• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.59-63
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• 2007

Operative clipping after previous endovascular coiling in an aneurysm is a different problem from primary clipping procedure for neurosurgeons. With the increasing use of coil embolization, neurosurgeons will more and more face the similar situation. We report surgical clipping cases of intracranial aneurysm regrown after endovascular coiling. Three patients with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured aneurysm underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) with detachable coils. The aneurysms were in the posterior communicating artery, the middle cerebral artery and distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA). Two near-total occlusions and one partial occlusion were achieved by EVT. After several months, angiographic follow-up revealed regrowth of the aneurysm requiring surgical clipping. Here, we report three cases in which surgical clipping was more difficult than a usual clipping procedure performed several months after EVT, because of adhesion and coil bulging into the aneurysmal neck. The difficulty of the treatment of the residual aneurysm after coiling is discussed, as are the surgical complications and limitations of clipping.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2010

Objective : To evaluate the clinical outcome of coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) compared with surgical clipping. Methods : A total of 19 patients presented with ONP caused by UIAs between Jan 2004 and June 2008. Ten patients underwent coil embolization and nine patients surgical clipping. The following parameters were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the differences in clinical outcome observed in both coil embolization and surgical clipping : 1) gender, 2) age, 3) location of the aneurysm, 4) duration of the symptom, and 5) degree of ONP. Results : Following treatment, complete symptomatic recovery or partial relief from ONP was observed in 15 patients. Seven of the ten patients were treated by coil embolization, compared to eight of the nine patients treated by surgical clipping (p = 0.582). Patient's gender, age, location of the aneurysm, size of the aneurysm, duration of symptom, and degree of the ONP did not statistically correlate with recovery of symptoms between the two groups. No significant differences were observed in mean improvement time in either group (55 days in coil embolization and 60 days in surgical clipping). Conclusion : This study indicates that no significant differences were observed in the clinical outcome between coil embolization and surgical clipping techniques in the treatment of aneurysms causing ONP. Coil embolization seems to be more feasible and safe treatment modality for the relief and recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.477-483
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• 2013

Objective : Although surgical techniques for clipping paraclinoid aneurysms have evolved significantly in recent times, direct microsurgical clipping of large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms remains a formidable surgical challenge. We review here our surgical experiences in direct surgical clipping of large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms, especially in dealing with anterior clinoidectomy, distal dural ring resection, optic canal unroofing, clipping techniques, and surgical complications. Methods : Between September 2001 and February 2012, we directly obliterated ten large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms. In all cases, tailored orbito-zygomatic craniotomies with extradural and/or intradural clinoidectomy were performed. The efficacy of surgical clipping was evaluated with postoperative digital subtraction angiography and computed tomographic angiography. Results : Of the ten cases reported, five each were of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Five aneurysms occurred in the carotid cave, two in the superior hypophyseal artery, two in the intracavernous, and one in the posterior wall. The mean diameter of the aneurysms sac was 18.8 mm in the greatest dimension. All large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms were obliterated with direct neck clipping without bypass. With the exception of the one intracavenous aneurysm, all large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms were occluded completely. Conclusion : The key features of successful surgical clipping of large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms include enhancing exposure of proximal neck of aneurysms, establishing proximal control, and completely obliterating aneurysms with minimal manipulation of the optic nerve. Our results suggest that internal carotid artery reconstruction using multiple fenestrated clips without bypass may potentially achieve complete occlusion of large paraclinoid aneurysms.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.212-218
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• 2018

Objective : Surgical clipping of the cerebral aenurysm is considered as a standard therapy with endovascular coil embolization. The surgical clipping is known to be superior to the endovascular coil embolization in terms of recurrent rate. However, a recurrent aneurysm which is initially treated by surgical clipping is difficult to handle. The purpose of this study was to research the management of the recurrent cerebral aneurysm after a surgical clipping and how to overcome them. Methods : From January 1996 to December 2015, medical records and radiologic findings of 14 patients with recurrent aneurysm after surgical clipping were reviewed retrospectively. Detailed case-by-case analysis was performed based on preoperative, postoperative and follow-up radiologic examinations and operative findings. All clinical variables including age, sex, aneurysm size and location, type and number of applied clips, prognosis, and time to recurrence are evaluated. All patients are classified by causes of the recurrence. Possible risk factors that could contribute to those causes and overcoming ways are comprehensively discussed. Results : All recurrent aneurysms after surgical clipping were 14 of 2364 (0.5%). Three cases were males and 11 cases were females. Mean age was 52.3. At first treatment, nine cases were ruptured aneurysms, four cases were unruptured aneurysms, and one case was unknown. Locations of recurrent aneurysm were determined; anterior communicating artery (A-com) (n=7), posterior communicating artery (P-com) (n=3), middle cerebral artery (n=2), anterior cerebral artery (n=1) and basilar artery (n=1). As treatment of the recurrence, 11 cases were treated by surgical clipping and three cases were treated by endovascular coil embolization. Three cases of all 14 cases occurred in a month after the initial treatment. Eleven cases occurred after a longer interval, and three of them occurred after 15 years. By analyzing radiographs and operative findings, several main causes of the recurrent cerebral aneurysm were found. One case was incomplete clipping, five cases were clip slippage, and eight cases were fragility of vessel wall near the clip edge. Conclusion : This study revealed main causes of the recurrent aneurysm and contributing risk factors to be controlled. To manage those risk factors and ultimately prevent the recurrent aneurysm, neurosurgeons have to be careful in the technical aspect during surgery for a complete clipping without a slippage. Even in a perfect surgery, an aneurysm may recur at the clip site due to a hemodynamic change over years. Therefore, all patients must be followed up by imaging for a long period of time.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.281-285
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• 2007

Objective : Distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms are fragile and known to have high risks for intraoperative premature rupture and a relatively high associated morbidity. To improve surgical outcomes of DACA aneurysms, we reviewed our surgical strategy and its results postoperatively. Methods : A total of 845 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms were operated in our hospital from January 1991 to December 2005. Twenty-three of 845 patients had ruptured DACA aneurysms which were operated on according to our surgical strategy. Our surgical strategy was as follows; early surgery, appropriate releasing of CSF, appropriate surgical approach, using neuronavigating system, securing the bridging veins, using temporary clipping and/or tentative clipping, meticulous manipulation of aneurysm, and using micro-Doppler flow probe. Twenty of 23 patients who had complete medical records were studied retrospectively. We observed the postoperative radiographic findings and checked Glasgow Outcome Scale score sixth months after the operation. Results : Nineteen DACA aneurysms were clipped through a unilateral interhemispheric approach and one DACA aneurysm was clipped through a pterional approach. Postoperative radiographic findings revealed complete clipping of aneurysmal neck without stenosis or occlusion of parent arteries. In two patients, a residual neck of aneurysm was visualized. Seventeen patients showed good recovery, one patient resulted in moderate disability, while 2 patients died. Conclusion : With our surgical strategy it was possible to achieve acceptable surgical morbidity and mortality rates in patients with DACA aneurysms. Appropriate use of tentative clipping, temporary clipping and neuro-navigating systems can give great help for safe approach and clipping of DACA aneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.591-597
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• 2022

Objective : Pituitary adenomas frequently extend into the suprasellar space. After a suprasellar tumor is removed, the superiorly extended arachnoid becomes redundant and sinks down into the intrasellar space which often hiders visualization and accessibility to the hidden space behind the evaginated arachnoid. We introduced arachnoid remodeling by clipping technique, and evaluated its usefulness and safety during TSS. Methods : Total 223 patients who underwent arachnoid remodeling with our new clipping technique were included. Redundant arachnoid was clipped along the dural edge with multiple 2.6-mm titanium clips until the redundant arachnoid membrane no longer blocked the surgical route. To check for possible deterioration of hormonal function by this technique, we assessed anterior pituitary function of 166 patients who underwent arachnoid remodeling by clipping and compared this with those of other 429 control patients. Results : Our technique greatly enhanced the accessibility and visualization of intrasellar and parasellar spaces, both of which are generally hindered by redundant arachnoid during transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). We found no difference in anterior pituitary function between a clip-assisted arachnoid remodeling group and the control group, implying that this technique does not result in hypopituitarism. Conclusion : During TSS for pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension, arachnoid remodeling by clipping technique is very useful and convenient for the management of the redundant arachnoid membrane to enhance visualization and surgical accessibility.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.458-465
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• 2016

Objective : The aim of this study is to analyze the differences in the incidence, predicting factors, and clinical course of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) following surgical clipping between unruptured (UIA) and ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA). Methods : We conducted a retrospective analysis of 752 patients (UIA : 368 and RIA : 384) who underwent surgical clipping during 8 years. The incidence and predicting factors of CSDH development in the UIA and RIA were compared according to medical records and radiological data. Results : The incidence of postoperative CSDH was higher in the UIA (10.9%) than in the RIA (3.1%) (p=0.000). In multivariate analysis, a high Hounsfield (HF) unit (blood clots) for subdural fluid collection (SFC), persistence of SFC ${\geq}5mm$ and male sex in the UIA and A high HF unit for SFC and SFC ${\geq}5mm$ without progression to hydrocephalus in the RIA were identified as the independent predicting factors for CSDH development (p<0.05). Conclusion : There were differences in the incidence and predicting factors for CSDH following surgical clipping between UIA and RIA. Blood clots in the subdural space and persistence of SFC ${\geq}5mm$ were predicting factors in both UIA and RIA. However, progression to hydrocephalus may have in part contributed to low CSDH development in the RIA. We suggest that cleaning of blood clots in the subdural space and efforts to minimize SFC ${\geq}5mm$ at the end of surgery is helpful to prevent CSDH following aneurysmal clipping.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.455-459
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• 2015

Objective : A cost comparison of the surgical clipping and endovascular coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), and the identification of the principal cost determinants of these treatments. Methods : This study conducted a retrospective review of data from a series of patients who underwent surgical clipping or endovascular coiling of UIAs between January 2011 and May 2014. The medical records, radiological data, and hospital cost data were all examined. Results : When comparing the total hospital costs for surgical clipping of a single UIA (n=188) and endovascular coiling of a single UIA (n=188), surgical treatment [$mean{\pm}$standard deviation (SD) : \$8,280,000{\pm}1,490,000$] resulted in significantly lower total hospital costs than endovascular treatment ($mean{\pm}SD$ : \$11,700,000{\pm}3,050,000$, p<0.001). In a multi regression analysis, the factors significantly associated with the total hospital costs for endovascular treatment were the aneurysm diameter (p<0.001) and patient age (p=0.014). For the endovascular group, a Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r=0.77) between the aneurysm diameter and the total hospital costs, while a simple linear regression provided the equation, y (\)=6,658,630+855,250x (mm), where y represents the total hospital costs and x is the aneurysm diameter. Conclusion : In South Korea, the total hospital costs for the surgical clipping of UIAs were found to be lower than those for endovascular coiling when the surgical results were favorable without significant complications. Plus, a strong positive correlation was noted between an increase in the aneurysm diameter and a dramatic increase in the costs of endovascular coiling.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.805-812
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• 2001

Objectives : The goal of the surgical management of large and giant aneurysm is complete extirpation of the aneurysms with preservation or reconstruction of the parent artery. To improve the surgical management results of those aneurysms in the future, we review our experience and discuss technical maneuvers and strategies used to avoid potential complications of those aneurysm surgery. Material and Methods : During the past 12 years, thirty six cases of large and giant aneurysms(diameter>19mm) were managed by surgery. The clinical characteristics, treatment methods, surgical complications and outcome of those cases were analyzed and, based on the review of the literatures, the preventive methods of surgical complication related to the clipping of those aneurysms were discussed. Results : The locations of those aneurysms were anterior circulation in 34 cases and posterior circulation in 2 cases. The most frequent site of aneurysmal location was a paraclinoidal region of the anterior circulation. The aneurysms were managed surgically by direct clipping of aneurysmal neck in 31 cases, aneurysmal trapping followed by extracranial-intracranial bypass in 2 cases, proximal clipping of parent artery, aneurysmorrhaphy, and excision of aneurysm followed by end to end anastomosis of parent artery in each one case. Surgical complications occurred in 13 cases. A parent vessel occlusion by thrombus formation and parent vessel stenosis after clipping of aneurysm were the main complications. We obtained good outcome in 27, fair 5, poor 1 and dead in 3 case(s). Conclusion : We conclude that selection of suitable management method for each case, high quality of surgical technique and prevention of complication during operation are important key points for the successful treatment of large and giant aneurysm. The heparinization prior to application of temporary clip on parent vessels, aneurysmal decompression during dissection and clipping of aneurysm, complete closing of the aneurysmal neck and avoiding the narrowing of parent vessel after clipping of aneurysm were the main technical maneuvers used to avoid complications of those aneurysm surgery.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.339-346
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• 2022

Since the earliest reports, advanced clipping systems have been developed, and it is possible to choose among many models with different structural and technical features. The main drawback of through-the-scope clips is their small size, which allows the compression of limited amounts of tissue needed for large-size vessel treatment. Therefore, the over-the-scope clip system was realized, allowing a larger and stronger mechanical compression of large tissue areas, with excellent results in achieving a definitive hemostasis in difficult cases. Many studies have analyzed the indications and efficacy of two-pronged endoclips and have shown good results for initial and permanent hemostasis. The aim of this review was to provide updated information on indications, positioning techniques, and results of clip application for endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal non-variceal bleeding lesions.