• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.111-117
• /
• 2007

Temporary occlusion of the parent artery or feeding artery is an useful method in microsurgery for cerebrovascular diseases. The advantages of the temporary clipping for intracranial aneurysm surgery have already been proven by many experimental and clinical reports. Currently, there are two methods of temporary clipping: 1) intermittent clipping, 2) continuous clipping. In many previous studies, the intermittent, repeated clipping technique was reported to reduce ischemic damage to the brain, but it is still debated. On the other hand, a comparison of the histological changes on the arterial wall between each clipping method has not been sufficiently reported yet. So the authors performed experimental temporary clipping on the common carotid and femoral arteries of about 25 rats using the Sugita temporary mini-clip. The specimens were divided into two major groups and seven subgroups: Group I (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, intermittent clippings for 5 minutes were done once, twice, three times, and few times), and Group C (C-10, C-15, C-20, continuous clippings for 10, 15, 20 minutes, respectively). The reperfusion time after the temporary clipping was the same as the clipping duration. Under light microscope, the histological findings by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining were examined in all specimens, which were obtained at each time interval after temporary clipping. Then the histological changes of the arterial walls by two different methods were compared with the normal specimen. The results suggest that intermittent temporary clipping is less damaging on the arterial wall than single continuous clipping.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.6
• /
• pp.647-653
• /
• 2014

Background Administration of growth factors has been associated with increased viability of composite grafts greater than 1-cm in diameter. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains many of the growth factors studied. In this study, we evaluate the effect of PRP injection on composite graft viability and the proper time for injection. Methods A total of 24 New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups. Autologous PRP was injected into the recipient sites three days before grafting in group 1, on the day of grafting in group 2, and three days after grafting in group 3. Group 4 served as control without PRP administration. Auricular composite grafts of 3-cm diameter were harvested and grafted back into place after being rotated 180 degrees. Median graft viability and microvessel density were evaluated at day 21 of graft via macroscopic photographs and immunofluorescent staining, respectively. Results The median graft survival rate was 97.8% in group 1, 69.2% in group 2, 55.7% in group 3, and 40.8% in the control group. The median vessel counts were 34 (per ${\times}200$ HPF) in group 1, 24.5 in group 2, 19.5 in group 3, and 10.5 in the control group. Conclusions This study demonstrates that PRP administration is associated with increased composite graft viability. All experimental groups showed a significantly higher survival rate and microvessel density, compared with the control group. Pre-administration of PRP was followed by the highest graft survival rate and revascularization. PRP treatments are minimally invasive, fast, easily applicable, and inexpensive, and offer a potential clinical pathway to larger composite grafts.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.168-171
• /
• 2016

Signalment: An 8-month-old female Alaskan malamute was presented for progressive cluster seizure disorder. Results: There were no abnormalities on neurological examination, survey radiographs, or blood analysis. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography revealed extension of the olfactory bulb and frontal lobe into the nasal cavity. They also confirmed abnormal anatomy of the nasal turbinates within the rostral part of the nasal cavity and the absence of a cribriform plate. On T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, the herniated brain showed heterogeneous and hyperintense signals consistent with intraparenchymal edema. Transverse MR images showed brain herniation into the right frontal cavity and an asymmetrical lateral ventricle because of a left midline shift. On contrast-enhanced MR images, the protruding brain parenchyma was mildly enhanced. Ethmoidal encephalocele was suspected as the final diagnosis. Despite symptomatic treatment, the dog continued to exhibit seizures and was euthanized. Clinical relevance: Ethmoidal encephalocele is a rare disease in dogs. However, it could be considered as a cause of seizure in young dogs.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.73-77
• /
• 2001

Object : To determine whether to use surgical or medical therapy in treatment of infectious intracranial aneurysms, we reviewed two recent cases of infectious intracranial aneurysms and others known previous reports of aforementioned cases. Hence, we attempted to compare the validity and effectiveness of surgical and medical treatment. Method : Recently, we treated two cases of ruptured infectious intracranial aneurysms. In former case, the aneurysm was located distal to the middle cerebral artery in a patient with mild mitral regurgitation of the heart. In latter case, the aneurysm was multiple with varying hemorrhage. The hemorrhage was located bilaterally and a moderate mitral regurgitation and infective endocarditis were accompanied in this patient. Result : Due to the large size of the intracranial hematoma, stable medical condition, and easy resectability, we treated the former patient surgically. And, because of successive hemorrhage by multiple aneurysmal rupture, and the risk of heart failure, we treated the latter patient medically with serial follow-up angiography. Both patients are at present in good health. Conclusion : Because of the variability in associated factors, such as the patient's health, the number of lesions, location, anatomy of the aneurysms and the causative organism, each patient's care must be individualized and tailored to the patient's particular clinical situation.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.58 no.1
• /
• pp.37-40
• /
• 2015

The presence of a single coronary artery is a rare congenital anomaly; such patients often present with severe myocardial ischemia. We experienced the case of a 13-year-old girl with the right coronary artery originating from the left circumflex artery. She visited our Emergency Department owing to severe chest pain; her cardiac enzyme levels were elevated, but her initial electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal. Echocardiography showed normal anatomy and normal regional wall motion. When she presented with recurrent chest pain on admission, the ECG showed significant ST-segment elevation in the left precordial leads and inferior leads with ST-segment depression in aVR lead, suggesting myocardial ischemia, and her cardiac enzyme levels were also elevated. We performed coronary angiography that showed a single right coronary artery originating from the left circumflex artery without stenosis. We confirmed the presence of a single coronary artery using coronary computed tomography. In addition, the treadmill test that was performed showed normal results. She was discharged from the hospital without any medications but with a recommendation of a regular followup.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.289-293
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The retroauricular flap has many advantages for facial reconstruction and is being performed by many surgeons. However, it is difficult for the retroauricular flap to perform reconstruction of the upper region of the auricle and its surroundings, due to limited rotation arc and length of pedicle. We successfully reconstructed the upper region of the auricle and its surroundings with retroauricular flap by using the superior auricular artery as a supplying pedicle. The purpose of this study is to present an anatomic study about the superior auricular artery and its clinical application. Methods: We investigated the relationship between the superior auricular artery and its surrounding structures through anatomic studies with 7 fresh cadavers and then applied the findings clinically. From February to December 2008, we performed 7 cases of the superior auricular artery island flap to reconstruct the defects in patients operated on skin cancer. Sizes of the defects varied form $0.8{\times}0.8cm$ to $3.5{\times}3.0cm$. Results: We found that the superior auricular artery is a reliable pedicle for the retroauricular flap, based on anatomical studies. All wounds of the patients were successfully closed. The flap donor site was primary closed except in one patient with a large defect. The aesthetic outcomes of the donor and recipient sites were satisfying. Conclusions: The superior auricular artery island flap has several advantages. Therefore, we suggest that the superior auricular artery island flap is a treatment of choice for reconstructing soft tissue defect at the upper region of the auricle and its surrounding area.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.133-142
• /
• 2019

PURPOSE: This study examined the effectiveness of an active lifestyle on the HRV and fitness of the older female adults. METHODS: Eighty female older adults (72.68±3.78 years) were sampled from a senior wellness institute. Accelerometers were distributed to each participant to have the device attached to them for one week, and the physical activity data (Energy expenditure in Kcal) of each participant were analyzed. Participants were divided into 3 groups (<1,000 Kcal vs 1,000 to 1,500 Kcal vs ≥1,500 Kcal) based on the amount of weekly physical activity. Before and after data analysis, the HRV was measured at resting state and the Senior Fitness Test was performed. RESULTS: One way ANOVA showed a significant difference in the HRV between the three groups. Group A (≥ 1,500 Kcal) was superior in HF and HF/HF + LF whereas Group C (<1,000 Kcal) showed high level of LF, LF/HF, and LF/HF+LF. The same statistics revealed significant differences in fitness. Most of the fitness variables were superior in Group A and B compared to Group C. Significant correlations were observed between physical activity and both HRV and in fitness. CONCLUSION: Theses results suggest that an active lifestyle may be an effective intervention for the prevention of both cardiometabolic disorder and improvement of the fitness level in older female adults.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.243-252
• /
• 2014

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the dose-dependent effects of Gastrodia elata Blume for memory improvement. Methods: This study was a 12-weeks, double blind, and comparative clinical study. Those who were eligible worked with a group of healthy seniors, all 60 years of age or older. 22 subjects were randomized either to Gastrodia elata Blume powder form that was steeped in hot water or placebo. We measured the faculty of memory by using MMSE-K, Digit Span, Letter Fluency Test, Word List Memory Test, and Trail Making Test, and again after 12 weeks. Results: 1) Neither Gastrodia elata Blume groups nor control have a difference in MMSE-K, Digit Span, Letter Fluency Test, and Trail Making Test. 2) Gastrodia elata Blume group showed significant advances in immediate recall 1 and 2 of Word List Memory Test, and 3 g group show better results than the 4 g group. 3) 4 g Gastrodia elata Blume group showed significant advances in the recognition of Word List Memory Test. Conclusions: The results suggest that positive effects on memory improvement due to Gastrodia elata Blume depend on the amount.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.346-352
• /
• 2020

Background: We aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgical repair of Kommerell diverticulum (KD) with individualized surgical methods. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of adult patients (aged ≥17 years) who underwent surgery to treat KD between June 2008 and October 2019. Results: Nine patients (median age, 45 years; range, 19-67 years; 7 men) underwent surgical repair. The indications for surgical therapy were acute aortic dissection in 2 patients, the presence of compressive symptoms due to dilated KD in 4 patients, and aneurysm growth in 3 patients. Various surgical techniques were used: (1) resection of the diverticulum stump and revascularization of the aberrant subclavian artery (n=3), (2) one-stage total-arch replacement including the diverticulum segment (n=3), and (3) hybrid repair (n=3). Early mortality occurred in 1 case of hybrid repair. Transient paraparesis occurred in a patient who underwent total arch repair as part of complicated acute aortic dissection. During follow-up (median duration, 30 months; range, 7-130 months), no late death or associated aortic complications were documented. All survivors were free from symptoms and had no abnormal findings on follow-up computed tomography. Conclusion: With a customized surgical approach and appropriate consideration of patient-specific anatomy and associated comorbidities, KD can be repaired with favorable outcomes.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.336-346
• /
• 2013

Intrathecal drug delivery is an effective and safe option for the treatment of chronic pathology refractory to conventional pain therapies. Typical intrathecal administered drugs are opioids, baclofen, local anesthetics and adjuvant medications. Although knowledge about mechanisms of action of intrathecal drugs are every day more clear many doubt remain respect the correct location of intrathecal catheter in order to achieve the best therapeutic result. We analyze the factors that can affect drug distribution within the cerebrospinal fluid. Three categories of variables were identified: drug features, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and patients features. First category includes physicochemical properties and pharmacological features of intrathecal administered drugs with special attention to drug lipophilicity. In the second category, the variables in CSF flow, are considered that can modify the drug distribution within the CSF with special attention to the new theories of liquoral circulation. Last category try to explain inter-individual difference in baclofen response with difference that are specific for each patients such as the anatomical area to treat, patient posture or reaction to inflammatory stimulus. We conclude that a comprehensive evaluation of the patients, including imaging techniques to study the anatomy and physiology of intrathecal environment and CSF dynamics, could become essential in the future to the purpose of optimize the clinical outcome of intrathecal therapy.