellitus fracture model in rat. Methods: We used 36 Sprague-Dawely rats which were divided into 3 groups; the animals were divided into group of 4 rats each 4th, 14th and 28th days. All animal was induced diabetes mellitus model to used streptozotocin with 45 mg/kg. Pulsed wave were divided into $50\;mW/cm^2$ and $100\;mW/cm^2$. Results: T-ALP value was significantly change from group II, III on 14th, 28th days (p<0.05). Especially T-ALP value to between groups was significantly change from group II on 14th days (p<0.05). Osteocalcin value was significantly change from group II on 28th days(p<0.05). At fracture site, osteoblast, osteoclast expression was observed from 4th days after treatment and it reached its maximum intensity at 28th days. At fracture site, $TGF-{\beta}_1$ expression was observed from 4th days after treatment and it reached maximum intensity at 14th days. Conclusion: According to this study, diabetes mellitus fracture model to the more effective is divided into $50m\;W/cm^2$ pulsed ultrasound.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate pain relief and functional recovery after total knee replacement. Methods: The treatment was performed by dividing individuals into a control group ($n_1=5$), ultrasound treatment group ($n_2=5$), and micro-current treatment group ($n_3=5$). The control group applied the hot pack for 15 minutes, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for 15 minutes, and Continuous Passive Movement (CPM) for 40 minutes. The ultrasound therapy group applied the frequency of 1 MHz, intensity of 1.0 $W/cm^2$ for five minutes following the same treatment as the control group. The micro-current therapy group applied the intensity of 25 ${\mu}A$, and pulsation frequency 5 pps for 15 minutes following the same treatment as the control group. After treatment, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (K-WOMAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Range of Movement (ROM) and wound length was measured. Results: VAS showed significant effect in the control group and micro-current therapy group during the treatment period. According to the treatment of K-WOMACK, BBS, ROM, and Healing wounds showed main effects between groups. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, data showed improvement of pain relief, wound healing effects, and range of motion recovery. Thus, these selected treatments were effective after total knee replacement. In other words, electrical treatment continues to influence pain relief and functional recovery after total knee replacement.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.221-228
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• 2021

Recently, there has been an increased awareness on the use of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as a non-surgical treatment option for leiomyomas. This study aimed to assess gynecologists' perception of HIFU therapy for uterine leiomyomas in Korea. We analyzed questionnaires from 162 Korean gynecologists who provided data on 1) demographics, 2) pattern of practice with respect to leiomyomas, and 3) opinion regarding HIFU therapy for leiomyomas. Of the 162 gynecologists, 2.8 % regarded HIFU as a first-line treatment for leiomyomas. HIFU was only available at the workplace of 19 % of respondents; of these, 58 % had requested the use of HIFU. When asked about their perception of HIFU for treating leiomyomas, only 19 % of the respondents thought that it was effective. The commonest perceived complication was a delay in the adequate treatment of sarcoma (59 %), followed by bowel injury (52 %). The respondents considered HIFU to be suitable in the following circumstances: age between 40 and 49 years, those patients who no longer desired pregnancy, medium-sized (5-6 cm) leiomyomas, and up to 2 leiomyomas. The Korean gynecologists' perception of HIFU as a treatment for leiomyomas is still not favorable. Gynecologists working at hospitals where HIFU is available tended to have a higher positive perception of this treatment. In addition to research involving a large number of gynecologists from multiple countries, a study on the long-term outcomes of HIFU is needed.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.39-47
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• 2019

Ultrasound sonication along with microbubble (MB) could enhance drug delivery to promote the absorption of anticancer drugs into cancers in a noninvasive and targeted manners. In this study, we verify the acute drug delivery enhancement (within an hour) of two representative focused ultrasound driven drug delivery enhancement methods (MB and Doxorubicin-coated Nanoparticle complex (MB-NP) based). Experiments were conducted using in vivo mouse model with MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Ultrasound generated by single-element 1 MHz focused ultrasound transducer was delivered in pulsed sonication consisted of 0.125 msec bursts at a pulse repetition frequency of 2 Hz for 20 seconds without a significant increase in local temperature (less than $0.1^{\circ}C$) or hemorrhage. Doxorubicin concentrations in tumors were improved by 1.97 times in the case of MB-NP, and 1.98 times by using Doxorubicin and MB separately. These results indicate anticancer drug delivery based on MB and MB-NP can significantly improve the effect of anticancer drugs delivered to tumors in a short time period by using low-intensity focused ultrasound.