• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.172-178
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• 2012

Objective : The aim of this study was to determine the role of intra-arterial (IA) nimodipine injections for cerebral vasospasm secondary to ruptured subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to investigate the factors that influence vasodilation and clinical outcomes. Methods : We enrolled 29 patients who underwent aneurysm clipping for ruptured cerebral aneurysms between 2009 and 2011, and who received IA nimodipine after subsequently presenting with symptomatic vasospasm. The degree of vasodilation shown in angiography was measured, and the correlation between the degree of vasodilation and both the interval from SAH to cerebral vasospasm and the interval from clipping to cerebral vasospasm was determined. The change in blood flow rate after IA injection was assessed by transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Multiple clinical parameters were completed before and after IA nimodipine injection to evaluate any improvements in clinical symptoms. Results : For eight patients, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores increased by two or more points. The regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between the change in GCS scores after IA nimodipine injection and the change in blood vessel diameter (p=0.025). A positive correlation was also observed between the interval from SAH to vasospasm and the change in diameter (p=0.040); and the interval from clipping to vasospasm and the change in diameter (p=0.022). Conclusion : IA nimodipine injection for SAH-induced vasospasm led to significant vasodilation in angiography and improvement in clinical symptoms without significant complications. Our findings suggest that IA nimodipine injection should be utilized when intractable vasospasm develops despite rigorous conservative management.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.185-189
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• 2008

Objective : The authors present their experiences with stereotactic multiplanar reformatted (MPR) computed tomography (CT)-guided catheter placement for thrombolysis of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (sICH) and their clinical results. Methods : In 23 patients with sICH, MPR CT-guided catheter placement was used to select the trajectory and target point of hematoma drainage. This group was comprised of 11 men and 12 women, and the mean age was 57.5 years (range, 31-79 years). The patients' initial Glasgow Coma Scale scores ranged from 7 to 15 with a median of 11. The volume of the hematoma ranged from 24 mL to 86 mL (mean 44.5 mL). A trajectory along the main axis of the hematoma was considered to be optimal for thrombolytic therapy. The trajectory was calculated from the point of entry through the target point of the hematoma using reformatted images. Results : The hematoma catheter was left in place for a median duration of 48.9 hours (range 34 to 62 hours). In an average of two days, the average residual hematoma volume was 6.2 mL (range 1.4 mL to 10.2 mL) and was reduced by an average of 84.7% (range 71.6% to 96.3%). The residual hematoma at postoperative seven days was less than 5 mL in all patients. There was no treatment-related death during hospitalization. Conclusion : The present study indicates that stereotactic MPR CT-guided catheter placement for thrombolysis is an accurate and safe procedure. We suggest that this procedure for stereotactic removal of sICH should be considered for the optimization of the trajectory selection in the future.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.190-195
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• 2008

Objective : There have been numerous follow-up studies of patients who had ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated by wrapping technique using various materials have been reported. Our objective was to ascertain whether our particular wrapping technique using the temporalis muscle provides protection from rebleeding and any aneurysm configuration changes in follow-up studies. Methods : Clinical presentation, the location and shape of the aneurysm, outcomes at discharge and last follow-up, and any aneurysm configuration changes on last angiographic study were analyzed retrospectively in 21 patients. Reinforcement was acquired by clipping the wrapped temporalis muscle. Wrapping and clipping after incomplete clipping was also done. Follow-up loss and non-angiographic follow-up patient groups were excluded in this study. Results : The mean age was 53 years (range 29-67), and 15 patients were female. Among 21 patients, 10 patients had ruptured aneurysms (48%). Aneurysms in 21 patients were located in the anterior circulation. Aneurysm shapes were broad neck form (14 cases), fusiform (1 case), and bleb to adjacent vessel (6 cases). Five patients were treated by clipping the wrapped temporalis, and 16 patients by wrapping after partial clipping. The mean Glasgow coma scale (GCS) at admission was 14.2. The mean Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) at discharge was 4.8, and 18 patients were grade 5. The mean period between initial angiography and last angiography was 18.5 months (range 8-44). Aneurysm size was not increased in any of these patients and configuration also did not change. There was no evidence of rebleeding in any of these treated aneurysms. Conclusion : Our study results show that wrapping technique, using the temporalis muscle and aneurysm clip(s), for intracranial aneurysm treatment provides protection from rebleeding or regrowth.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.164-174
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• 2013

Objective : The aim of this study was to determine 30-day mortality and 6-month functional recovery rates in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (S-ICH) patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and to compare the outcomes of these patients and S-ICH patients without ESRD. Methods : The medical records of 1943 S-ICH patients from January 2000 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed with focus on demographic, radiological, and laboratory characteristics. Results : A total of 1558 supratentorial S-ICH patients were included in the present study and 102 (6.5%) were ESRD patients. The 30-day mortality of the S-ICH patients with ESRD was 53.9%, and 29.4% achieved good functional recovery at 6 months post-S-ICH. Multivariate analysis showed that age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, pupillary abnormality, ventricular extension of hemorrhage, hemorrhagic volume, hematoma enlargement, anemia, and treatment modality were independently associated with 30-day mortality in S-ICH patients with ESRD (p<0.05), and that GCS score, volume of hemorrhage, conservative treatment, and shorter hemodialysis duration was independently associated with good functional recovery at 6 months post-S-ICH in patients with ESRD (p<0.05). Conclusion : This retrospective study showed worse outcome after S-ICH in patients with ESRD than those without ESRD; 30-day mortality was four times higher and the functional recovery rate was significantly lower in S-ICH patients with ESRD than in S-ICH patients without ESRD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.211-219
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• 2013

Objective : The objectives of the present study were to characterize the natural course of initially non-operated traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and to identify the risk factors of hematoma progression. Methods : Retrospective analysis was performed using sequential computed tomography (CT) images maintained in a prospective observational database containing 177 ASDH cases treated from 2005 to 2011. Patients were allocated to four groups as followings; 136 (76.8%) patients to the spontaneous resolution group, 12 (6.8%) who underwent operation between 4 hours and 7 days to the rapid worsening group (RWG), 24 (13.6%) who experienced an increase of hematoma and that underwent operation between 7 and 28 days to the subacute worsening group (SWG), and 5 (2.8%) who developed delayed aggravation requiring surgery from one month after onset to the delayed worsening group (DWG). Groups were compared with respect to various factors. Results : No significant intergroup difference was found with respect to age, mechanism of injury, or initial Glasgow Coma Scale. The presence of combined cerebral contusion or subarachnoid hemorrhage was found to be a significant prognostic factor. Regarding CT findings, mixed density was common in the RWG and the SWG. Midline shifting, hematoma thickness, and numbers of CT slices containing hematoma were significant prognostic factors of the RWG and the SWG. Brain atrophy was more severe in the SWG and the DWG. Conclusion : A large proportion of initially non-operated ASDHs worsen in the acute or subacute phase. Patients with risk factors should be monitored carefully for progression by repeat CT imaging.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.474-477
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• 2018

Objective : From November 30, 2016, the Korean Government carried the revised Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Act into effect. Mediation will start automatically without agreements of the defendant, when the outcome of the patient was death, coma more than a month or severe disability. Cerebral aneurysm has a definite risk of bad outcome, especially in the worst condition. Any surgical intervention to this lesion has its own high risk of complications. Recently, Seoul central district court decided 50% responsibility of the doctors who made a rupture of the aneurysm during coiling (2015Ga-Dan5243104). We reviewed judicial precedents related to cerebral aneurysms in lawsuit using a web search. Methods : We searched judicial precedents at a web search of the Supreme Court, using the key words, "cerebral aneurysm". Results : There were 15 precedents, six from the Supreme Court, seven from the High Court, and two from district courts. Seven precedents were related to the causation analysis, such as work-relationship. Five precedents were malpractice suits related bad results or complications. Remaining three precedents were related to the insurance payment. In five malpractice precedents, two precedents of the Supreme Court reversed former two precedents of the High Court. Conclusion : Judicial precedents on the cerebral aneurysm included not only malpractice suits, but also causation analysis or insurance payment. Attention to these subjects is needed. We also need education of the independent medical examination. To avoid medical disputes, shared decision making seems to be useful, especially in cases of high risk condition or procedures.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.586-595
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• 2004

Kamidojuk-San (KDJS) is known to be effective for treating cardiovascular diseases such hypertension, and clinically applied for the treatment of cerebral palsy or stoke patients. Yet, the overall mechanisms underlying its activity at the cellular levels are not known. Using experimental animal system, we investigated whether KDJS has protective effects on cells in cardiovascular and nervous systems. KDJS was found to rescue death of cultured primary neurons induced by AMPA, NMDA and kainate as well as BSO and Fe/sup 2+/ treatments. Moreover, KDJS treatment promoted animal's recovery from coma induced by a lethal dose of KCN treatment, and improved survival in animals exposed to lethal dose of KCN. Neurological examinations further showed that KDJS reduced the time which is required for animals to respond in terms of forelimb and hindlimb movements. To examine its physiological effects on cardiovascular and nervous systems, we induced ischemic injury in hippocampal neurons and cerebral neurons by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Histological examination revealed that KDJS significantly protected neurons from ischemic damage. Thus, the present data suggest that KDJS may play an important role in protecting cells of cardiovascular and nervous systems from external noxious stimulations.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.210-219
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• 2019

Purpose: Traumatic diaphragmatic injury (TDI) is no longer considered to be a rare condition in Korea. This study investigated differences in the prevalence of accompanying injuries and the prognosis in patients with traumatic diaphragmatic damage according to the mechanism of injury. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with TDI who were seen at a regional emergency medical center from January 2000 to December 2018. Among severe trauma patients with traumatic diaphragmatic damage, adults older than 18 years of age with a known mechanism of injury were included in this study. Surgery performed within 6 hours after the injury was sustained was defined as emergency surgery. We assessed the survival rate and likelihood of respiratory compromise according to the mechanism of injury. Results: In total, 103 patients were analyzed. The patients were categorized according to whether they had experienced a penetrating injury or a blunt injury. Thirty-five patients had sustained a penetrating injury, and traffic accidents were the most common cause of blunt injuries. The location of the injury did not show a statistically significant difference between these groups. Severity of TDI was more common in the blunt injury group than in the penetrating injury group, and was also more likely in patients with respiratory compromise. However, sex, the extent of damage, and the initial Glasgow coma scale score had no significant relationship with severity. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, TDI should be recognized and managed proactively in patients with blunt injury and/or respiratory compromise. Early recognition and implementation of an appropriate management strategy would improve patients' prognosis. Multi-center, prospective studies are needed in the future.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.435-442
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• 2016

Background: Blunt traumatic cardiac rupture is rare. However, such cardiac ruptures carry a high mortality rate. This study reviews our experience treating blunt traumatic cardiac rupture. Methods: This retrospective study included 21 patients who experienced blunt traumatic cardiac rupture from 1999 to 2015. Every patient underwent surgery. Several variables were compared between survivors and fatalities. Results: Sixteen of the 21 patients survived, and 5 (24%) died. No instances of intraoperative mortality occurred. The most common cause of injury was a traffic accident (81%). The right atrium was the most common location of injury (43%). Ten of the 21 patients were suspected to have cardiac tamponade. Significant differences were found in preoperative creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) levels (p=0.042) and platelet counts (p=0.004) between the survivors and fatalities. The patients who died had higher preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale scores (p=0.007), worse Trauma and Injury Severity Scores (p=0.007), and higher Injury Severity Scores (p=0.004) than those who survived. Conclusion: We found that elevated CK-MB levels, a low platelet count, and multi-organ traumatic injury were prognostic factors predicting poor outcomes of blunt cardiac rupture. If a patient with blunt traumatic cardiac rupture has these factors, clinicians should be especially attentive and respond promptly in order to save the patient's life.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.48-61
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• 2000

Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) have gained experience with Helicopter Vibration Health Monitoring (VHM) System technology with the help of UK GKN-WHL. GKN-WHL have had many years of experience with the research and development of vibration analysis techniques to improve the health monitoring of helicopter transmissions. This activity was targeted at transmission rig testing at first, but the techniques have been progressively developed where they are now used as a part of integrated Health and Usage Monitoring (HUM) systems on many types of in-service and new helicopters. The technique development process has been considerably aided by an ever expanding database of transmission monitoring experience from both the rig testing and aircraft operations. This experience covers a wide range of failure types from naturally occurring faults to crack propagation studies and covering a wide range of transmission configurations. Primarily based on accelerometer signals GKN-WHL's vibration analysis methods have also been applied to a variety of other sensor types. The transition from an experimental environment to operational VHM systems has been a lengthy process, there being a need to demonstrate technique reliability as well as effectiveness to both regulatory (Airworthiness Authority) and commercial organizations. Another important feature of this process has been the development of close relationships with a number of VHM system hardware and software suppliers. Such an experienced GKN-WHL provides various raw vibration data which was acquired from transmission ground test rig and allow KARI to develop it's own analysis program. KARI made a program and then analyzed the data to coma pre with the results of GKN-WHL. The KARI's results both time domain signals and statistical values show comparable to GKN's.