• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1079-1085
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• 2001

Objective : We analysed various surgical approaches and surgical results of 28 middle cranial base tumors for the purpose of selecting optimal surgical approach to the middle cranial base tumor. Methods : In this retrospective review, 28 patients, including 16 meningioma, 6 trigeminal neurinoma, 2 pituitary adenoma, 2 craniopharyngioma, 1 facial neurinoma, and 1 metastatic tumor, underwent surgical treatment using skull base technique. Of theses, 16 tumors were mainly confined to middle cranial fossae, 5 tumors with extension into both anterior and middle fossa, and 7 tumors with extension into both middle and posterior fossa. Tumors that confined to the middle cranial fossa or extended into the anterior cranial fossa were operated with modified pterional, orbitozygomatic or Dolen'c approach, and tumors that extended into the posterior cranial fossa were operated with anterior, posterior or combined transpetrosal approach. Completeness of tumor resection, surgical outcome, postoperative complication, and follow up result were studied. Results : Total tumor removal was achieved in 9 tumors of 10 tumors that did not extended to the cavernous sinus, and was achieved in 7 tumors of 8 tumors that extended to the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. Of 10 tumors that extended to the venous channel of the cavernous sinus, only 2 were removed totally. Surgical outcome was excellent in 14 patients, good in 10, fair in 2 and poor in 2. There were no death in this series. Dumbell type tumor which extended into both middle and posterior fossae showed tendency of poor prognosis as compared with tumors that confined middle cranial fossa and extended into both anterior and middle cranial fossa. Postoperative dysfunctions were trieminal hypesthesia in 3, oculomotor nerve palsy in 2, abducens nerve palsy in 2, hemiparesis in 2, cerebellar sign in 1, facial palsy in 1 and hearing impairment in 1. Conclusion : Based on our findings and a review of the literature, we conclude that, when selecting the surgical approach to the middle cranial fossa tumors, the most important factors to be considered were exact location of the tumor mass and existence of the cavernous sinus invasion by tumor mass. We recommend modified pterional or orbitozygomatic approach in cases with tumors located anterior and middle cranial base, without cavernous sinus invasion. In cases with tumors invading into cavernous sinus, we recommend Dolen'c or orbitozygomatic approach. And in lateral wall mass and the cavernous sinus, it is preferred to approach the tumor extradurally. For the tumor involing with middle fossa and posterior fossa(dumbell type) a combined petrosal approach is necessary. In cases with cavernous sinus invasion and internal carotid artery encasement, we recommend subtotal resection of the tumor and radiation therapy to prevent permanent postoperative sequele.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2013

To investigate effects of phase mask on susceptibility-weighted images (SWI) using voxel-based analyses in normal elderly subjects. A three-dimensional (3D) gradient echo sequence ran to obtain SWIs in 20 healthy elderly subjects. SWIs with two (SWI2) and four (SWI4) phase multiplications were achieved with positive (PSWI) and negative (NSWI) phase masks to investigate phase mask effects. The voxel-based comparisons were performed using paired t-tests between PSWI and NSWI and between SWI2 and SWI4. Differences of signal intensities between magnitude images and SWI4 were larger than those between magnitude images and SWI2s. Differences of signal intensities between magnitude images and PSWIs were larger than those between magnitude images and NSWIs. Moreover, the signal intensities from NSWI2s and NSWI4s were greater than those from PSWI2s and PSWI4s, respectively. More differences of signal intensities between NSWI4 and PSWI4s were found than those between NSWI2s and PSWI2s in the whole brain images. The voxel-based analyses of SWI could be beneficial to investigate susceptibility differences on the entire brain areas. The phase masking method could be chosen to enhance brain tissue contrast rather than to enhance venous blood vessels. Therefore, it is recommended to apply voxel-based analyses of SWI to investigate clinical applications.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.495-502
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• 2010

Purpose : Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the newborn, particularly in preterm. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence rate, causative pathogens and clinical features of neonatal sepsis in one neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 6 years. Methods : This study was retrospectively performed to review the clinical and laboratory characteristics including sex, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, length of hospitalization, length of total parenteral nutrition, presence of central venous catheter, underlying diseases, laboratory findings, microorganisms isolated from blood culture, complications and mortality in 175 patients between January 2003 and December 2008. Results : 1) Sepsis was present in 175 of 3,747 infants for 6 years. There were more gram-positive organisms. 2) The gram-negatives were more prevalent in preterm. There were no significant differences of other clinical features between two groups. 3) Underlying diseases were found in 73.7%, and the most common disease was cardiovascular disease. The most common organisms of gram-positives and gram-negatives were methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Serratia marcescens. 4) There was statistically significant difference on platelet counts between two groups (P<0.05). 5) Complications were found in 18.3% and septic shock was the most common. MRSA was the most common pathogen in sepsis with complication. 6) The mortality rate was 7.4%. 7) There were differences in monthly blood stream infection/1,000 patient-days. Conclusion : The studies about the factors that can influence neonatal sepsis will contribute to decrease the infection rates in NICUs.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.7
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• pp.636-642
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• 2007

Purpose : Fluconazole prophylaxis for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants has been shown to reduce invasive fungal infection and its mortality. This study aims to evaluate the effect of fluconazole prophylaxis in VLBW infants on the incidence and mortality of fungal infection. Methods : VLBW infants with endotracheal intubation and central vascular access admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Chonnam University Hospital were enrolled. Twenty eight infants of 7-month baseline period from January to July 2005 ('non-fluconazole group') were compared with 29 infants of a 7-month fluconazole period from January to July 2006 ('fluconazole group'). Results : Gestational age, birth weight, sex, mode of delivery, frequency of twin pregnancy, chorioamnionitis, antenatal steroid and rupture of membranes were similar between the fluconazole and non-fluconazole groups. The rate of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, frequency and duration of prophylactic antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition and umbilical catheters, duration of intralipid, mechanical ventilation and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were also not significant. However, frequency of percutaneous central venous catheterization (PCVC) and intralipid administration, and duration of PCVC were significant between the two groups. The overall incidence and mortality of fungal infection were not different between the two groups. Although the Malassezia infection was increased in the fluconazole group (P<0.05), candida was significantly decreased compared to the non-fluconazole group (P<0.05). Conclusion : Fluconazole prophylaxis in high risk VLBW infants decreased the candida infection significantly. Antifungal prophylaxis is recommended in terms of cost effectiveness, but further study is needed to clarify the reason for the increase of Malassezia infection.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.73-78
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• 2003

The Fontan operation has undergone a number of major modifications and clinical results have been improving over time. Nevertheless, during the follow-up period, life-threatening complications develop and affect the long-term outcomes. Surgical interventions for these complications are needed and are increasing. Material and Method: From April 1988 to January 2000, 16 patients underwent reoperations for complications after Fontan operation. The mean age at reoperation was 8.8 :-5.5 years. Initial Fontan operations were atriopulmonary connections in 8 and total cavopulmonary connections in 8. Total cavopulmonary connections were accomplished with intracardiac lateral tunnel in 5 and extracardiac epicardial lateral tunnel in 3. Five patients had variable sized fenestrations. The reasons for reoperations included residual shunt in 6, pulmonary venous obstruction in 3, atrial flutter in 3, atrioventricular valve regurgitation in 2, Fontan pathway stenosis in 1, and protein-losing enteropathy in 1 Result: There were 3 early and late deaths respectively Patients who had residual shunts underwent primary closure of shunt site (n=2), atrial reseptation for separation between systemic and pulmonary vein (n=2), conversion to lateral tunnel (n=1), and conversion to one and a half ventricular repair (n=1). Four patients who had stenotic lesion of pulmonary vein or Fontan pathway underwent widening of the lesion (n=3) and left pneumonectomy (n=1) In cases of atrial flutter, conversion to lateral tunnel after revision of atriopulmonary connections was performed (n=3). For the atrioventricular valve regurgitation (n=2), we performed a replacement with mechanical valve. In one patient who had developed protein-losing enteropathy, aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries were obliterated via thoracotomy. Cryoablation was performed concomitantly in 4 patients as an additional treatment modality of atrial arrhythmia. Conclusion: Complications after Fontan operation are difficult to manage and have a considerable morbidity and mortality. However, more accurate understanding of Fontan physiology and technical advancement increased the possibility of treatment for such complications as well as Fontan operation itself. Appropriate surgical treatment for these patients relieved the symptoms and improved the functional class, Although the results were not satisfactory enough in all patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2004

Background: We tested the effect of indomethacine and total spinal anesthesia on the improvement of placental flow during cardiopulmonary bypass on fetal lamb. Material and Method: Twenty fetuses at 120 to 150 days of gestation were subjected to bypass via trans-sternal approach with a 12 G pulmonary arterial cannula and 14 to 18 F venous cannula for 30 minutes. All ewes received general anesthesia with ketamine. In all the fetuses, no anesthetic agents were used except muscle relaxant. Ten served as a control group in which placenta was worked as an oxygenator during bypass (Control group). The remainder worked as an experimental group in which pretreatment with indomethacine and total spinal anesthesia was performed before bypass with the same extracorporeal circulation technique as control group (Experimental group). Observations were made every 10 minutes during a 30-minute bypass and 30-minute post bypass period. Result: Weights of the fetuses ranged from 2.2 to 5.2 kg. In Control group, means of arterial pressure decreased from 44.7 to 14.4 mmHg and means of Pa$CO_2$ increased from 61.9 to 129.6 mmHg at each time points during bypass. Flow rate was suboptimal (74.3 to 97.0 $m\ell$/kg/min) during bypass. All hearts fibrillated immediately after the discontinuation of bypass. On the contrary, in Experimental group, means of arterial pressure reamined higher (45.8 to 30 mmHg) during bypass (p<0.05). Means of Pa$CO_2$ were less ranging from 59.8 to 79.4 mmHg during bypass (P<0.05). Flow rates were higher (78.8 to 120.2 $m\ell$/kg/min) during bypass (p<0.05). There were slower deterioration of cardiac function after cessation of bypass. Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that the placental flow was increased during fetal cardiopulmonary bypass in the group pretreated with indomethacine and total spinal anesthesia. However, further studies with modifications of the bypass including a creation of more concise bypass circuit, and a use of axial pump are mandatory for the clinical application.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 2004

Background: Acute thoracic aortic dissections involving the aortic arch differ in diagnosis, surgical procedures, and operative results compared to those that do not involve the aortic arch. In general cerebral perfusion under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) is performed during the repair of the aortic arch dissection. Here, we report our surgical results of the aortic arch dissection repair using retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) and its safety. Material and Method: Between January 1996 and June 2002, 22 consecutive patients with aortic arch dissection underwent aortic arch repair. In 20 of them RCP was performed under HCA. RCP was done through superior vena cava in 19 patients and by systemic retrograde venous perfusion in 1, in whom it was difficult to reach the SVC. When the patient's rectal temperature reached 16 to 18$^{\circ}C$, systemic circulation was arrested, and the amount of RCP amount was 481.1 $\pm$292.9 $m\ell$/min with perfusion pressure of 20∼30 mmHg. Result: There were two in-hospital deaths (4.5%) and one late death (9.1%). Mean circulatory arrest time (RCP time) was 54.0$\pm$ 13.4 minutes (range, 7 to 145 minutes). RCP time has no correlation with the appearance of consciousness, recovery of orientation, or ventilator weaning time (p=0.35, 0.86, and 0.92, respectively). Ventilator weaning was faster in patients with earlier recovery of consciousness and orientation (r=0.850, r=926; p=0.000, respectively). RCP of more than 70 minutes did not affect the appearance of consciousness, recovery of orientation, ventilator weaning time, exercise time, or hospital stay (p=0.42, 0.57, 0.60, 0.83, and 0.51, respectively). Conclusion: Retrograde cerebral perfusion time under hypothermic circulatory arrest during repair of aortic arch dissection may not affect recovery of orientation, ventilator weaning time, neurologic complications, and postoperative recovery.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.559-565
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• 2003

By improving the flow pattern in Fontan circuit, total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) could result in a better outcome than atriopulmonary connection Fontan operation. For the patients with impaired hemodynamics after atriopulmonary Fontan connection, conversion to TCPC can be expected to bring hemodynamic and functional improvement. We studied the results of the revision of the previous Fontan connection to TCPC in patients with failed Fontan circulation. Material and method: From October1979 to June 2002, eight patients who had failed Fontan circulation, underwent revision of previous Fontan operation to TCPC at Yonsei University Hospital. Intracardiac anomalies of the patients were tricuspid atresia (n=4) and other functional single ventricles (n=4). Mean age at TCPC conversion was 14.0$\pm$7.0 years (range, 4.6~26.2 years) and median interval between initial Fontan operation and TCPC was 7.5 years (range, 2.4~14.3 years). All patients had various degree of symptoms and signs of right heart failure. NYHA functional class was 111 or IV in six patients. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n:f), cyanosis (n=2), intraatrial thrombi (n=2), and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) (n=3) were also combined. The previous Fontan operation was revised to extracardiac conduit placement (n=7) and intraatrial lateral tunnel (n=1). Result: There was no operative death. Major morbidities included deep sternal infection (n=1), prolonged pleural effusion over two weeks (n=1), and temporary junctional lachyarrhythrnia (n=1). Postoperative central venous Pressure was lower than the preoperative value (17.9$\pm$3.5 vs. 14.9$\pm$1.0, p=0.049). Follow-up was complete in all patients and extended to 50,1 months (mean, 30.3$\pm$ 12.8 months). There was no late death. All patients were in NYHA class 1 or 11. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia developed in a patient who underwent conversion to intraatrial lateral tunnel procedure, PLE was recurred in two patients among three patients who had had PLE before the convertsion. There was no newly developed PLE. Conclusion: Hemodynamic and functional improvement could be expected for the patients with Fontan circulatory failure after atriopulmonary connection by revision of their previous circulation to TCPC. The conversion could be performed with low risk of morbidity and mortality.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.576-582
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• 2003

During the Off-Pump Coronary Arterial Bypass surgery (OPCAB), the manipulation of the heart can depress cardiac contractility and cause hemodynamic instability. In this study, hemodynamic parameters were measured during operation and the laboratory and clinical data were investigated to evaluate their effects on postoperative outcome. Material and Method: From March 2001 to August 2002, 50 consecutive patients who underwent OPCAB were included in this study. During the same period, total number of CABG was 71 The blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and cardiac index were measured before manipulation, after application of stabilizer, and at the end of anastomosis. Postoperatively, we measured the cardiac enzymes such as CK-MB, troponin 1 and checked the amount of inotropes required, chest tube drainage, the amount of transfusion, duration of ventilator support, and duration of ICU stay. Result: The number of mean distal anastomoses was 2.8$\pm$0.9 per patient. On elevation and stabilization of the heart, systolic blood pressure was depressed and pulmonary artery pressure was elevated significantly, but during each anastomosis no significant changes were detected. The peak level of cardiac markers was 29.2$\pm$46.7 for CK-MB, 0.69$\pm$0.86 for troponin 1 on postoperative day f. Among the intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, the ischemic change of EKG and bolus injection of inotropes significantly affected the posteroperative cardiac enzymes. But, no difference other than the level of cardiac enzymes between the two groups with or without the ischemic change of EKG and bolus injection of inotropes was noticed. Conclusion: The significant hemodynamic changes occurred when the heart was elevated and stabilized, however during anastomoses there were no significant changes. Serum cardiac enzymes rose significantly in the group that showed the ischemic charge of EKG or needed the bolus injection of inotropes for maintaining hemodynamic stability intraoperatively, but it did not affect the postoperative outcome. In conclusion, the ischemic change of EKG and the need for bolus injection of intropes during operation may be very indicative for probable ischemia.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.213-220
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• 1994

Gastrodia (G) Rhizoma has been used clinically as an oriental herbal medicine with sedative, anticonvulsive, and depressor effects. The present study tested effects of G. Rhizoma extracts on the coronary circulation and myocardial oxygen consumption in perfused rat hearts. Sprague Dawley rats (SD) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were employed as experimental animals and nonworking Langendorff heart perfusion technique introduced for heart experiments. G. Rhizoma extracts were prepared from grinding G. Rhizoma into powder, extracting in water and 50% ethanol for 4 or 16 hr and diluting with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate perfusion buffer to be 70%. Hearts were perfused with bicarbonate buffer oxygenated with 95% $O_{2}:$ 5% $CO_{2}$ at constant coronary perfusion pressure of $90cmH_{2}O$. The diluted extracts were infused into coronary arteries in a concentration of $1{\sim}5\;{\mu}M$ for $7{\sim}8 min. While in SD water- or ethanol-extracts of G. Rhizoma extracted for 16 hr increased coronary perfusate flow (CPF) and decreased coronary vascular resistance (CVR), ethanol-extracts in SHR produced coronary vasoconstriction associated with enhanced CVR. G. Rhizoma extracts-induced increase in CPF reduced myocardial oxygen extraction, and thus myocardial oxygen consumption ($MVO_{2}$) remained at that observed prior to infusion of extracts. In SD and SHR 16 hr-water-extracts markedly altered coronary venous effluent pH and $Pco_{2}$ and evoked metabolic acidosis, which could be a coronary vasodilator mechanism decreasing CVR. In this study, the extracts decreasing CVR in SD and SHR did not augment the lactate production. Therefore, although the effects of the extracts on cardiac function and coronary circulation depended on solvents and duration for extraction, the 16hr-water-extracts, at least, exhibited coronary vasodilation in SD and SHR. Conversely, ethanol-extracts constricted coronary arteries in SHR. G. Rhizoma extracts-induced vasodilation might be due to the metabolic acidosis rather than due to the increased lactate production. The results indicate that G. Rhizoma extracts obtained from proper extracting procedures can be used as a safe and clinically applicable herbal medicine in the cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and hypertension for vasodilatory and antihypertensive actions.