• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2016.02a
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• pp.369-369
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• 2016

A nanostructure composite is a highly suitable substance for photoacoustic ultrasound generation. This allows an input laser beam (typically, nanosecond pulse duration) to be efficiently converted to an ultrasonic output with tens-of-MHz frequency. This type of energy converter has been demonstrated by using a carbon nanotube (CNT)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite film that exhibit high optical absorption, rapid heat transition, and mechanical durability, all of which are necessary properties for high-amplitude ultrasound generation. In order to develop the CNT-PDMS composite film, a high-temperature chemical vapor deposition (HTCVD) method has been commonly used so far to grow CNT and then produce a CNT-PDMS composite structure. Here, instead of the complex HTCVD, we use a mixed solution of hydrophobic multi-walled CNT and dimethylformamid (DMF) and fabricate a solution-processed CNT-PDMS composite film over a spherically concave substrate, i.e. a focal energy converter. As the solution process can be applied over a large area, we could easily fabricate the focal transmitter that focuses the photoacoustic output at the moment of generation from the CNT-PDMS composite layer. With this method, we developed photoacoustic energy converters with a large diameter (>25 mm) and a long focal length (several cm). The lens performance was characterized in terms of output pressure amplitude for an incident pulsed laser energy and focal spot dimension in both lateral and axial. Due to the long focal length, we expect that the new lens can be applied for long-range ultrasonic treatment, e.g. biomedical therapy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.182-186
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• 2010

Purpose: Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) shows good results in the treatment of chronic pain patients who did not respond to other treatments such as oral analgesics, trigger point injection, nerve block and epidural steroid injection. But, IMS procedure especially, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) has sometimes serious problem. So, we present a very rare case of intramuscular abscess in the sternocleiomastoid muscle after IMS with literature review. Methods: A 66 year old male visited our department 7 days after IMS in the neck. His premorbid conditions and risk factors of deep neck infection was DM and old age. Computed tomographic scans of the head and neck region were performed in this patient: signs of deep neck infection, were seen enhanced abscess in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, cellulitis overlying tissue of the neck, and air bubbles involved muscle. Necrotic wound was excised serially and we treated this with the Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC, Kinetics Concepts International, San Antonio, Texas) system device. After appropriately shaping the sponge in the pockets, continuous negative pressure of 125 mmHg was applied. The VAC therapy was utilized for a period of 12 days. Results: We obtained satisfactory results from wide excision, drainage of the abscess with the VAC system, and then primary closure. The postoperative course was uneventful. Results: We suggest that many of the infectious complications may be preventable by strict adherence to aseptic techniques and that some of the other complications may be minimized by refining the techniques with a clear understanding of the medical disorders of patients. And, the refined technique using the VAC system can provide a means of simple and effective management for the cervical intramuscular abscess, with better cosmetic and functional results.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.02a
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• pp.199-199
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• 2013

The distinctive cellular and mitochondrial dysfunctions of a human epithelial lung cancer cell line (H460) from a human lung fibroblastic normal cell line (MRC5) have been studied by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment. The DBD plasma device have generated large amount of H2O2 and NOx in culture media which is dependent on plasma exposure time. It is found that the cell number of lung cancer cell H460 has been reduced more than the lung normal cell MRC5 as being increased exposure and incubation time. Also these both cell lines have showed mitochondria fragmentation under 5 minutes' plasma exposure, which is a clue of apoptosis. It is noted in this study that AnnexinV staining has showed not only early apoptosis, but also late apoptosis in lung cancer cell H460. Mitochondria enzyme activity and ATP generation have been also much reduced in lung cancer cell H460. Their mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\psi}m$) has been found to be reduced in magnitude and shifted to the induced-potential level of cccp, while MRC5 mitochondrial membrane potential has been shifted slightly to that. These distinctively selective responses of lung cancer cell H460 from lung normal cell MRC5 gives us possibility of applying plasma to cancer therapy.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2014.02a
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• pp.260-260
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• 2014

Dermatophytes can invade in keratinized tissues and cause dermatophytosis [1] that rank among the most widespread and common infectious diseases world-wide. Although several systemically and topically administered drugs with activities against these fungi are available, still complete eradication of some of these infections, is difficult and relapses and remissions are often observed [2,3]. In addition, some people are allergic to many of the available drugs which add complications even more. Therefore, the search for novel, selective and more effective therapy is always required and it may help the clinicians to choose the correct treatment for their patients. Non-thermal plasmas primarily generate reactive species and recently have emerged as an efficient tool for medical applications including sterilization. In this study, we evaluated the ability of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma for the inactivation of clinical isolates of Trichophyton genera, Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes) and Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), which cause infections of nails and skin and, are two of the most frequently isolated dermatophytes [4]. Our results showed that DBD plasma has considerable time dependent inactivation potential on both T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum in-vitro. Furthermore, the mechanisms for plasma based T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum inactivation and planning for in-vivo future studies will be discussed.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2014.02a
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• pp.126-126
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• 2014

Label-free biomolecular assay based localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of noble metal nanoparticles enables simple and rapid detection with the use of simple equipment. Nanosized metal nanoparticles exhibit a strong absorption band when the incident light frequency is resonant with the collective oscillation of the electrons, which is known as the LSPR. Here we demonstrate localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) substrates such as plasmonic Au nanodisks fabricated by a nanoimprinting process and gold nanorod-immobilized surfaces and their applications to highly sensitive and/or label-free biosensing. To increase detection sensitivity various bioreceptors weree designed. A single chain variable fragment (scFv) was used as a receptor to bind C-reactive protein (CRP). The results of this effort showed that CRP in human serum could be quantitatively detected lower than 1 ng/ml. Aptamers, which were immobilized on gold nanorods, were used to detect mycotoxins. The specific binding of ochratoxin A (OTA) to the aptamer was monitored by the longitudinal wavelength shift of LSPR peak in the UV-Vis spectra resulting from the changes of local refractive index near the GNR surface induced by accumulation of OTA and G-quadruplex structure formation of the aptamer. According to our results, OTA could be quantitatively detected lower than 1 nM level. Additionally, aptamer-functionalized GNR substrate was quite robust and can be regenerated many times by rinsing at 70 OC to remove bound target. During seven times of washing steps, the developed OTA sensing system could be reusable. Moreover, the proposed biosensor exhibited selectivity over other mycotoxins with an excellent recovery for detection in grinded corn samples, suggesting that the proposed LSPR based aptasensor plays an important role in label-free detection of mycotoxins.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2018

Background Free muscle flaps are a mainstay for reconstruction of distal third leg wounds and for large lower extremity wounds with exposed bone. However a major problem is the significant postoperative flap swelling, which may take months to resolve. We studied the efficacy and safety of immediate application of a vacuum assisted closure (VAC) dressing after a free muscle flap to the lower extremity. Methods Over a 19 months period, all consecutive free muscle flaps for lower extremity reconstruction at a Level I trauma center were evaluated prospectively for postoperative flap thickness, complications and flap survival. Immediate application of a VAC dressing was performed in 9 patients, while the flap was left exposed for monitoring in 8 patients. Results There was no statistically significant difference in flap survival between both cohorts. Mean flap thickness at postoperative day 5 for the VAC group was $6.4{\pm}6.4mm$, while flap thickness for the exposed flap group was $29.6{\pm}13.5mm$. Flap thickness was significantly decreased at postoperative day 5 for the VAC dressing group. Conclusions Immediate application of VAC dressing following free muscle flaps to the lower extremity does not compromise flap survival or outcomes and results in decreased flap thickness and a better aesthetic outcome.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.152-159
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• 2024

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) following esophagectomy represents a serious complication that often results in prolonged hospitalization and necessitates repeated interventions, including nothing-by-mouth (NPO) restriction, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT), or surgical repair. In this study, we evaluated the patterns and outcomes of AL treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at a single center between 2003 and 2020. Of 3,096 examined cases, 181 patients (5.8%) with AL were included in the study: 114 patients (63%) with cervical anastomosis (CA) and 67 (37%) with intrathoracic anastomosis (TA). Results: The incidence of AL was 11.9% in the CA and 3.2% in the TA group (p<0.001). Among patients with CA who developed AL, 87 (76.3%) were managed with NPO, 15 (13.2%) with EVT, and 12 (10.5%) with surgical repair. Over 90% of patients with cervical AL resumed an oral diet by the time of discharge, regardless of treatment method. Among patients with TA and AL, 36 (53.7%) received NPO, 25 (37.7%) underwent EVT, and 6 (9%) required surgery. Of these, 34 patients who were managed with NPO and 19 with EVT could resume an oral diet. However, only 2 patients who underwent surgery resumed an oral diet, and 2 patients required additional EVT. Conclusion: Although patients with CA displayed a higher incidence of AL, their rate of successful oral intake exceeded that of those with TA, regardless of treatment method. Among patients exhibiting AL with TA, EVT was more commonly employed than in CA cases, and it appears effective.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.106-115
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• 2018

Chest tube insertion is a common procedure usually done for the purpose of draining accumulated air or fluid in the pleural cavity. Small-bore chest tubes (${\leq}14F$) are generally recommended as the first-line therapy for spontaneous pneumothorax in non-ventilated patients and pleural effusions in general, with the possible exception of hemothoraces and malignant effusions (for which an immediate pleurodesis is planned). Large-bore chest drains may be useful for very large air leaks, as well as post-ineffective trial with small-bore drains. Chest tube insertion should be guided by imaging, either bedside ultrasonography or, less commonly, computed tomography. The so-called trocar technique must be avoided. Instead, blunt dissection (for tubes >24F) or the Seldinger technique should be used. All chest tubes are connected to a drainage system device: flutter valve, underwater seal, electronic systems or, for indwelling pleural catheters (IPC), vacuum bottles. The classic, three-bottle drainage system requires either (external) wall suction or gravity ("water seal") drainage (the former not being routinely recommended unless the latter is not effective). The optimal timing for tube removal is still a matter of controversy; however, the use of digital drainage systems facilitates informed and prudent decision-making in that area. A drain-clamping test before tube withdrawal is generally not advocated. Pain, drain blockage and accidental dislodgment are common complications of small-bore drains; the most dreaded complications include organ injury, hemothorax, infections, and re-expansion pulmonary edema. IPC represent a first-line palliative therapy of malignant pleural effusions in many centers. The optimal frequency of drainage, for IPC, has not been formally agreed upon or otherwise officially established.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.108-121
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• 2024

Anastomotic leaks and fistulas are significant complications of gastric surgery that potentially lead to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Surgical intervention is reserved for cases with severe symptoms or hemodynamic instability; however, surgery carries a higher risk of complications. With advancements in endoscopic treatment options, endoscopic approaches have emerged as the primary choice for managing these complications. Endoscopic clipping is a traditional method comprising 2 main categories: through-the-scope clips and over-the-scope clips. Through-the-scope clips are user friendly and adaptable to various clinical scenarios, whereas over-the-scope clips can close larger defects. Another promising approach is endoscopic stent insertion, which has shown a high success rate for leak closure, although vigilant monitoring is required to monitor stent migration. Infection control is essential in post-surgical leakage cases, and endoscopic internal drainage provides a relatively safe and noninvasive means to manage fluids, contributing to infection control and wound healing promotion. Endoscopic suturing offers full-thickness wound closure, but requires additional training and endoscopic versatility. As a promising tool, endoscopic vacuum therapy potentially surpasses stent therapy by draining inflammatory materials and closing defects. Furthermore, the use of tissue sealants, such as fibrin glue and cyanoacrylate, has been reported to be effective in selected situations. The choice of endoscopic device should be tailored to individual cases and specific patient conditions, with careful consideration of the nature of the defect. Further extensive studies involving larger patient populations are required to provide more robust evidence on the efficacy of endoscopic approach in managing post-gastric anastomotic leaks.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.8-16
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• 2011

We manufactured the Vac-lok that can be applied to patient of special body shape and need to special set-up position and evaluated the usefulness in the radiation therapy. The manufacture Vac-lok, It was used EVA resin and biobeadform of a diameter 1.5 mm. carried out the test of functionality, structural and analyzed the relative reproducibility of phantoms and patients. During the total period of radiation therapy, Vacuum pressure bring variety to a very small amount in the test of functionality of the manufacture Vac-lok. But It was a negligible quantity. The manufacture Vac-lok improved the relative reproducibility of phantoms than the existing Vac-lok and tolerance has a confidence less than 4% error. Also, relative reproducibility of patient increased error than phantom in the antero-posterior and lateral plan. However, the maximum set-up error was less than ${\pm}\;2.3$ mm. In conclusion, If tolerance set-up error of radiotherapy is less than ${\pm}\;3$ mm, the manufacture Vac-lok was enough possible to use and improvement of reproducibility, considering supply with the Vac-lok made to measure of special patient that produced at a low price and without delay.