• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.173-184
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• 2003

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix, Carthami Flos on Brain ischemia of the rats induced from the Occlusion of Lt. Common Carotid Artery. Methods: I observed effects using light microscopes and examined tissue of parietal lobe and hippocampus and VEGF-immunoreactive cells. Results: A small number of VEGF-immunoreactive cells are observed in the control group. VEGF-immunoreactive cells in Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix-administered group were slightly increased compared with control group. VEGF-immunoreactive cells in Carthami Flos-administered group were significantly increased compared with control group. Neurons of parietal lobe and pyramidal cells of hippocampus in the control group were greatly damaged.(neuronal densitity, form of dendrite and axon) On the other hand, neurons of parietal lobe and pyramidal cells of hippocampus in Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix-administered group were less damaged. Neurons of parietal lobe and pyramidal cells of hippocampus in Carthami Flos-administered group were significantly less damaged compared with control group. Conclusion : Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix, Carthami Flos can effect on stimulating angiogenesis and reducinging the damage of neurons in the rats induced from the Occlusion of Lt. Common Carotid Artery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.379-384
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• 2016

Objective : Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion is often complicated by difficult revascularization and non-involved territory embolization possibly related with larger clot-burden. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of proximal aspiration thrombectomy (PAT) using a balloon-tipped guide catheter for clot-burden reduction in such cases with period-to-period analysis (period 1 : standard MT without PAT; period 2 : PAT first, then standard MT for the remaining occlusion). Methods : Eighty-six patients who underwent MT for acute intracranial ICA occlusion were included in this analysis from the prospectively maintained stroke registry (33 patients in period 1 and 53 in period 2). In period 2, 'responder' was defined as a case where some amount of clot was retrieved by PAT and the following angiography showed partial or full recanalization. Results : Fifteen of fifty-three patients in period 2 (28.3%) were 'responders' to PAT. There was a significantly higher incidence of atrial fibrillation in the 'responder' subgroup. Period 2 showed a significantly shorter puncture-to-reperfusion time (94.5 minutes vs. 56.0 minutes; p=0.002), a significantly higher Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction of 2b-3 reperfusion (45.5% vs. 73.6%; p=0.009), but only a trend for better 3-month favorable outcome (mRS 0-2; 36.4% vs. 54.7%; p=0.097). There was no increase in the incidence of procedure-related complications or intracranial hemorrhage in period 2. Conclusion : A strategy of PAT before standard MT may result in shorter puncture-to-reperfusion time and better angiographic outcome than a strategy of standard MT for acute intracranial ICA occlusion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.217-228
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• 2021

Objective : Given the high risk of rebleeding and recurrence of blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs), we treated ruptured BBAs of the internal carotid artery (ICA) with stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SACs. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological data from eight patients with ruptured BBAs of the supraclinoid ICA. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess clinical outcomes, while radiological outcomes were evaluated on angiographs. For a pooled analysis, data from literature reporting the outcomes of ruptured BBAs treated with SAC were collected and analyzed in conjunction with our data. Results : In our cohort, the mean Raymond classification score was 1.57±0.53 immediately after initial endovascular treatment. There were no perioperative complications or rebleeding events during the follow-up period. The mean mRS score at patient discharge was 1.00±0.81 and improved to 0.28±0.48 by the last follow-up day. The recurrence rate was 25% with an asymptomatic presentation and successful treatment with multiple stent insertion. Pooled analysis of 76 cases of SAC revealed a complete occlusion rate immediately after treatment of 54.8%, rebleeding rate 7.94%, and recurrence rate 24.2%. Good clinical outcomes with mRS score 0-2 were observed in 89.9% by the last clinical follow-up. Total mortality rate was 7.7%. Conclusion : This treatment appears to not only minimize the hemodynamic burden on the fragile dome specific to this type of aneurysm, but also provides an opportunity for safe and effective treatment in recurrent cases.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.475-484
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to develop microsurgical strategies based on the anatomical relationship between dorsal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms, the falciform ligament (FL), and the anterior clinoid process (ACP). Methods: Between 2017 and 2022, 25 patients with unruptured dorsal ICA aneurysms (less than 4 mm in diameter) underwent microsurgical direct clipping. These cases involved the left ICA (n=17) and the right ICA (n=8), with a mean aneurysm size of 3.3 mm (range, 2.5 to 4 mm). We used computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography to elucidate the anatomical relationship between dorsal ICA aneurysms and other structures. All procedures involved an ipsilateral pterional approach with securement of the ipsilateral cervical ICA for proximal control. Results: Among the 25 dorsal ICA aneurysms, 8 (32%) were clipped without the FL being incised. Another 5 (20%) were clipped solely after the FL was cut. For the remaining 12 cases, the aneurysms were successfully clipped following FL incision and partial ACP removal. Patients exhibited favorable postoperative recoveries with good outcomes, and postoperative CTA revealed complete aneurysm clipping without any residual remnants. Conclusions: We were able to perform clipping without removing the ACP in 13 patients (52%), and in 8 of these (32%), the clipping was carried out directly without cutting the FL. Microsurgery, coupled with proximal control of the cervical ICA, can serve as a viable alternative for patients with small dorsal ICA aneurysms, especially when endovascular treatment options are limited, and 3D CTA confirms a clear anatomical relationship with the ACP.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.356-360
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• 2014

The coexistence of moyamoya disease (MMD) with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is exceedingly rare. We report two cases of AVM associated with MMD. The first case was an incidental AVM diagnosed simultaneously with MMD. This AVM was managed expectantly after encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis (EDAS) as the main feeders stemmed from the internal carotid artery, which we believed would be obliterated with the progression of MMD. However, the AVM persisted with replacement of the internal carotid artery feeders by new external carotid artery feeders from the EDAS site. The AVM was eventually treated with gamma knife radiosurgery considering an increasing steal effect. The second case was a de novo AVM case. The patient was initially diagnosed with MMD, and acquired an AVM eight years later that was slowly fed by the reconstituted anterior cerebral artery. Because the patient remained asymptomatic, the AVM is currently being closely followed for more than 2 years without further surgical intervention. Possible differences in the pathogenesis and the radiologic presentation of these AVMs are discussed with a literature review. No solid consensus exists on the optimal treatment of MMD-associated AVMs. Gamma knife radiosurgery appears to be an effective treatment option for an incidental AVM. However, a de novo AVM may be managed expectantly considering the possible risks of damaging established collaterals, low flow characteristics, and probably low risks of rupture.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2023

The prevalence of aneurysm formation in adults with Moyamoya disease (MMD) is higher than that in the general population. The treatment strategy is often individualized based on the patient's disease characteristics. A 22-year-old man was diagnosed with MMD after presenting a small thalamic intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage in the quadrigeminal cistern. Cerebral angiography revealed a small aneurysm (2.42 mm) in the left anterior choroidal artery. Since the hemodynamics in the left hemisphere was compromised, an indirect bypass surgery was performed. The patient's condition deteriorated postoperatively because of poor perfusion of the internal carotid artery, and massive hydration was required. During neurocritical care, the aneurysm increased in size (5.33 mm). An observation strategy was adopted because of the distal aneurysmal location and the high risk involved. Subsequently, the patient recovered, and newly developed collateral flow appeared from the external carotid artery. Additionally, a dramatic size reduction of the aneurysm (1.51 mm) was noticed. Our case suggests that MMD-related dissecting aneurysms on a distal cerebral artery, which present a high risk of embolization, could be managed by indirectly reducing the hemodynamic burden. Massive hydration in such cases should be avoided or balanced to avoid the risk of rapid growth and aneurysm rupture.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.307-318
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• 2001

Objective : Surgical experiences of pseudoaneurysms such as traumatic, mycotic and ill-defined unknown causes of aneurysms are rare. The authors have studied the results of surgical management from such cases in our series. Patients and Method : In the last 17 years, 1320 patients with cerebrovascular aneurysms were managed surgically. Among these, 16 patients showed the pseudoaneurysms. The authors analyzed retrospectively the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, management outcomes and problems in the managements. Results : There were 6 patients with traumatic aneurysm, 4 mycotic aneurysms and 6 ill-defined unknown causes of aneurysm. The sites of traumatic aneurysms were cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery(n=3), distal portion of the anterior cerebral artery (n=2) and vertebral artery(VA : n=1). Good outcomes in 5 cases could be obtained by extracranial - intracranial bypass followed by parent vessel occlusion or resection of aneurysm followed by re-anastomosis of parent vessel. The sites of mycotic aneurysm were peripheral portions of middle cerebral artery(MCA : n=3) and posterior cerebral artery(PCA : n=1). The outcomes of the patients with a mycotic aneurysm were relatively poor. It was partially due to the development of new aneurysm after treatment in one. The sites of ill-defined unknown causes of aneurysm were extracranial carotid artery(n=3), V2 portion of the VA(n=1), peripheral portion of the PCA (n=1) and MCA(n=1). Good outcome in all cases could be obtained by resection of aneurysm with or without saphenous vein graft. Conclusion : For the treatments of cerebrovascular pseudoaneurysm, combinations of aggressive medical, endovascular and surgical managements seem mandatory. Insertion of stent for a extracranial carotid artery aneurysm and coiling for a peripheral mycotic aneurysm can be option in future.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.32-35
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• 2014

The pipeline embolization device (PED) is a new endovascular device for treatment of complex, fusiform and wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. The main mechanism of this stent is to divert the flow in the parent artery with reduction of inflow in the aneurysm leading to thrombosis. We treated a 40-year-old woman who had left facial pain and orbit discomfort. Angiography showed a giant fusiform aneurysm located in the cavernous segment of the left internal carotid artery. A PED was successfully deployed across the aneurysm. The procedure and post-procedural course were uneventful. After 3 months, angiography showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm with good patency of the branching vessels originating from the deployed segment. The patient's symptoms improved completely without complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.332-337
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• 2010

Objective : Although a transradial angiography is accepted as the gold standard for cardiovascular procedures, cerebral angiography has been performed via transfemoral approach in most institutions. The purpose of this study is to present our experience concerning the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a transradial approach to cerebral angiography as an alternative to a transfemoral approach. Methods : Between February 2007 and October 2009, a total of 1,240 cerebral angiographies were performed via a transradial approach in a single center. The right radial approach was used as an initial access route. The procedure continued only after the ulnar artery was proven to provide satisfactory collateral perfusion according to two tests (a modified Allen's test and forearm angiography). Results : The procedural success rate was 94.8% with a mean duration of 28 minutes. All supra-aortic vessels were successfully catheterized with a success rate of 100%. The success rates of selective catheterization to the right vertebral artery, right internal carotid artery, left internal carotid artery, and left vertebral artery were 96.1%, 98.6%, 82.6% and 52.2%, respectively. The procedure was performed more than twice in 73 patients (5.9%), including up to 4 times in 2 patients. The radial artery occlusion was found in 4 patients (5.4%) on follow-up cerebral angiography, but no ischemic symptoms were observed in any of the cases. Conclusion : This study suggests that cerebral angiography using a transradial approach can be performed with minimal risk of morbidity. In particular, this procedure might be useful for follow-up angiographies and place less stress on patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.395-399
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• 2014

Objective : Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) resemble arterial dissections. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between these two disease entities and highlight commonalities and distinct features. Methods : Among 871 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, 11 BBAs of internal carotid artery and seven vertebral artery dissections (VADs) with a short segmental eccentric dilatation (Mizutani type 4), which is morphologically similar to a BBA, were selected. The following clinical factors were studied in each group : age, gender, risk factors, Hunt and Hess grade (HHG), Fisher grade (FG), vasospasms, hydrocephalus, perioperative rebleeding rate, and treatment outcome. Results : The mean age was 47.9 years in the BBAs group and 46.4 years in the type 4 VADs group. All the BBA patients were female, whereas there was a slight male predominance in the type 4 VAD group (male : female ratio of 4 : 3). In the BBA and type 4 VAD groups that underwent less aggressive treatment to save the parent artery, 29% (n=2/7) and 66.6% (n=2/3), respectively, eventually required retreatment. Perioperative rebleeding occurred in 72.7% (n=8) and 28.6% (n=2) of patients in the BBA and type 4 VAD groups, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the other clinical factors in both groups, except for the male dominancy in the type 4 VAD group (p=0.011). Conclusion : BBAs and ruptured type 4 VADs have a similar morphological appearance but there is a distinct clinical feature in gender and perioperative rebleeding rates. Complete isolation of an aneurysm from the parent artery might be the most important discipline for the treatment of these diseases.