• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.329-334
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• 2003

Backgound: Cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation have been used to treat the atrial fibrillation. Some reports insisted that the microwave ablation Is a better method for a deep and extensive lesion. Material and Method: From December 2001 to July 2002, we peformed 8 microwave ablations in patients who needed mitral valve surgery (7 MVR, 1 MVR+AVR). There were 3 men and 5 women, and their mean age was 43.4$\pm$8.3 years and mean follow up period was 5.6$\pm$2.4 months respectively. The microwave was applied on endocardium or epicardium by Lynx (Afx, inc.) using a power of 45 watts for 25 seconds. We studied the left atrial dimension, the left atrial function and the sinus conversion with echocardiography and electro-cardiography at three times; 1) before the operation, 2) immediately after the operation, and 3) 6 months after the operation. Result: There was no complication and no mortality. The mean aortic clamping time was 104.6$\pm$25.0 minutes, and the mean total bypass time was 130.5$\pm$28.7 minutes. The rate of sinus conversion was 75%, A wave across the mitral valve was a mean of 77.0$\pm$24.8 cm/sec, and the AVE was a mean of 0.46$\pm$0.17 at 5.6 months postoperatively Conclusion: There was no difference in the early result of microwave ablation compared to other methods. The microwave ablation was an acceptable method due to its convenient application especially in beating heart.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.710-718
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• 2009

Background: The Cox maze procedure has been used as a standard surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation for about 20 years. Recently, the creators have used a bipolar radiofrequency electrode (Cox maze IV procedure) instead of the incision and suture (cut-sew) technique to make atrial ablation lesions for persistent atrial fibrillation. We investigated clinical outcomes for the Cox maze procedure with a bipolar radiofrequency electrode and cryoablator in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, and compared results with clinical outcomes of the cut-sew procedure. Material and Method: Between April 2005 and July 2007, 40 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation underwent Cox maze IV procedure with a bipolar radiofrequency electrode and cryoablator (bipolar radiofrequency group). Surgical outcomes were compared with those of 35 patients who had the cut-sew technique for the Cox maze III procedure. All patients had concomitant cardiac surgery. Postoperatively, the patients were followed up every 1 to 2 months. Result: At 6 months postoperatively, the conversion rate to regular sinus rhythm was not significantly different between the two groups: 95.0% for the bipolar radiofrequency ablation group; 97.1% for the cut-sew technique (p=1.0). At the end of the follow-up period, the conversion rate to regular sinus rhythm was also not significantly different (92.5% vs. 91.6%, p=1.0). In multivariate analysis using a Cox-regression model, the postoperative atrial dimension was an independent determinant of sinus conversion in the bipolar radiofrequency ablation group (hazard ratio 31, p=0.005). In the Cox-regression model for both groups, atrial fibrillation at 6 months postoperatively (hazard ratio 92.24, p=0.003) and the postoperative left atrial dimension (hazard ratio 16.05, p=0.019) were independent risk factors of continuance or recurrence of atrial fibrillation after Cox maze procedures. Aortic cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were significantly shorter in the radiofrequency group than in the cut-sew group. Conclusion: In the Cox maze procedure for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, the use of bipolar radiofrequency ablation and a cryoablator is as good as the cut-sew technique for conversion to sinus rhythm. The postoperative left atrial dimension is an independent determinant of postoperative continuance and recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.850-860
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• 1996

Oxygen free radicals and their metabolites have been implicated as possible causes of reperrusion injury In animal models. Their role in the clinical setting is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of tissue damage, oxidative stress. and changes in the antioxidant enzyme system in patients undergoing cor nary artery bypass graft operations(CABG) with myocardial protection by cold blood cardioplegia. In patients undergoing CABG(n:10). the levels of lactate dehydrogenate(LDH), creatine phosphokinase MB fraction(CK-MB), and malondialdehyde(M DA) were measured In the coronary sinus effluent before aortic cross clamping and 20 minutes after reperfusion. At the same time, the myocardial tissue activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD). catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxiddse(GSHPX), glutathione reductase (GSSGRd), and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenate(GfPDH ) were determined in the right atrial auricle excised before aortic cross clamping and in the left atrial auricle excised 20 minutes after reperfuslon. The levels of increased significantly after reperrusion(p< U.05). There were no significant changes in CAT and CfPDH levels. Western blot analysis was performed to study the induction of antioxidant enzyme and demonstrated increased amount of Cu,Zn-SOD.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.108-118
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• 1999

Background: To evaluate the risk factor and long-term result of arterial switch operation , a retrospective study was done. Material and Method: A retrospective analysis was done to evaluate the early and long-term results on 58 patients who underwent an arterial switch operation(ASO) for transposition of the great arteries(TGA) with intact ventricular septum, between January 1988 and December 1996. Beforesurgery, 36 patients(62.1%) underwent balloon atrial septostomy, 32 patients(51.7%) received PGE1 infusion, and preparatory banding of pulmonary artery was performed on 6 patients(mean LV/RV pressure ratio 0.53$\pm$0.11). Result: The age at operation ranged from 1 to 137 days(mean 24$\pm$26 days) and the weights ranged from 1.8 to 6.8 kg (mean 3.5$\pm$0.8 kg). There were 14 early deaths(24.1%), but of the last 24 patients operated on since 1994, there were only 2 early deaths(8.3%). In the risk factor analysis, the date of operation was the only risk factor for early death(p-value < 0.01). Eight of the 14 early deaths were due to acute myocardial failure(mainly inadequate coronary blood flow). The length of follow-up ranged from 2 months to 8 years, average of 36$\pm$27 months. The follow-up included sequential noninvasive evaluations and 21 catheterizations and angiographic studies performed 5 to 32 months postoperatively with particular attention to the great vessel and coronary anastomosis, ventricular function, valvular competence, and cardiac rhythm. There were 5 late deaths(11.4%), one of thesedeaths was related to the late coronary problems, two to aspiration, one to uncontrolled chronic mediastinitis, and one to progressive aortic insufficiency and heart failure. The most frequent postoperative hemodynamic abnormality was supravalvular stenosis and the degree of pulmonary or aortic obstruction had slowly progressed in some cases, however there were no children who had to undergo a reoperation for supravalvular pulmonary or aortic stenosis. Aortic regurgitation was identified in 9 patients, which was mild in 7 and moderate in 2 and had progressed in some cases. Two patients who had an unremarkable perioperative course were identified as having coronary artery obstructions. The other late survivors were in good condition, were in sinus rhythm, and had normal LV functions. Actuarial survival rate at 8 years was 68.8%. Conclusion: We concluded that anatomic correction will be established as the optimal approach to the TGA with intact ventricular septum, though further long-term evaluations are needed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.364-374
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• 1980

Twenty-two patients were selected for evaluation of pre-and postoperative pulmonary function. These patients were performed open cardiac surgery with the extracorporeal circulation from March 1979 to July 1980 at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Kyungbook National University Hospital. Patients were classified with ventricular septal defect 5 cases, atrial septal defect 5 cases, tetralogy of Fallot 5 cases, mitral stenosis 4 cases, rupture of aneurysm of sinus Valsalva 1 case, left atrial myxoma I case, and aortic insufficiency 1 case. The pulmonary function tests were performed and listed: [1] respiratory rate, tidal volume [TV], and minute volume[MV], [2] forced vital capacity [FVC] and forced expiratory volume[FEV 0.5 & FEV 1.0], [3] forced expiratory flow [FEF 200-1200 ml & FEF 25-75%]. [4] Maximal voluntary ventilation [MVV], [5] residual volume [RV] and functional residual capacity[FRC], measured by a helium dilution technique. Respiratory rate increased during the early postoperative days and tidal volume decreased significantly. These values returned to the preoperative levels after postoperative 5-6 days. Minute volume decreased slightly, but essentially unchanged. Preoperative mean values of the forced vital capacity, functional residual capacity and total lung capacity decreased [63.2%, 87.2% & 77.3% predicted, respectively], and early postoperatively these values decreased further [19.6%, 76.0% & 38.0% predicted], but later progressively increased to the preoperative levels. In residual volume, there was no decline in the preoperative mean values [100.9% predicted] and postoperatively the value rather increased [106.3-161.7% predicted]. Forced expiratory volume [FEV 0.5 & FEV 1.0] and forced expiratory flow [FEF 200-1200 ml & FEF 25-75%] also revealed significant declines in the early postoperative period. There was no significant difference in values of the spirometric pulmonary function tests, such as FEF 1.O and FEF 25-75% between successful weaning group [17 cases] extubated within 24 hrs post-operatively and unsuccessful weaning group [5 cases] extubated beyond 24 hrs. Static compliance and airway resistance measured for the two cases during assisted ventilation, however, any information was not obtained. Long term follow-up pulmonary function studies were carried out for 8 cases in 9 months post-operatively. All of the results returned to the pre-operative or to normal predicted levels except FVC, FEV 1.0, and FEF 25-75% those showed minimal declines compared to the pre-operative figures.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.26 no.8
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• pp.595-603
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• 1993

We analysed 60 consecutive patients who got Senning operation for transposition of the great arteries [TGA] with or without ventricular septal defects [VSD]. There were 41 simple TGA [group I] and 19 TGA with VSD [Group II], the operative mortality was 20 % [in group I 4.9 %, group II 52.6 %]. Among the survivors [n=48], the mean follow-up period was 7 years [range, 1 year to 13.5 years] and the actuarial survival rate at 13 years were 95 % in group I and 42 % in group II. Preoperative high left ventricular pressure and high pulmonary arterial pressure affected the surviving [p<0.01]. There occurred various type of arrhythmia like junctional rhythm, first degree atrioventricular [AV] block, sick sinus syndrome and complete AV block, and we inserted 2 permanent pacemakers for these patients. The incidence of arrhythmia were 28.2 % [11/39] in group I and 55.6 % [5/9] in group II, and the actuarial freedom from arrhythmia at 13 years after operation was 66 % [71 % in group I, 44 % in group II]. Increased aortic cross clamping time had affected the development of arrhythmia [p<0.05] which meant the complexity of the operation. The total incidence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction [LVOTO] was 31.3 % [15/48], but only 3 patients [6.25 %] showed the significant gradient requiring reoperation. The pulmonary venous pathway obstruction [PVO] were found in 3 patients, all in group I, and among them only one required the reoperation. The estimated freedom from PVO was 89 % at 13 years [87 % in group I, 100 % in group II], but we couldn`t find any significant systemic venous obstruction in our series. There occurred 27.1 % [13/48] mild degree tricuspid valve regurgitation without necessary surgical correction. We experienced 14.6 % [7/48] reoperation rate: 3 residual VSD, 3 LVOTO, 1 PVO, 3 atrial baffle leakage. For this high incidence of complication rate after Senning operation and high mortality in TGA with VSD, We do not use this kind of surgical modality any more and do the Jatene operation for all the TGA patients since several years ago.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.309-319
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• 2007

Chest pain is classified into two major categories of cardiac chest pain and non-cardiac chest pain. Cardiac chest pain is caused by cardiovascular disease, for example, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, valvular heart disease, cardiac enlargement or hypertrophy, dissecting aortic aneurysm, pericarditis, myocarditis, etc. When the chest pain is not attributed to heart disease, it is termed non-cardiac chest pain. Non-cardiac chest pain is caused by pulmonary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal disease, psychiatric factor, etc. In tills case, we treated a 54-year old female patient who was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and suspicious sick sinus syndrome. She complained of chest pain, exertional dyspnea, dizziness and headache. For treatment, we made use of Yugultangami(六鬱湯加味) and Daejobwan(大造丸). Before and after treatment, we measured Heart rate variability(HRV). In result, the clinical symptoms were improved and there was a significant increase in assessmeut by Heart rate variability(HRV). Tills result suggests that Yugultaugami aud Daejowhan have a good effect on cardiac chest pain.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1609-1613
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• 2015

Purpose: To determine the rate of lymph node metastasis, oncologic and pregnancy outcomes in apparent early-stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumor (MOGCT). Materials and Methods: Medical records of apparent early-stage MOGCT patients undergoing primary surgical treatment at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between January 2006 and December 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Thirty-eight patients had apparent stage I-II MOGCT. The mean age was $22.1{\pm}7.7years$ (median, 20.8 years; range, 7.7-35.6 years). The mean tumor size was $17.8{\pm}6.5cm$ with a median of 20 (range 4-30) cm. Three most common histopathologies were dysgerminoma (12 patients, 31.6%), immature teratoma (12 patients, 31.6%), and endodermal sinus tumor (6 patients, 15.8%). Twenty-seven of 38 patients underwent lymphadenectomy; 13 patients (48.2%) were stage IA and 8 patients (29.6%) were stage IC. The rate of retroperitoneal nodes metastasis was 7.4% (2/27 patients). At 26.1 months of median follow-up time (range 1.9-88.5 months), 9 patients retained fertility functions, with uneventful pregnancies in 3 of these. Only one patient (2.6%) had progression of disease at 4.9 months after surgery. The 5-year survival rate was 97.4%. Conclusion: As the rate of pelvic or para-aortic node metastasis in MOGCT is considerable, lymphadenectomy should be incorporated in surgical staging procedures.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.102-105
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• 2008

An anomalous origin of the coronary artery with subsequent coursing between the great vessels is a rare congenital heart defect that may cause myocardial ischemia and sudden death. Several surgical techniques have been described to address this defect. An extended unroofing procedure to create an alternative ostium for the right coronary artery was successfully carried out in a patient having an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery. The newly constructed orifice was widely patent 3 months later, without any episodes of myocardial ischemia or aortic regurgitation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.383-388
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• 2021

Background: Achieving external access to and manual occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) during minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) through a small right thoracotomy is difficult. Occlusion of the LAA using an epicardial closure device seems quite useful compared to other surgical techniques. Methods: Fourteen patients with atrial fibrillation underwent MIMVS with concomitant surgical occlusion of the LAA using double-layered endocardial closure stitches (n=6, endocardial suture group) or the AtriClip Pro closure device (n=8, AtriClip group) at our institution. The primary safety endpoint was any device-related adverse event, and the primary efficacy endpoint was successful complete occlusion of blood flow into the LAA as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography at hospital discharge. The primary efficacy endpoint for stroke reduction was the occurrence of ischemic or hemorrhagic neurologic events. Results: All patients underwent LAA occlusion as scheduled. The cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times in the endocardial suture group and the AtriClip group were 202±39 and 128±41 minutes, and 213±53 and 136±44 minutes, respectively (p=0.68, p=0.73). No patients in either group experienced any device-related serious adverse events, incomplete LAA occlusion, early postoperative stroke, or neurologic complication. Conclusion: Epicardial LAA occlusion using the AtriClip Pro during MIMVS in patients with mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation is a simple, safe, and effective adjunctive procedure.