• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.148-155
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• 2012

A cross-sectional analysis of blood pressure (BP) changes and the current prevalence and distribution of hypertension among age groups in Korea were conducted. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and pulse (PP) pressures were evaluated. Residents visiting a local Community Health Center for a health check-up and/or participating in the Health Promotion Program were included for the analyses. A total of 6,570 subjects (2,809 men, 3,761 women) were divided into five age groups: 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and $70\leq$ years. Comparisons were made between sex and among age groups. SBP and DBP were continuously elevated, while men showed higher levels than women until their mid-60s; then, the trend was reversed. DBP in men became elevated from their 30s, reaching the highest in the 40s then slowly decreasing. DBP in women increased up to their 40s and 50s, then reached a plateau. PP increased rapidly from the 50s in both sexes. The major contributor of age-related BP elevation may be large artery stiffness in men, particularly from their 50s, while the blood pressure elevation of women may relate to diverse factors including large artery stiffness, stroke volume, and ventricular ejection rate. The rapid elevation of PP after the 50s in both men and women could represent a risk of cardiovascular or coronary mortality, particularly with increasing age. The current data showed a higher rate of hypertension in both sexes compared to previous reports. When those with both high-normal BP and hypertension are looked at in combination, BP management of the target population should be drastically elevated.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.336-342
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• 2002

Background: Recently, cell transplantation has been extensively investigated to improve heart function in dysfunctional heart. This study was designed to compare the effects of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and heart cells (HC) transplantation in dilated cardiomyopathic hamsters. Material and Method: HC and SMC were isolated from heart and ductus deferens of BIO 53.58 hamsters, and cultured for transplantation. HC and SMC or culture medium were transplanted into the left ventricle of 17 weeks old adult hamsters in HC transplanted (HCTx), SMC transplantation (SMCTX), and control groups (Con) (N = 10 each). Cyclosporine (5 mg/Kg) was administered subcutaneously for HCTx. Sham operated hamsters (N=10) underwent the surgery but did not receive an injection. At 4 weeks after transplantation, heart function was evaluated in all groups using a Langendorff perfusion apparatus. Result: Histology showed severe focal myocardial necrosis in all groups. HCTx and SMCTx formed huge muscle tissue in dilated myocardium. SMCTx and HCTx had better heart function than Con and sham (p<0.01). And SMCTx had better peak systolic pressure (p<0.05) antral developed pressure (p<0.05) than HCTx. But sham and Con did not any statistical make difference. Conclusion: SMCTx and HCTx formed muscle tissue and improved ventricular function in hamsters with dilated cardiomyopathy And SMCTx showed better heart function in peak systolic pressure and developed pressure than HCTx.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SC
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.68-79
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• 2008

Aortic AIx(augmentation index) has been used to measure aortic stiffness quantitatively and even to evaluate ventricular load. However, in order to calculate aortic AIx catheters should be inserted to the subjects' artery, which hampers its clinical usage. To overcome such limitation, aortic AIx has been indirectly calculated by estimating aortic pressure wave from the peripheral arterial pulse by applying transfer functions. In this study, central aortic pressure waves using Millar catheter and radial artery pulse waves using tonometry pressure sensor were measured to establish transfer functions for an estimation of central aortic pressure waves from radial artery pulse waves. Also, an algorithm which detects augmentation point for the calculation of AIx were developed. Developed algorithm for the detection of augmentation point gradually increases the differential order to detect inflection point rather than detects the distinctive point that appears after a specific time. Transfer functions were established using 10th order ARX model and were verified for the stability of the transfer function through residual analysis. Evaluation of an algorithm for the detection of augmentation point were performed by comparing the augmentation points obtained from developed algorithm with the known augmentation points synthesized in various conditions. In addition, developed algorithm for the AIx is proved to provide more accurate results than the ones developed by previous studies. The significance of the study was in two folds. Firstly, the results could provide the basis for the measurement of aortic stiffness using easily-measurable radial artery pulse waves, and secondly, extension of the study may enable the early diagnosis of various vascular diseases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1065-1077
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• 1999

Background : Ventricular assist devices(VADs) are being used for patients in postcvardiotomy cardiogenic shock status bridge to cardiac transplant settings and in post-myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock. The VAD which was developed at the Deparment of medical engineering in Dankook University College of Medicine was a pneumatically driven device and can maintain pulsatile flow. The goal of this study is to develop animal experimental models using the VAD and to clarify the reliability and hemodynamic property adequacy of end organ perfusion durability and severity of thrombotic-hemolytic tendency of the device. Material and Method : The pneumatic VAD was applied to 8 adult female lambs, We examined some hemodynamic parameters such as arterial blood pressure pulmonary capillary wedge pressure(pcwp) pulmonary artery pressure(PAP) left atrial pressure hour urine output cardiac index VAD flow EKG to determine the reliability of the VAD and hemodynamic compatibility of the experimental animals within 24 hours of experiment. We also observed the end organ perfusion durability of the VAD and thrombotic-hemolytic property of the VAD after 24 hours of VAD insertion. Result: We could monitor all hemodynamic parameters including pcwp PAP cardiac index EKG, adn hour urine as true clinical settings. We observed that the reliability of the VAD was excellent and the hemodynamic property of the experimental animal and end organ perfusion were adequate within 24 hours of experiment. In four lambs surviving 24 hours after insertion the reliability of the VAD and end organ perfusion were excellent and no thrombotic-hemolytic tendency was noted. However after 15 days of experiment the diaphragm of the VAD was torn and it was recommende that the durability of the VAD should be extended. Conclusion : e conclude that the pneumatic VAD developed at Dankook University Biomedical Engineering has good hemodynamic property and low thromboembolic tendency and presents adequate end organ perfusion but we noted that the durability of the device should be expanded further. It will be possible to do more reliable experiment in the future according to the animal experimental method developed in this study especially with the heart failure models.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 1987

For measurement of ventricular performance, ejection fraction (EF) has gained wide acceptance. But EF is influenced not only by changes in muscle function but also by changes in cardiac loading conditions. In case of valvular heart disease which is variable in loading conditions, EF cannot be reliable as an index of myocardial contractility. The end systolic pressure (ESP)-end systolic volume (ESV) relation, howver, is known to represent myocardial contractility, independent of changes in loading conditions. Similar results can be obtained by using peak-systolic pressure (PSP) instead of ESP. To evaluate the utility of the peak systolic pressure-end systolic volume index (PSP-ESVI) relation as an index of myocardial function, we measured $PSP&ESVI$ in 19 partents with coronary artery disease before $(PSP_1\;&\;ESVI_1)$ and after $(PSP_2\;&\;ESVI_2)$ sublingual administration of nitroglycerin. PSP was measured with standard mercury sphygmomanometer during gated blood pool scintigraphic study. ESVI was measured by count derived method after attenuation correction. $PSP_2\;&\;ESVI_2$ measurement was started when the fall of PSP was greater than 5 mmHg after 7-14 minutes post-administration of nitroglycerin. Mean values $({\pm}S.D.)$ of $PSP_1\;&\;ESVI_1$ was $124.9({\pm}20.7)mmHg\;&\;59.4({\pm}39.9)ml/M^2$. Mean values $({\pm}S.D)$ of $PSP_2\;&\;ESVI_2$, was $113.2({\pm}19.9)mmHg\;&\;37.5({\pm}26.1)ml/M^2$. There was a significant difference between mean values of $PSP_1\;&\;PSP_2$, (p<0.01), and mean values of $ESVI_1\;&\;ESVI_2$, (p<0.01). $PSP_1-PSP_2/ESV_1-ESVI_2,\;PSP_1/ESVI_1$ and EF were in the range of 0.14-5.19 mmHg/ml/$M^2$, 0.67-7.68 mmHg/ml/$M^2$ and 10.8%-74.5% respectively. $PSP_1-PSP_2/ESVI_1-ESVI_2$, and EF showed exponential correlation (r=0.85, P<0.01). The correlation coefficient between $PSP_1/ESVI_1$ and EF was 0.73(p<0.01). With the above results, we suggest that $PSP_1-PSP_2/ESVI_1-ESVI_2$, and $PSP_1/ESVI_1$, can be used as an index of myocardial function.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.4 s.273
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• pp.280-287
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• 2007

Background: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical results of surgically managing patients with Ebstein's anomaly. Material and Method: Between Feb. f 984 and June 2006, 50 patients who underwent surgical treatment for Ebstein's anomaly at Yonsei Cardiovascular Center were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 26.9 years and 19 patients were male, Associated anomalies included atrial septal defect (33), patent ductus arteriosus (2), ventricular septal defect (1), and pulmonary stenosis (4), and 90%, (45/50) of the patients had more than a moderate degree of tricuspid regurgitation. Carpentier type A was present in 6 patients, type B in 26, type C in 14 and type D in 4. Ten patients were associated with WPW syndrome. Conservative surgery was possible in 31 patients (tricuspid annuloplasty, plication of the atrialized RV), Fontan's operation was peformed in 4 patients, tricuspid valve replacement was done in 12 and palliative surgery was done in 2 patients. Thirteen patients were associated with hi-directional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS: one and a half ventricular repairs): 10 patients with WPW syndrome and 4 patients with atrial fibrillation underwent concomitant ablation. Result: The postoperative median NYHA functional class $(3{\rightarrow}1)$ and the mean cardio-thoracic ratio $(0.65{\rightarrow}0.59)$ were decreased significantly (p<0.001, p=0.014). The mean oxygen saturation $(86.6{\rightarrow}94.1%)$, and median TR grade $(4{\rightarrow}1)$ were also significantly improved (p=0.004, p<0.001). For comparison of BCPS and conservative surgery, the preoperative right ventricular pressure (33.0 vs. 41.3 mmHg), the ICU stay (2.80 vs. 1.89 days), the hospital say (10.6 vs. 16.8 days), and the left ventricular ejection fraction (64.3 vs. 72.8%) were statistically different. Postoperative mortality occurred in 3 patients (6%) due to biventricular failure in 2 patients and sepsis in the other patient. The mean follow up duration was 101.5 months, and one patient died of Fontan failure and 6 patients required reoperation (bioprosthetic degenerative change (2) and Fontan conversion (4)). The overall survival rate at 10 years was 90.2%, the freedom from reoperation rate and rate of cardiac related events were 78.9% and 49.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Surgical management of Ebstein's anomaly can be performed safely, and the associated BCPS may be helpful for high-risk patients. Adequate application of surgical management may increase the long-term survival with a reduced rate of reoperation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.220-238
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• 1976

Six cases of congenital heart disease were operated on by means of cardiopulmonary bypass between December, 1975 and April, 1976. Two cases of ventricular septal defects (VSD), two cases of VSD, associated with ruptured aneurysm of sinus Valsalva, two cases of atrial septal defects (ASD) and one case of pulmonic stenosis with patent ductus arteriosus were operated. Sarns roller pumps and Bentley Temptrol oxygenators were used for extracorporeal circulation. Pump oxygenator was primed with Ringer's lactate solution, 5% dextrose in water, mannitol, and ACD blood. Flow rate ranged from 2.0 to $2.4L/M^2/min$. Bicarbonate was added to the oxygenator with estimated amount as 15 mEq/L/hr. Venous catheters were introduced into superior and inferior vena cava, and oxygenated blood was returned to the body through aortic cannula inserted into ascending aorta. Moderate hypothermia ($30^{\circ}C$) was induced by core cooling. Aorta was cross clamped for 15 minutes and released for 3 minutes, and repeated clamping when necessary. Atrial and ventricular septal efects were closed by direct sutures. Aneurysms of sinus Valsalva ruptured into the right ventricle were repaired through right ventriculotomy by d:rect closure with Dacron patch reinforcement. Cardiopulmonary bypass time varied from 66 to 209 minutes, and aorta cross clamping time ranged from 13 to 56 minutes. Postoperative bleeding was minimal except one case who needed for evacuation of substernal hematoma. Intra- and postoperative urinary output was satisfactory. Acid-base balance, partial pressure of $O_2$, electrolytes, and hematological changes during intra- and post-perfusion period remained at the acceptable ranges. No mortality was experienced.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1996 no.05
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• pp.84-87
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• 1996

We have been developed electrohydraulic left ventricular assist device and done various in vivo evaluation on the device. Through the in vivo experiment conducted from Jan. 23, 1996 to Feb. 8, we could have experience of long-term evaluation fur the first time. The sheep used in this experiment had survived for 16 days. We used new actuator with reduced size and linear motion guide replacing oil box and ball bearings. Also, we used improved blood chamber with reduced size, reduced weight facilitating fixing the chamber to animal's body, and polymer sac having improved folding pattern. Against suction problem, we used absolute pressure limiter only. Motor current for driving this new actuator was not much higher than older one. Effective stroke volume was about 48 cc. Thrombosis was found around top area and peripheral boundary of the sac and valves. There was no sign of damage from suction problem in the atrium observed at autopsy. Main cause of death was presumed to be progressive formation of thrombosis in the cannulae. In this paper, the results of this experiment are documented.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.603-612
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• 1999

Background : It has been documented that brief repetitive periods of ischemia and reperfusion (ischemic preconditioning, IP) enhances the recovery of post-ischemic contractile function and reduces infarct size after a longer period of ischemia. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain this process. Recent studies have suggested that transient increase in the intracellular calcium may have triggered the activation of protein kinase C(PKC); however, there are still many controversies. Accordingly, the author performed the present study to test the hypothesis that preconditioning with high concentration of calcium before sustained subsequent ischemia(calcium preconditioning) mimics IP by PKC activation. Material and Method : The isolated hearts from the New Zealand White rabbits(1.5∼2.0 kg body weight) Method: The isolated hearts from the New Zealand White rabbits(1.5∼2.0 kg body weight) were perfused with Tyrode solution by Langendorff technique. After stabilization of baseline hemodynamics, the hearts were subjected to 45-minute global ischemia followed by a 120-minute reperfusion with IP(IP group, n=13) or without IP(ischemic control, n=10). IP was induced by single episode of 5-minute global ischemia and 10-minute reperfusion. In the Ca2+ preconditioned group, perfusate containing 10(n=10) or 20 mM(n=11) CaCl2 was perfused for 10 minutes after 5-minute ischemia followed by a 45-minute global ischemia and a 120-minute reperfusion. Baseline PKC was measured after 50-minute perfusion without any treatment(n=5). Left ventricular function including developed pressure(LVDP), dP/dt, heart rate, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP) and coronary flow(CF) was measured. Myo car ial cytosolic and membrane PKC activities were measured by 32P-${\gamma}$-ATP incorporation into PKC-specific pepetide. The infarct size was determined using the TTC (tetrazolium salt) staining and planimetry. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) variance(ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test. Result: IP increased the functional recovery including LVDP, dP/dt and CF(p<0.05) and lowered the ascending range of LVEDP(p<0.05); it also reduced the infarct size from 38% to 20%(p<0.05). In both of the Ca2+ preconditioned group, functional recovery was not significantly different in comparison with the ischemic control, however, the infarct size was reduced to 19∼23%(p<0.05). In comparison with the baseline(7.31 0.31 nmol/g tissue), the activities of the cytosolic PKC tended to decrease in both the IP and Ca2+ preconditioned groups, particularly in the 10 mM Ca2+ preconditioned group(4.19 0.39 nmol/g tissue, p<0.01); the activity of membrane PKC was significantly increased in both IP and 10 mM Ca2+ preconditioned group (p<0.05; 1.84 0.21, 4.00 0.14, and 4.02 0.70 nmol/g tissue in the baseline, IP, and 10 mM Ca2+ preconditioned group, respectively). However, the activity of both PKC fractions were not significantly different between the baseline and the ischemic control. Conclusion: These results indicate that in isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart model, calcium preconditioning with high concentration of calcium does not improve post-ischemic functional recovery. However, it does have an effect of limiting(reducing) the infart size by ischemic preconditioning, and this cardioprotective effect, at least in part, may have resulted from the activation of PKC by calcium which acts as a messenger(or trigger) to activate membrane PKC.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.131-142
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• 1973

Studies of cardiopulmonary function and acid-base balance were performed on 29 dogs during control period, during oligemic hypotension and following return of blood to the animals. Intravenous morphine and local anesthesia were used. Fifteen of the 29 animals survived the complete experiment. The 14 animals that failed to survive the experimental period died between 15 to 90 minutes after the onset of bleeding. The results were as follows. 1. The heart rate increased after the onset of bleeding and failed to return to control level following reinfusion. Stroke volume decreased markedly after bleeding and failed to recover after return of blood from the reservoir. Cardiac output also decreased during oligemic hypotension and was maintained at this level after re-infusion. Total peripheral resistance decreased significantly immediately after bleeding, however it increased soon over the pre-bleeding level. Central venous pressure decreased after the onset of bleeding and remained at lower level for the rest of the experimental period. Arterial blood pressure, clown to 40-45 mmHg by acute hemorrhage, was elevated near to control level. Left ventricular work decreased tremendously during oligemic hypotension and failed to return to control level with the re-infusion of blood. Hematocrit value showed no significant decrease after bleeding and increased after re-infusion. Hemoglobin decreased after the onset of bleeding and recovered to control value after re-infusion. 2. The respiratory rate fell rapidly after bleeding from 124 to 29 and remained at this lower level for the remainder of the experiment. The tidal volume increased after bleeding and was maintained at this level for the remainder of the experiment. The respiratory minute volume showed no significant changes throughout the experimental period. Oxygen consumption fell lightly in all animals during oligemic hypotension and returned to normal levels following re-infusion. Arterial oxygen content and arterial oxygen saturation decreased following bleeding and the values returned to normal levels after the return of blood from the reservoir The arterio-venous oxygen difference increased after the onset of bleeding. It failed to return to normal values following re-infusion. Arterial $Pco_2$ decreased in all animals after the beginning of the bleeding. Partial pressure of $Co_2$ continued to fall until re-infusion, after which the values returned toward normal. Animals became acidotic. The pH fell to lower level following bleeding. Lactic acid and lactate: pyruvate ratio also increased during same period. Arterial pH and lactic acid failed to return to control value and lactate: pyruvate ratio increased more after re-infusion. Sodium bicarbonate decreased after bleeding and returned to control value following re-infusion.