• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.142-149
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• 2003

To know the feasibility of the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for multivessel coronary artery disease with purely bilateral internal thoracic arteries (ITAs), we analyzed the short-term clinical results and the coronary angiography of the patients. Material and Method: From March 2001 to June 2002, four hundred and five patients underwent CABG. Purely bilateral ITAs were used in 159 patients (39.3%). We analyzed these patients retrospectively The mean age of these patients was $61.2{\pm}8.5$ (range: 30 ~80) years and there were 123 male patients. The preoperative risk factors were as follows: diabetes in 54 patients (34.0%), history of acute myocardiac infarction within 4 weeks in 29 (18.2%), and emergency operation in 6 (3.8%). Off-pump CABG was carried out in 128 patients (80.5%). Associated procedures were mitral valvuloplasty (5), aortic valve replacement (3), Dor procedure (1), and so on. Result: The mean number of distal anastomoses was $3.1{\pm}0.9$ (range: 2~6), the mean duration of hospital stay was $8.4{\pm}4.5$ days. There was one (0.6%) operative death. Except for one early death, no other patients suffered from low cardiac output. The other postoperative complications were occurred as follows: reoperation due to bleeding in 3 patients, perioperative myocardiac infarction in 1, transient cardiac arrest in 2, transient cognitive dysfunction in 7, and transient ischemic attack in 1, and deep sternal wound infection in 1 patient. Recently, early postoperative angiography was performed in 19 patients who had triple vessel disease. The total number of distal anastomosis was 78 (mean $4.1{\pm}0.8$/patient). All distal anastomosis sites were patent, but competition flow was observed at the bypass sites where the native coronary artery stenosis was not significant. Conclusion: The CABG with purely bilateral ITAs for triple vessel disease was performed safely. The early patency rate was relatively good in small number of patients. However the long-term patency rate and the functional study to evaluate the sites where competition flow was observed should be followed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.157-163
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• 2003

Traditionally, patients with stage IIIB non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been con-sidered Inoperable due to the short-term survival rate of this disease. However, some recent papers have reported good surgical treatment results for T4 lesions in stage IIIB NSCLC. This study reports the results of stage IIIB NSCLC patients who underwent surgical treatment at our institute. Material and Method: This study includes 109 patients who were diagnosed with pathological stage IIIA lung cancer and 59 patients who were diagnosed with pathological stage IIIB at our institute between 1994 to December 2001. Patients who underwent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy were excluded from this study. According to the TNM classification, 13 patients from stage IIIA were classified into T3N1, 12 into T1N2, 73 into T2N2 and 11 into T3N2. Stage IIIB patients consisted of 26 patients with T4N0, 18 with T4Nl, 14 with T4N2, and 1 with T4N3. Result: The 30-day mortality for stage IIIA and IIIB were 4.58% and 5.08% respectively. The overall survival rate at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th year were 69.1%, 53.7%, 41.6%, and 30.7% respectively in stage IIIA and 68.8%, 55.6%, 42.9%, and 35.9% respectively in stage IIIB. Patients with satellite nodules in the same lobe & no Iymph node involvement had a survival rate of 53.9% in 3 years compared with 15.2% in patients with satellite nodules in the same lobe with Iymph node involvement. Conclusion: Surgical treatment is recommended for selected stage IIIB NSCLC patients (pathological N0 stage & completely resectable patients), particularly for patients with satellite nodules in the same lobe & no lymph node involvement.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.131-135
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• 2003

Bovine pericardium fixed in glutaraldehyde solution (GA) has been one of the most popular surgical bioprosthesis, however, late calcific degeneration after implantation remains to be solved. To mitigate calcific degeneration, we posttreated the bovine pericardium with amino acids after GA fixation. Material and Method: 40 small pieces of bovine pericardia were fixed in 0.625% GA solution with 4 g/L $MgCl_26H_2O$as a control group (group 1). 40 pieces fixed in the same GA solution were posttreated with 2% chitosan solution (group 2) and the other 40 pieces posttreated with 8% glutamate (group 3). These were implanted into the belly of forty Fisher 344 rats subdermally and extracted at f month, 2 months, 3 months and 4 months after implantation. Result: With atomic absorption spectrophotometry we measured the deposited calcium amount and the results were as follows; 2.01 $\pm$0.13 mg/g in group 1, 2.34$\pm$0.73 mg/g in group 2, 2.49$\pm$0.15 mg/g in group 3 at 1 month after implantation, and 3.57$\pm$0.15 mg/g in group 1, 3.52$\pm$0.92 mg/g in group 2, 3.46$\pm$0.12 mg/g in group 3 at the second month. But 5.45$\pm$0.42 mg/g in group 1, 3.22 $\pm$1.31 mg/g in group 2 and 4.20$\pm$0.55 mg/g in group 3 at the 3rd month, which have statistical significance in group 2 (p<0.05). Finally at 4th month, 6.01$\pm$1.21 mg/g in group 1, 3.78$\pm$1.82 mg/g in group 2, 3.92$\pm$0.92 mg/g in group 3, which also have statistical significance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This means posttreatment with 2% chitosan shows meaningful calcium mitigation effects after 3rd month on subcutaneously implanted bovine pericardium in the rat models but 8% glutamate shows mitigation effect after 4months in this experiment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제36권9호
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• pp.646-650
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• 2003

Many surgical techniques for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) have been used with their excellent results and advantages. Here, we report our simple posterior annuloplasty techniques using vascular graft strip with their early results. Material and Method: Twenty two patients (13 male) underwent the operations for IMR (excluding the papillary muscle rupture) from December 2001 to January 2003. Preoperative risk factors were low ejection fraction (<35％, n=9), hypertension (n=13), diabetes (n=9), and renal failure (Cr>2.5, n=4). The wide dissection beneath the both vena cavae and interatrial groove after bicaval cannulation enabled the easy exposure of mitral valve even in the small left atrium. After eight or nine interrupted sutures in posterior annulus for anchoring the 6 mm width vascular graft strip, symmetric (n=8) or asymmetric (n=14) annuloplasty were done. Combined surgeries were CABG (n=21), Dor procedures (n=3), tricuspid valve annuloplasty (n=1), Maze operation (n=1), and aorto-right subclavian artery bypass (n=1). Result: Except for one surgical mortality, all the patients were doing well and the mean grade of regurgitation was decreased from 2.95 to 0.88, however the ejection fraction had not changed significantly just before discharge. Post-operative valve function evaluated before discharge revealed no residual regurgitation in 8 (including 1 patient with mild stenosis due to over reduction), minimal in 11, mild in 2, and mild to moderate regurgitation in 1. One patient who had ischemic cardiomyopathy and renal failure died of the arrhythmia during the hemodialysis. Conclusion: These observations suggest that the annuloplasty with vascular graft strip could be a safe and cost effective techniques for ischemic mitral regurgitation. However, the long term evaluation for the mitral valve function should be defined for the final conclusion.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제37권9호
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• pp.727-734
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• 2004

The Lecompte procedure for transposition of the great arteries has an advantage because it obviates the need for an extracardiac conduit for the reconstruction of the pulmonary outflow tract. We evaluated the effectiveness and the application of the Lecompte procedure. Material and Method: A retrospective review was conducted of the records of 46 patients who underwent the Lecompte procedure during the past 15 years. Mean age at operation was 29.2$\pm$20.3 (range: 3∼83) months. The diagnoses involved anomalies of the ventriculoarterial connection with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction, such as transposition of the great arteries, double-outlet right ventricle, and double-outlet left ventricle. Result: Early mortality was 4.4% (2 of 46 patients) and late mortality was 6.8% (3 of 44). The mean follow-up was 11.2$\pm$6.9 years. Eighteen patients (43.9% of survivors, n=41) had pulmonary stenosis (pressure gradient above 30 mmHg), the main reason for which was a calcified monocusp valve (n=15, 83.3%). Seventeen of 46 patients (37.0%) underwent reoperation: 15 for pulmonary stenosis, 5 for residual ventricular septal defect, 4 for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, 3 for pulmonary insufficiency, and 4 for other causes. The cumulative survival rates were 91.3$\pm$4.2%, and 87.0$\pm$5.8% at 10 and 15 years, respectively. The actuarial probabilities of freedom from reoperation for pulmonary stenosis were 90.6$\pm$4.5%, 73.9$\pm$7.3%, and 54.0$\pm$10.4% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Conclusion: The Lecompte procedure is an effective treatment modality. Repair in early age is possible with acceptable morbidity and mortality, but recurrent right ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by degeneration of the monocusp valve is a problem that needs resolution.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제37권9호
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• pp.742-748
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• 2004

The On-X valve was recently introduced. It was the aim of this study to assess the safety and feasibility from the data derived from 28 patients who underwent aortic and/or mitral valve replacement with this prosthesis in National Medical Center. Material and Method： From May 1999 and May 2003, a series of 28 consecutive patients who had been implanted with 32 On-X prosthesis were reviewed, The operative procedure comprised of 12 MVR, 10 AVR and 6 DVR. The study followed the guidelines of AATS/STS. Mean follow-up was 27 months (total 04 patient-years). Result: Early ($\leq$30 days) mortality was 7.44% (2/28) and no late mortality occurred in the study. Total actuarial freedom from mortality at 2 years was 92.86$\pm$4.87% for all cases, 100% for MVR, 90$\pm$9.49% for AVR, and 83.3$\pm$1.52% for DVR. Thromboembolic event occurred in 2 MVR patients and that was the only complication; therefore, the linearized incidence of valve related complications was 3.17%/ patient-years for all cases and 6.5%/patient-years for MVR and the actuarial freedom from valve related complications at 2 years was 84.85$\pm$10.75%. Preoperatively, 24 (85.71%) patients were in NYHA functional class III or IV but postoperatively, 25 (89,29%) patients were in NYHA functional class I or II. The levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum LDH, reticulocyte rate and indirect bilirubin were all within normal range at postoperative 3 month. In mitral position, the peak gradient was 6.1$\pm$1.8 mmHg and the mean gradient was 3.0$\pm$0.6 mmHg and EOA were 2.54$\pm$0.56 $m^2$, 2.39$\pm$0.73 $m^2$, 2.34$\pm$0.55 $m^2$, 2.40$\pm$0.63 $m^2$ at 27 mm, 29 mm, 31 mm, 33 mm respectively. In aortic postion, the peak gradient was 21.1 $\pm$14.12 mmHg and the mean gradient was 12.3$\pm$6.52 mmHg. Conclusion: Since there was no significant difference in the postoperative mortality, valve related complications and echocardiographic hemodynamic data compared to standard bileaflet design and since there was an improvement in the NYHA functional class and normal values of hemolytic indicators, it can be assumed that On-X valve is safe and feasible. However, accumulation of cases and long-term follow-up of this patient group is needed to establish this result.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제37권9호
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• pp.762-767
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• 2004

With the developement of non-invasive surgical techeniques, coronary artery bypass graft without cardiopulmonary bypass has become popular. We compared the preoperative risk factors and in-hospital outcomes of patients having off-pump CABG with these having on-pump CABG. Material and Method： From January 2001 to June 2003, 87 patients underwent CABG. Thirty-sin patients underwent on-pump CABG, fifty-one patients under-went off-pump CABG. Preoperative risk factors, extent of coronary disease, operative time, postoperative endotracheal intubation time, duration of ICU stay & hospital stay, the amount of bleeding and postoperative levels of cardiac enzymes were compared in both groups, Result: The were no differences in their sex ratios, ages, preoperative risk factors, preoperative Ml, Canadian classes, extent of coronary artery diseases and, echocardio-graphic ejection fraction between Off-pump CABG and On-pump CABG groups. Off-pump CABG group had significantly lower mean operative time (270$\pm$79.3 min vs 372$\pm$142.2 min, p＜0.001), mean ventilation time (17.1$\pm$13.4 hr vs 24.3$\pm$17.8 hr) and CK-MB level (8,9$\pm$18.7 IU/L vs 25.7$\pm$8.4 IU/L) than on-pump CABG groups, On-pump CABG group had more distal grafts (2.2$\pm$0.5 vs 1.7$\pm$0.71 than Off-pump CABG groups did. There were no differences in their postoperative complications and outcomes including amount of postoperative bleeding for 24 hrs, reoperation for bleeding control, mean in-hospital days, postoperative infection, renal failure and neurologic complications between Off-pump CABG and On-pump CABG groups. Conclusion: This study showed that patients who underwent Off-pump CABG had less operation time & intubation time and lower CK-MB level; however, they also have less distal graft. Even though CABG without CPB provided satisfactory results, more clinical experience & longer follow-up is required.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제37권9호
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• pp.768-773
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• 2004

Failure of mitral valve repair sometimes may be ascribed to severe or progressive alteration of the subvalvar apparatus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of new chordae formation on mitral repair. Material and Method: From March 1997 to february 1999, 26 patients underwent mitral valve repairs with new chordae formation, we compared the symptoms and echocardiographic findings checked at preoperative state, and intraoperative period, discharge, and their last OPD visit. There were 45 male, and 11 female patients, and their mean age was 51.2$\pm$43.4 years. Etiology of the lesions was degenerative (18), rheumatic (6), infective (1) and ischemic (1). Chordal lesions were caused by rupture (18), elongation (6), and a combination of two causes (2). Associated lesions included atrial septal defect (2), tricuspid insufficiency (7), aortic insufficiency(4), and a combination of previous two factors (2). The number of mean artificial chordae was 3.6$\pm$1.6. Annuloplasty was per-formed in all cases. The CPB time was 182,1$\pm$63.7 minutes and the ACC time was 133.1$\pm$45.6 minutes. Aver-age follow up period was 49.2$\pm$7.1 months. Result: There was no early death. Early reoperation was performed in bud patients, one patient received mitral valve replacement because of an abnormality of annuloplasty and ano-ther received pericardiostomy due to postoperative pericardial effusion. During the follow up of 49.2$\pm$7.1 moths, there was no late mortality. Postoperative NYHA functional class checked at last OPD visit was class I in 22 patients (88%), class II in 2 (8%), and class III in 1 (4%). Regarding the late echocardiogram MR was absent in 20 patients (78%), 1 in 4 (15%), and II in 1 (4%). The postrepair mitral valve area was 2.2$\pm$0.35 $\textrm{cm}^2$ Conclusion: This study suggests that mitral valve repair using new chordae formation provides good early and mid term survivals and functional improvement. We think that the artificial chorda formation with polytetrafluoroethylene suture might be safe and effective technique for mitral valve repair.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제37권9호
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• pp.787-792
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• 2004

Even though there well developments in various treatment techniques for acute limb ischemia, this disease is both life threatening and limb threatening. We investigated early and mid-term results of operation for acute limb ischemia with symptoms, the combined diseases, location of occlusion, complication in our patients. Material and Method: A retrospective review was conducted in 54 patients (43 men, 11 women, mean age 67.2 years) presenting with acute limb ischemia due to arterial thrombosis or embolism between Jan. 1996 and Dec. 2003, initially underwent thromboembolectomy. Result: In 33 patients (61.1%) the timeinterval from the onset of symptom to admission was within 24 hours. Causes of acute limb ischemia were embolic occlusion (27.8%), native arterial thrombosis (66.7%), and bypass graft thrombosis (5.6%). The distribution of arterial occlusion location was at 8 aortoiliac (14.8%) and 43 distal to femoral (79.6%) and brachial (5.6%). Clinical categories were grade I in 64.8%, IIa in 24.1%, IIb in 7.4%, and III in 3.7%, All the patients were received embolectomy. Underlying diseases were heart disease (72.2%), hypertension (33.3%), cerebrovascular accident (16.7%) and diabetes (18.5%). History of smoking was noted in 96,3% of the cases. Mortality rate was 5.6％ and overall amputation rate was 9.3% (5/54). The 1-year limb salvage rate was 93.62%. Postoperative complications were 1 wound infection, 1 G1 bleeding, 3 acute renal failure, and 1 compartment syndromes. The functional outcomes of the salvaged limb according to the recommended scale for gauging changes in clinical status, revised version in 1997 were +3 in 68.5%, +2 in 9.3%, +1 in 7.4%, -1 in 5.6%, -2 in 3.7%, and -3 in 5.6%. Conclusion: This study revealed 5.6% mortality and the amputation rate was 9.3%. We have retrospectively shown good results from early diagnosis & early operation. To improve outcome, early diagnosis and understand the underlying diseases, prompt treatment and operation would be appreciated.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제36권12호
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• pp.921-927
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• 2003

Arterial switch operation (ASO) has been the most effective surgical option for transposition of the great arteries. But, the inappropriate dilation of the neoaortic root has been reported and its effect on neoaortic valve function and growth of aorta has not been well documented. Material and Method: Forty-eight patients who underwent cardiac catheterization during follow up after arterial switch operation were included in this study. Arterial switch operation was performed at a median age of 18 days (range 1∼211 days). Preoperative cardiac catheterization was performed in 26 patients and postoperative catheterization was performed in all patients at 15.8$\pm$9.6 months after ASO. Postoperative ratios of the diameters of neoaortic annulus, root and aortic anastomosis against the descending aorta were compared to the size of preoperative pulmonary annular, root and sinotubular junction. Preoperative and operative parameters were analyzed for the risk factors of neoaortic insufficiency. Result: There were two clinically significant neoaortic insufficiencies (grade$\geq$II/IV) during follow up, one of which required aortic valve replacement. Another patient required reoperation due to aortic stenosis on the anastomosis site. Post-operatively, neoaortic annulus/DA ratio increased from 1.33$\pm$0.28 to 1.52$\pm$.033 (p=0.01) and neoaortic root/DA ratio increased form 2.02$\pm$0.40 to 2.56$\pm$0.38 (p<0.0001). However, the aortic anastomosis/DA ratio showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.06). There was no statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of neoaortic insufficiency and neoaortic annulus/DA ratio and neoaortic root/DA ratio. Non-neonatal repair (age>30days) (p=0.02), preopeative native pulmonaic valve stenosis (p=0.01), and bisuspid pulmonic valve (p=0.03) were the risk factors for neoaortic insufficiency in univariate risk factor analysis. Conclusion: After ASO, aortic anastomosis site showed normal growth pattern proportional to the descending aorta, but neoaortic valve annulus and root were disproportionally dilated. Significant neoaortic valve insufficiency rarely developed after ASO and neoaortic annulus and root size do not correlate with the presence of postoperative neoarotic insufficiency. ASO after neonatal period, preoperative native pulmonary valve stenosis, and bicuspid native pulmonic valve are risk factors for the development of neoaortic insufficiency.