• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.235-241
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• 2017

Background: The Ross/Ross-Konno procedure is considered a good option for irreparable aortic valve disease in pediatric patients because of its hemodynamic performance and potential for growth of the pulmonary autograft. This study is a review of the long-term results of our 20-year experience with the Ross and Ross-Konno operations in a single institution. Methods: Between June 1995 and January 2016, 16 consecutive patients (mean age, $6.0{\pm}5.9years$; range, 16 days to 17.4 years) underwent either a Ross operation (n=9) or a Ross-Konno operation (n=7). The study included 12 males and 4 females, with a median follow-up period of 47 months (range, 6 to 256 months). Results: There were no cases of in-hospital or late mortality. Six reoperations were performed in 5 patients. Four patients underwent right ventricular-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit replacement. Two patients underwent concomitant replacement of the pulmonary autograft and RV-PA conduit 10 years and 8 years after the Ross operation, respectively. The rate of freedom from adverse outcomes of the pulmonary autograft was 88% and 70% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. The rate of freedom from valve-related reoperations was 79% and 63% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Conclusion: Pulmonary autografts demonstrated good durability with low mortality. The Ross/Ross-Konno procedure is a good option that can be performed safely in pediatric patients with aortic valve disease, even in a small-volume center.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.533-541
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• 1995

We recently developed a new model of moving actuator type totally implantable artificial heart[TIAH , based on the reverse position of the aortic and pulmonary conduits. This concept was proposed by one of surgeons in our team[Joon-Ryang Rho, M.D. to facilitate anatomical fitting of TIAHs. The moving actuator type electromechanical TIAH consisted of the left and right blood sacs, and the moving actuator including a motor. The inverted umbrella type polyurethane valves were used in the blood pumps. The aortic conduit was positioned anterior to the pulmonary conduit, which was the opposite relation to the conventional configuration of other total artificial hearts. We also adapted slip-in connectors for the aortic and pulmonary conduits. Two sheep , weighing 60-69 kg, were used for implantation. After small cervical incision and trans-sternal bilateral thoracotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass [CPB was administered using an American Optical 5-head pump and a membrane oxygenator[Univox-IC, Bentley . The anterior and posterior vena cavae were drained separately for venous return. An arterial return cannula was inserted into the right common carotid artery. During CPB, almost all of the ventricular myocardium was excised down to the atrioventricular groove and the artificial heart was implanted. We achieved 3-day survival in the first sheep and 2-day survival in the second. The day after operation the first sheep was successfully extubated and the second sheep was weaned from a respirator with good condition. After extubation, the first sheep walked around in the cage and fed herself. Serial laboratory and hemodynamic examinations were done during the experiments. In both sheep, pulmonary dysfunction was gradually developed, which was accompanied by acute renal failure. The animals were sacrificed and autopsy was done. Unexpected pregnnacy was incidentally found in both sheep. To our knowledge this is the first report of significant survival cases in the orthotopic implantation of electric TIAH using sheep.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.646-650
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• 1996

The usual methods for the re-attachment of coronary ostia to the ascending aortic conduit have several disadvantages and potential complications. A novel, straight forward technique is described that allows for tension free anastomoses to be co structed with minimal risk of blood loss and a reduced risk of reoperation for false aneurysms at the anastomoses. We performed this technique for the treatment of a 40-yrs-old male patient of acute aortic dissection (Stanford Type A, DeBakey Type I) with severe aortic re- gurgitation. The techinque comprised anastomosis of a beveled interposition tube graft to the left main coronary artery ostium, and its proximal anastomosis to the ascending aortic graft after seating the com- posite valve graft in the prepared aortic annulus. With this technique, the low-Iying or distant left main coronary ostium can be easily reattached to the ascending conduit without undue tension.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2004

Background: For the treatment of isolated left main coronary artery disease, twelve arterial revascularizations with Y-composite grafts using left internal thoracic artery and radial artery or right gastroepiploic artery were peformed. This study was performed to investigate whether V-composite graft can satisfy the blood flow required to make myocardium act properly or not. Borderline stenotic lesions on the left main coronary artery, which are very prone to remodel the bypassed vessels due to competitive flows, were also considered. Material and Method: Among 247 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting from March 2000 to April 2003, 12 patients (4.7%) who had received total arterial revascularizations for the isolated left main coronary artery disease were studied retrospectively. Result: left anterior descending arteries were bypassed with left internal thoracic artery by off-pump technique in all patients, however, 2 cases of left obtuse marginal branches were bypassed under on-pump beating heart. Except for one patient, who did not have an obtuse marginal branch more than 1 mm in diameter, 11 patients had gone through complete arterial revascularizations by use of the Y shape arterial graft. Among five patients who had less than 75% stenosis, one patient showed string sign on left internal thoracic artery grafted to left anterior descending artery. However, two grafts to obtuse marginal blanches were completely obstructed and one showed slender sign. There were no graft-dominant flow in patients with stenotic lesion less than 75%. On the contrary to the result of patients with stenotic lesions less than 75%, all the patients with stenotic lesions more than 90% showed graft-dominant blood flow. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is assumed that, when stenotic lesions are over 90%, coronary artery bypass grafting with an Y shape arterial graft could possibly give enough help to the obstructed coronary arteries in blood supplying to myocardium, which needs massive quantity of blood to act well. However, when patients have borderline stenoses, through scrupulous examinations, more prudent and flexible decisions are required in choosing the treatment methods, such as, direct anastomosis of vein or artery to aorta, or adding supplementary treatment methods like percutaneous coronary intervention, rather than choosing a fixed treatment methods.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.384-390
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• 2003

Background: Since Ross and Sormeville first reported the use of aortic homograft valve for correction of pulmonary atresia in 1966, homograft valves are widely used in the repair of congenital anomalies as conduits between the pulmonary ventricle and pulmonary arteries. On the basis of these results, we have used it actively. In this report, we describe our experience with the use of cryopreserved valved homograft conduits for infants and children requiring right ventricle to pulmonary artery connection in various congenital cardiac anomalies. Material and Method: Between January, 1996 and December 2001, 27 infants or children with a median age of 16 months(range 9days to 18years) underwent repair of RVOTO using homograft valved conduit by two surgeons. We studied 22 patients who have been followed up at least more than one year. The diagnosis at operation included pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (n=13), truncus arteriosus (n=3), TGA or corrected TGA with RVOTO (n=6). Homograft valved conduits varied in size from 15 to 26 mm (mean, 183.82 mm). The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 80.4 months (median, 48.4 months). Result: There was no re-operation due to graft failure itself. However, early progressive pulmonary homograft valve insufficiency developed in one patient, that was caused by dilatation secondary to the presence of residual distal pulmonary artery stenosis and hypoplasia after repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. This patient was required reoperation (conduit replacement). During follow-up period, there were significant pulmonary stenosis in one, and pulmonary regurgitation more than moderate degree in 3. And there were mild calcifications at distal anastomotic site in 2 patients. All the calcified homografts were aortic in origin. Conclusion: We observed that cryopreserved homograft conduits used in infant and children functioned satisfactorily in the pulmonic position at mid-term follow-up. To enhance the homograft function, ongoing investigation is required to re-establish the optimal strategy for the harvest, preservation and the use of it.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.650-659
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• 1998

Between August 1996 and August 1997, 22 patients underwent extracardiac Fontan operations. The basic diagnoses included univentricular heart of the right ventricular type (n=12); univentricular heart of the left ventricular type (n=4); tricuspid atresia (n=4); left isomerism, transposition of great arteries, ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis (n=1); and criss-cross heart with uneven ventricle (n=1). The median age of the 14 men and 8 women was 29 months (range from 21 months to 26 years). Previous procedures included bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (n=15, interval=15.6$\pm$3.4 months), Kawashima operation (n=4, interval=37.5$\pm$20 months), and classic Glenn shunt (n=1, interval=14 years). In 2 patients, extracardiac Fontan operations were done without any previous procedures. A 16- to 22-mm flexible Gore-Tex tube graft (n=18), Hemashield graft (n=3), or, alternatively, a nonvalved aortic allograft (n=1) was cut and anastomosed end-to-end between inferior vena cava and undersurface of pulmonary artery using Gore-Tex or Prolene suture in a running fashion. In risk Fontan patients (n=12), a communication between the extracardiac conduit and the right atrium was constructed. In the most 13 recent patients, the procedures were done without cross-clamping of the aorta and with a beating heart. Operative mortality was 9.1% (n=2). Complications included persistent chest tube drainage for more than 7 days (n=5), chorea (n=2), and low cardiac output (n=1). There were no late deaths. Follow-up echocardiogram (mean: 6 months) demonstrated satisfactory hemodynamic results in the surviving 20 patients. Potential advantages of this technique consist of minimization of surgical manipulation of atrial tissue, reduction or elimination of myocardial ischemia, creationof a uniform and stable inferior vena cava-to-pulmonary artery conduit, and increased flexibility and safety in certain high-risk patients such as those with increased pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary hypertension, and impaired ventricular function. Further investigations during a longer follow-up are needed to confirm the intermediate and long-term results, especially the reduction of late atrial arrhythmias.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.1 s.270
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• pp.1-7
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• 2007

Backgound: It has been shown that the endothelium of cardiac valves and adjacent great vessels have a reduced immune reaction compared to other vessels. We investigated the clinical feasibility of using immunologically untreated xenogenic valves, in a pig-to-goat pulmonary valve conduit implantation model. Material and Method: Porcine pulmonary valve conduits were prepared without specific immunologic treatment and implanted into the right ventricular outflow tract of goats while undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Two goats each were assigned to the following observation time intervals: one day, one week, three months, six months and twelve months. Echo-cardiographic examinations were performed prior to sacrifice of the goat to evaluate pulmonary valve function. After the xenograft specimens were retrieved, histological changes were evaluated microscopically. Result: Ten of the twelve animals survived the predetermined observation time intervals. Aneurysmal dilatations, of the anterior wall of the implanted pulmonary artery, were observed at each of three and twelve month-survival animals. A variable degree of pulmonary valve regurgitation was observed on echocardiography. However, valve stenosis, thrombotic occlusion and vegetation were not seen. Microscopically, the nuclei of the donor tissue disappeared as a result of pyknosis and karyolysis; however the three components of the implanted xenografts (the pulmonary artery, the valve and the infundibulum) were gradually replaced by host cells over time, while maintaining their structural integrity. Conclusion: Immunologically untreated xenogenic pulmonary valve conduits were replaced by host cells with few observed clinical problems in a pig to goat pulmonary valve implantation model. Therefore, they might be an alternative bioprosthesis option.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.635-642
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• 1985

Double outlet left ventricle [DOLV] is a rare cardiac anomaly in which both great arteries arise entirely, or predominantly above the morphologically left ventricle. About 100 cases of DOLV have been reported in the literatures by 1984. We have experienced eight cases of DOLV at Seoul National University Hospital during the period from October 1981 to July 1905. Ages of the patients were ranged from 12 months to 24 years old, and chief complaints on admission were frequent URI and DOE in 5 cases and cyanosis in other 3 cases. In all eight patients, Cardiac catheterization and cineangiography were performed but pre-operative diagnoses were incorrect except one case [VSD in 2 cases, DORV in 2cases, c-TGA in 2 cases and TOF in one case] We have performed total corrective surgery in seven patients. In case I, patch closure of VSD aligning aorta and pulmonary artery with LV, ligation of proximal pulmonary artery and the use of external valved conduit from RV to PA have been employed. In other 6 cases, intraventricular repair using boomerang shaped Dacron patch with correction of associated anomalies were employed. In remaining one patient who had coexistent PDA and coarctation of aorta, we have performed coarctoplasty and PDA ligation initially and the patient is waiting for subsequent total corrective procedure. In seven patients whom we have performed total corrective surgery, there is one hospital mortality due to right heart failure and one complication of complete heart block necessitating permanent pacemaker implantation. All survivors are doing well in follow up period of 9 months to 4 years. To our knowledge, this is the first report of surgical experiences for DOLV in the Korean literature.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2019

Purpose: Penetrating vascular trauma though less common poses a challenge to all Surgeons. This study was designed to analyse the profile, management modalities of vascular trauma and the outcomes thereof at a Trauma Care Centre in a Tertiary care setting in hostile environment in India. Methods: A prospective review of all patients with arterial and venous injuries being transferred to the Trauma Center at out Tertiary Care Center between June 2015 and May 2018 was done. Demographics, admission data, treatment, and complications were reviewed. Results: There were a total of 46 patients with 65 vascular injuries, 39 arterial injuries and 26 venous injuries. The age range was 21 to 47 years. Nineteen patients had both arterial and venous injuries. A total of 42 cases presented within 12 hours of injury and complete arterial transections were found in 33 cases (80.49%). There were three mortalities (6.52%) and three amputations (8.33%). The overall limb salvage rate was 91.67% with popliteal artery being the commonest injured artery. Poor prognosticators for limb salvage were increasing time to present to the trauma centre, hypovolemic shock, multi-organ trauma and associated venous injuries. Conclusions: Penetrating missile trauma leading to vascular injuries has not been widely reported. Attempting limb salvage even in cases with delayed presentation should be weighed with the threat to life before revascularisation and should preferably be done at a centre with vascular expertise. A team approach with vascular, orthopaedic, general surgeons, and critical care anaesthesiologists all aboard improve the outcomes manifold. Use of tourniquets and early fasciotomies have been emphasized as is the use of native veins as the bypass conduit. This is probably the largest study on penetrating Vascular trauma in anti-terrorism ops from the Indian subcontinent. It highlights the significance of prompt recognition and availability of vascular expertise in optimally managing cases of vascular trauma.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.659-665
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• 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and midterm results of off-pump total arterial revascularization using the skeletonized right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) as a third arterial conduit. Material and Method: We prospectively analyzed 103 patients who underwent off-pump total arterial revascularization using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (ITAS) and RGEA. The RGEA was used as in situ graft in 88 patients, composite graft in 10 patients, and free graft in 5 patients. Postoperative coronary angiographies were performed before discharge in 100 patients, and at postoperative one year in 88 patients. Result: The RGEA showed a significantly higher free flow (130$\pm$95 ml/min) than that of right ITA(113$\pm$57 ml/min) or left ITA (107$\pm$55 ml/min), which was measured before anastomosis (p < 0.05). The total number of distal anastomoses was 3.8$\pm$0.7. The number of distal anastomoses per bilateral ITAs was 2.8$\pm$0.7 and the number of distal anastomosis per RGEA was 1.0. There were two morialities including one operative mortality. The late mortality was not related to cardiac events. Early postoperative morbidities were atrial fibrillation in 15 patients, bleeding reoperation in 4 patients, mediastinitis in 1 patients, perioperative myocardial infarction in 2 patient, and transient ARF in 3 patients. Postoperative coronary angiographies showed the early patency rate of 98.6％ (272/276) for ITAs and 97.0％ (97/100) for RGEA, respectively (p=ns), and the one-year patency rate of 95.9％ (234/244) for ITAs and 88.6％ (78/88) for RGEA, respectively (p=0.07). Flow competition between the RGEA and NCA (native coronary artery) was seen in 5 of the 100 patients (5.0％) immediate postoperatively and 7 of the 88 patients (8.0％) 1 year after surgery. Since July, 2000, we measured transit time flow intraoperatively and could reduce flow competition significantly Conclusion: The skeletonized RGEA demonstrated excellent early and midterm patency rates and could be used as a third arterial graft following the bilateral ITAs.