• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.467-473
• /
• 2004

Background: The sinus conversion rate after the maze procedure in chronic atrial fibrillation using radiofrequency energy is lower than with either conventional 'cut and saw' technique or cryothermia. The creation of incomplete transmural lesions due to poor tissue-catheter contact is thought to be the main cause. To address this problem, the current study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a specially constructed compression device designed to enhance tissue catheter contact during unipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation. Material and Method: Circum-ferential right auricular epicardial lesions were created with a linear radiofrequency catheter in 10 anesthetized pigs. A device specially designed to increase contact by compression of the catheter to the atrial wall was used in 5 pigs (study group). This device was not used in the control group (5 pigs). Conduction block across the right auricular lesion was assessed by pacing, and the transmurality of the lesions were confirmed by microscopic examination. Result: Conduction block was observed in a total of 8 pigs; 5 in study group and 3 in control group. Transmural injury was confirmed microscopically by the accumulation of acute inflammatory cells and loss of elastic fibers in the endocardium. In two pigs with failed conduction block, microscopic examination of the endocardium appeared normal. Conclusion: Failed radiofrequency ablation is strongly related to non-transmural energy delivery. The specially constructed compression device in the current study was successful in creating firm tissue-catheter contact and thereby generating transmural lesions during unipolar radiofrequency ablation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.469-475
• /
• 2008

Background: Video-assisted thoracic sympathicotomy is a definitive minimally invasive treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. Different techniques exist for controlling axillary hyperhidrosis, but they are temporary and expensive. We compared the results after using two different levels of sympathicotomy for treating axillary hyperhidrosis: T3-T4 and T4. Material and Method: Between June 2002 and May 2007, 30 patients with isolated axillary hyperhidrosis underwent either T3-T4 or T4 thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in the Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery at Wonkwang University Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=15) was composed of patients who underwent T3-T4 sympathicotomy (thermal ablation), and Group II (n=15) was composed of patients who underwent T4 sympathicotomy (thermal ablation). The procedures were bilateral and simultaneous, involving the use of two 2-mm trocars and a 0-degree 2-mm thoracoscope under general anesthesia with single endotracheal intubation. Outcome parameters included satisfaction rate of treatment, degree of compensatory sweating, and postoperative complications. Patients were interviewed by telephone regarding satisfaction and compensatory hyperhidrosis. Result: There were no differences in age between group I and group II. The mean follow-up for the T3-T4 group was $38.7{\pm}2.3$ months, and the mean follow-up for the T4 group was $18.7{\pm}3.6$ months. The immediate therapeutic success rate (within 2 weeks postoperative) was 100% in both groups, and there were no recurrences in either group during the long-term follow-up period. The satisfaction rate was higher (93.3%) in the T4 group than in the T3-T4 group (53.3%), and the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis was lower in the T4 group (6.7%) than in the T3-T4 group (46.7%). Postoperative complications included one mild pneumothorax and two instances of intercostal neuralgia. Digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) correlated well with postoperative satisfaction. Conclusion: Both techniques proved effective for controlling isolated axillary hyperhidrosis. The T4 group had a higher satisfaction rate and lower severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis. Hence, thermal ablation of the lower interganglionic fibers of the third thoracic sympathetic ganglion on the fourth rib is a more practical and minimally invasive treatment than is the T3-T4 surgical method, according to the degree of compensatory sweating in isolated axillary hyperhidrosis.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.294-300
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if short-term serum thyroglobulin (Tg) elevation after radioiodine administration can predict successful radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) and whether comparable RRA effectiveness is exhibited between a group administered with recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) and a group experiencing thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW), in preparation for RRA. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 39 patients in the rhTSH group and 46 patients in the THW group. They were treated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma by total or near total thyroidectomy, and referred for RRA between 2003 and 2006 (the rhTSH group) and between January and June of 2006 (the THW group). They were assessed for serum Tg levels just before I-131 administration (TgD0), reassessed 9 days later (TgD9), and again 6-12 months later. Results: RRA was successful in 64 (37 from the THW group and 27 from the rhTSH group) of the total 85 patients. The success rates of RRA had no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In both groups, TgD9/TgD0 values were significantly higher in the RRA success group (the rhTSH group; P = 0.03, the THW group; P = 0.04). By combining cutoff values of TgD0 and TgD9/TgD0, the successful RRA value was determined to be 96.7% (29/30) with TgD0$\leq$5.28 ng/mL and TgD9/TgD0>4.37 in both groups (the rhTSH group; 100% (16/16), the THW group; 92.9% (13/14)). Using logistic multivariate analysis, only TgD0 was independently associated with successful RRA. Conclusion: We may predict successful ablation by evaluating short-term serum Tg elevation after I-131 administration for RRA, in both rhTSH and THW patients.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.9-14
• /
• 2005

Purpose: Abnormal myocardial perfusion may be caused by ventricular preexcitation, but its location, extent, severity and correlation with accessory pathway (AP) are not established. We evaluated perfusion patterns on myocardial perfusion SPECT and location of AP in patients with WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White) syndrome. Materials and Methods: Adenosine Tc-99m MIBI or Tl-201 myocardial perfusion SPECT was performed in 11 patients with WPW syndrome. Perfusion defects (PD) were compared to AP location based on ECG with Fitzpatrick's algorithm or electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency catheter ablation. Results: Patients had atypical chest discomfort or no symptom. Risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) was below 0.1 in 11 patients using the nomogram to estimate the probability of CAD. Coronary angiography was performed in 4 patients (mid-LAD 50% in one, normal in others). In 4 patients, AP localization was done by electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Small to large extent ($11.0{\pm}8.5%$, range:$3{\sim}35%$) and mild to moderate severity ($-71{\pm}42.7%$, range:$-2l7{\sim}-39%$) of reversible (n=9) or fixed (n=1) perfusion defects were noted. One patient with right free wall (right lateral) AP showed normal. PD locations were variable following the location of AP. One patient with left lateral wall AP was followed 6 weeks after RFCA and showed significantly decreased PD on SPECT with successful ablation. Conclusion: Myocardial perfusion defect showed variable extent, severity and location in patients with WPW syndrome. Abnormal perfusion defect showed in most of all patients, but it did not seem to be correlated specifically with location of accessory pathway and coronary artery disease. Therefore myocardial perfusion SPECT should be interpreted carefully in patients with WPW syndrome.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.367-372
• /
• 2014

Background: We compared the mid-term results of the Cox maze IV procedure using argon-based cryoablation with a procedure using $N_2O$-based cryoablation. Methods: From May 2006 to June 2012, 138 patients (mean age, $58.2{\pm}11.0$ years) underwent the Cox maze IV procedure. Eighty-five patients underwent the maze procedure using an $N_2O$-based cryoprobe (group N), and 53 patients underwent the maze procedure using an argon-based cryoprobe (group A). Bipolar radiofrequency ablation was concomitantly used in 131 patients. The presence of atrial fibrillation immediately, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery was compared. Results: Early mortality occurred in 6 patients (4.3%). There were no differences in early mortality or postoperative complications between the two groups. Nineteen of 115 patients (16.5%) remained in atrial fibrillation at postoperative 12 months (14 of 80 patients (17.5%) in group N and 5 of 35 patients (14.3%) in group A, p=0.669). There were no differences in the number of patients who remained in atrial fibrillation at any of the time periods except in the immediate postoperative period. A multivariable analysis revealed that the energy source of cryoablation was not associated with the presence of atrial fibrillation at 1 year (p=0.862) and that a fine F wave (<0.1 mV) was the only risk factor predicting the presence of atrial fibrillation at 1 year (p<0.001, odds ratio=20.287). Conclusion: The Cox maze IV procedure using an argon-based cryoprobe was safe and effective compared with the maze procedure using an $N_2O$-based cryoprobe in terms of operative outcomes and the restoration of sinus rhythm for up to 2 years after surgery.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.102-107
• /
• 2015

Purpose Serum Thyroglobulin measurement is a major tool for the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients. Thyroglobulin is Normal thyroid tissue, or thyroid cancer tissue produced only. Thyroid hormone to a halt without Tg differentiation of thyroid cancer recurrence just by measuring how to decide whether there was increasing expectations if I can do it instead. Therefore, in excellent sensitivity Tg new inspection of the functional sensitivity by measuring the looked to evaluate the usefulness of reagents. Thyroidectomy is measuring the numbers Tg (total thyroidectomy) remaining thyroid ablation and radioactive iodine (radioactive iodine remnant ablation, RRA) DTC in patients being diagnosed with or help predict the remaining early detection of thyroid cancer recurrence. Materials and Methods Agent that I'm currently using Tg of the measurements of low clinical specimen for a second drainage of the three (0.08 0.17, 0.98, ng/mL) within the scope of the dilute magnification (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 times) by dilute Intraassy (n=10) and Interassay (n=10) out in no time. Concentration value according to the coefficient of variation and the mean and standard deviation of each measurement (Coefficient of variation, CV) the absolute value of the measured values that corresponds to 20 percent target a coefficient of variation of CV Find the value of the concentration of the functional sensitivity measurement did. Also, analytical sensitivity with recovery rates, Dilution test inspections, and interrelationship, compared. Results Sensitivity is an excellent analytical sensitivity within the prosecutor kit Tg 0.006 ng/mL, and core analytical sensitivity, conducted by the 0.006 ng/mL to same conclusion. Be rather high to 142 percent recovery rate was 60 to measurement and functional sensitivity, 0.01766 ng/mL(Intraassay n=10) was measured at. CBC is relatively good correlation as ($R^2=0.949$) the correlation. Conclusion Recently ultrasensitive thyroglobulin this clinically important indicators of the previous kit and demands are lower than sensitivity to the measurement results. Therefore, ultrasensitive thyroglobulin test is correlated that there would be useful in value in nuclear medicine the thyroid gland.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.1-5
• /
• 1980

This study was under taken to investigate the influences of predictable or unpredictable stress upon gastric ulceration, and the hippocampectomy upon the ulceration order the stressful conditions. Sixty male albino rats(Sprague-Dawley strain) were divided equally into 3 groups: One was the hippocampal group(N=20) which received hippocampal ablation by suction, another was the cortical control group(N =20) which received partial cortical ablation over the hippocampus, and a third was the normal control group(N=20). Each group was further divided into two subgroups: One was the predicted subgroup(N=10) in which animals could predict the imminent stressful stimuli by hearing a sound(1,000 Hz, 2 sec in duration) 3 sec before the onset of the stress, and the other was the unpredicted subgroup(N=10). After starvation for 24 hours, but water ad libitum, each rat received the electric stimulation(3 mA, 60 Hz, 2 sec in duration, and once per minute in average) for 6 hours via a pair of electrodes attached on the tale. The electric stimulation served as the stress causing the gastric ulcer. Five hours after completion of stimulation, the stomach filled with the physiological saline was removed under deep anesthesia and spread out on a small glass plate. The numbers of the ulcer in each stomach were counted and the shape was examined under the dissecting microscope. Results obtained were as follows: 1. The mean numbers of the ulcer of the predicted subgroups were significantly larger than those of the unpredicted subgroups in the normal control and the cortical control groups, but there was no difference between the values of the two subgroups in the hippocampal group. 2. The mean numbers of the ulcer of the predicted subgroups in the normal control and the cortical control groups were larger(but not significant) than that in the hippocampal group. It is inferred from the above results that the prediction of the stress strengthens the effect of the stress on the gastric ulceration, and the hippocampus facilitates the effect of the prediction of the stress.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.191-197
• /
• 1999

Background and Objective : Soft palate plays a great role in function of speech and swallowing. Ablation of tonsil cancer results in multi-demensional defect including soft palate in most cases and restoration of the postoperative oral cavity function is a continuing surgical challenge. Although a variety of techniques are available, radial forearm free flap has been known as an effective method for these defect, which offers a thin, pliable, and relatively hairless skin, and a long vascular pedicle. The aim of the present study is to report the speech and swallowing function test results of our 5 consecutive radial forearm free flaps used for tonsil cancers. Materials and Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 5 patients who were offered intraoral reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap after ablative surgery for tonsil cancers, from Dec. 1997 to Oct. 1998, and analyzed the surgical methods, complications, and speech and swallowing function test results. We have examined with modified barium swallow to evaluate postoperative wallowing function and articulation and resonance test for speech. Results : The tumor sizes by TNM stage(AJCC, 1997) were T1(1), T2(2), and T4(3). The paddles of flaps were tailored in multilobed designs from oval shape to pentalobed design and in variable size from 24$cm^2$ to 108$cm^2$(average size = 78.4$cm^2$), according to the defect after ablation. This procedures resulted in satisfactory flap success and functional results all but 1 case of flap contracture in 2 postoperative week, achieved early oral diet until 16-57 postoperative day(average, 28 days) and social speech. The oropharyngeal defect including soft palate reconstruction with radial forearm free flap might be an excellent method for the maximal functional results, after ablative surgery of tonsil cancer that results in multidimensional defect.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.234-236
• /
• 2016

A 14 kg, 9-year-old, spayed female, Cocker Spaniel was presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University with a history of head tilt and circling. Otitis externa and media were diagnosed by computerized tomography, and total ear canal ablation was performed. In preanesthetic evaluation, systemic hypertension and second-degree atrioventricular block were observed, but there was no regurgitation through the heart valves. Systemic hypertension was managed with amlodipine (0.1 mg/kg, PO, BID) for the anesthesia. The dog was premedicated with cefazolin (22 mg/kg, IV) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg, IV). Anesthesia was induced with alfaxalone (2 mg/kg, IV) and maintained with isoflurane and 100% oxygen following intubation. During surgery, vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, end tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure and body temperature) were maintained within normal ranges, but bradycardia was observed and corrected with glycopyrrolate (5 ug/kg IV, twice). During subcuticular suture, electrohemostasis was applied at the incision line, which was close to the trigeminal nerve. In no time at all, heart rate dramatically decreased from 110 to 60 beats per minute. No additional treatment was done because mean blood pressure was maintained above 70 mmHg. The heart rate recovered according to the decrease of end tidal isoflurane concentration and there were no complications associated with the anesthesia and surgery. Sudden bradycardia after electrical stimulation around the trigeminal nerve was considered as trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR). It is recommended to be careful of bradycardia from TCR when electrocautery is used in the craniofacial area during surgery.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.297-305
• /
• 1998

Recently, several alternatives have been attempted in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to reduce morbidity of traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Among new modalities, transurethral electrovaporization (TEVP) is considered as a promising alternative. To evaluate the safety and initial efficacy of JEVP using the roller loop electrode (ProSurg Inc. USA) on BPH patients, we compared the results of TEVP with those of TURP and visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP). In this study, a total of 115 patients with symptomatic BPH were underwent TEVP (n=17), TURP (n=59) or VLAP (n=39) since 1995. Before treatment, patients were evaluated with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the measurement of maximal uroflow rate (MFR) and postvoid residual urine (PVR). After treatment, the operative and hospital records were reviewed. The uroflowmetry and IPSS were re-evaluated 3-10 months after treatment. In clinical outcome of re-evaluation compared to the preoperative parameters, there was a clinically significant improvement in three procedures. TEVP resulted in 62% reduction in IPSS (TURP, 73% : VLAP, 69%), 84% improvement in MFR (TURP, 113% : VLAP, 91%), and 74% reduction in PVR (TURP, 88% : VLAP, 78%). TEVP had shorter duration of hospitalization and catheterization than the others. TEVP was associated with lower rates of treatment-related complication than TURP. In conclusions, TEVP is considered as a useful procedure to treat symptomatic BPH. And, the advantages of TEVP over TURP include excellent intraoperative hemostasis, lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay and simple technique. In addition the advantages over VLAP include lower cost, shorter duration of catheterization and early symptom improvement.