• Korean Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.65-74
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• 2003

For virtual reality, virtual manufacturing system, or simulation based design, we need to visualize very large and complex 3D models which are comprising of very large number of polygons. To overcome the limited hardware performance and to attain smooth realtime visualization, there have been many researches about algorithms which reduce the number of polygons to be processed by graphics hardware. One of these algorithms, occlusion culling is a method of rejecting the objects which are not visible because they are occluded by other objects, and then passing only the visible objects to graphics hardware. Existing occlusion culling algorithms have some shortcomings such as the required long preprocessing time, the limitation of occluder shape, or the need for special hardware implementation. In this study, an efficient occlusion culling algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm reads and analyzes Z-buffer of graphics hardware using Microsoft DirectX, and then determines each object's visibility. This proposed algorithm can speed up visualization by reading Z-buffer using DirectX which can access hardware directly compared to OpenGL, by reading only the region to which each object is projected instead of reading the whole Z-Buffer, and the proposed algorithm can perform more exact visibility test by using simplified model instead of using bounding box. For evaluation, the proposed algorithm was applied to very large polygonal models. And smooth realtime visualization was attained.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.9
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• pp.1035-1037
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• 2009

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital heart defect. All PDAs, regardless of size or degree of symptoms, require occlusion. Transcatheter PDA occlusion features fewer complications than trans-thoracic closure. It is also more cost-effective and has an excellent occlusion rate. Therefore, transcatheter PDA occlusion is accepted as the standard treatment option for PDA. However, tubular-type PDAs are difficult to close with ordinary detachable coils or the Amplatzer Duct Occluder; thus, these lesions remain a challenge for transcatheter closure. We attempted to occlude a tubular-type PDA by using an oversized Amplatzer Vascular Plug, which allowed intraluminal packing of the ductus. By using this treatment method, PDA occlusion was achieved safely with an excellent final outcome. We suggest that this approach may be a good option for transcatheter closure of a tubular-type PDA.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.12
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• pp.1012-1017
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• 2010

Purpose: Transcatheter closure has become an effective therapy in most patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, there are difficulties in transcatheter closure of PDA in small children. We reviewed clinical outcomes of transcatheter closure of PDA in children weighing less than 10 kg in a single center. Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2009, 314 patients with PDA underwent transcatheter closure in our institute. Among them, 115 weighed less than 10 kg. All of these patients underwent transcatheter closure of PDA using either COOK Detachable $Coil^{(R)}$, PFM Nit-$Occlud^{(R)}$, or Amplatzer duct $occluder^{(R)}$. A retrospective review of the treatment results and complications was performed. Results: The mean age of patients was $9.1{\pm}5.9$ months (median, 8 months), and mean weight was $7.6{\pm}1.8kg$ (median, 7.8 kg). The mean diameter of PDA was $3.2{\pm}1.4mm$ (median, 3 mm). Complete occlusion occurred in 113 patients (98%). One patient was sent to surgery because of a failed attempt at device closure, and another patient had a small residual shunt after device placement. The average mean length of hospital stay was $3.0{\pm}3.3$ days, and mean follow-up duration was $21.0{\pm}19.6$ months. There were no major complications in any of the patients. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of PDA is considered safe and efficacious in infants weighing less than 10 kg. With sufficient experience and further effort, transcatheter closure of PDA can be accepted as the gold standard of treatment for this group of patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.469-475
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• 2007

Purpose : This study was performed to compare the safety, efficacy and clinical results of the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) for closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) with surgery. Methods : One hundred fifteen patients diagnosed as isolated secundum ASD in Gil Medical Center, Gachon University of Medicine from January 2000 to July 2006 were included. Seventy patients underwent surgical repair of ostium secundum ASD. Forty-five consecutive patients were treated with percutaneous closure using ASO. We compared the mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, and efficacy between two groups. Results : Male to female ratio was 1:2.4. The mean age and the size of defects were not statistically different. No mortality occurred in either group. The success rate was 97.8% in the device group and 100% in the surgical group. The overall rate of complications was higher in the surgical group than in the device group (64.0 vs. 15.6%, P<0.05). Hospital stay was shorter in the device group than in the surgical group ($4.2{\pm}1.2$ vs. $12.4{\pm}4.7days$, P<0.0001). Residual shunt rates were more frequent in the device group (8.9%) than in the surgical group (4.3%) at discharge. All residual shunts disappeared at 3 months follow-up. Conclusion : Percutaneous closure of ASD using ASO is a safe and effective alternative to surgical repair. The indications of percutaneous ASD closure with ASO would be expanded by accumulation of experiences and evolutions of device.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.488-493
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• 2009

Purpose : The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of recent-generation patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure devices applied by a new selection strategy according to the characteristics of each PDA. Methods : From February 2003 to January 2006, 138 patients underwent transcatheter closure of PDA (study group). According to the size and morphology of each ductus, a COOK Detachable Coil or 'flex' PFM Nit-Occlud was used for a small ductus (group 1, n=43); 'medium' PFM Nit-Occlud (group 2, n=49) for a moderate ductus; and an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (group 3, n=46) for a large ductus. The 83 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA from February 2000 to January 2003 were defined as the comparison group. The Qp/Qs ratio, pulmonary/aorta pressure ratio, and MD of the ductus were compared. Immediate and follow-up results including residual shunts and complications were also evaluated and compared among groups. Results : In all 138 patients, complete occlusions were confirmed without major complications, while procedure failure (n=2, 2.2%), device embolization (n=1, 1.1%), and persistent residual shunt (n=4, 4.5%) were documented in the comparison group. Total complication rates were lower in the study group than in the comparison group (study group, 1.4%; comparison group, 9.0%; P<0.05). Conclusion : A novel strategy adopting the merits of various recent-generation devices for transcatheter closure of PDA provides excellent clinical results with minimal risk.