• The Transactions of The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers
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• v.62 no.6
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• pp.803-810
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• 2013

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of shape of the inductive textile electrode on the non-contact heart activity sensing, based on the magnetic-induced conductivity principle. Four types of the inductive textile electrodes were determined according to the combinations of the two shape features. A fiber-metal hybrid-typed conductive thread was developed and applied to materialization of the textile electrodes by embroidery method. The heart activity was extracted through the textile electrode sewn on a T-shirt. The experiments were implemented to constantly measure the heart activity for 20 seconds, in each case of 5 healthy male subjects. The heart activity signals acquired in each type of the inductive textile electrode were analyzed, 1)by drawing a comparison of morphology with those of ECG signal (LeadII), and 2)by calculation of the normalized mean and standard deviation of magnitude of the heart activity signals. The analysis resulted that the relatively better quality of signals were acquired in the 'square' types in the matter of whole shape, while the better results were obtained in 'donut' types in the matter of center hole. Accordingly, the relatively best quality of signals was obtained in the case of 'Square-Donut' type of the inductive textile electrode.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.488-493
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• 2009

Purpose : The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of recent-generation patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure devices applied by a new selection strategy according to the characteristics of each PDA. Methods : From February 2003 to January 2006, 138 patients underwent transcatheter closure of PDA (study group). According to the size and morphology of each ductus, a COOK Detachable Coil or 'flex' PFM Nit-Occlud was used for a small ductus (group 1, n=43); 'medium' PFM Nit-Occlud (group 2, n=49) for a moderate ductus; and an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (group 3, n=46) for a large ductus. The 83 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA from February 2000 to January 2003 were defined as the comparison group. The Qp/Qs ratio, pulmonary/aorta pressure ratio, and MD of the ductus were compared. Immediate and follow-up results including residual shunts and complications were also evaluated and compared among groups. Results : In all 138 patients, complete occlusions were confirmed without major complications, while procedure failure (n=2, 2.2%), device embolization (n=1, 1.1%), and persistent residual shunt (n=4, 4.5%) were documented in the comparison group. Total complication rates were lower in the study group than in the comparison group (study group, 1.4%; comparison group, 9.0%; P<0.05). Conclusion : A novel strategy adopting the merits of various recent-generation devices for transcatheter closure of PDA provides excellent clinical results with minimal risk.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.167-177
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• 2007

In the present study, we isolated three human adult stem cells including adipose tissue-derived stem cells(HAD), umbilical cord-derived stem cells(HUC), and amnion-derived stem cells(HAM) and analysed their characteristics. And we examined whether HAD could be used as therapeutical cells for the heart diseases. Both HAM and HUC appeared very similar morphology but HAD was different. Doubling time of HUC was most fast, but total doubling numbers of HUC was same with HAM. Total doubling numbers of HAD was much more than others. Expression patterns of genes and proteins of three human adult stem cells were very similar. Also they were differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. In addition, they expressed many cardiomyocyte-related genes. But expression pattern of genes is a little different. When HAD were cultivated in the presence or absence of various combinations of BMP and FGF after 5-azacytidine expose for 24 h, expression of Cmlc-1, and ${\alpha}1c$ genes was significantly increased. However, expression of troponin T, troponin I and Kv4.3 genes was not changed. Based on these observations, it is suggested that HAD, HUC, and HAM might be used as potentially therapeutical cells for clinical application.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.861-866
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• 1998

Background: Pulmonary atresia (PA) with ventricular septal defect has various morphology of pulmonary arteries and pulmonary blood flow sources, so pulmonary arterial hypoplasia and arborization abnormality make this anomaly difficult to manage surgically. In cases associated with juxtaductal stenosis, we evaluated the change of the pulmonary arterial and juxtaductal stenotic site after shunt operations, and would like to find useful information in surgical planning and methodology of these patients. Material and Method: Among 59 cases diagnosed as PA with ventricular septal defect associated with juxtaductal stenosis, 29 cases who had cardiac catheterization before and after shunt operation were selected from July, 1991 to July, 1996. In 10 cases of right shunt operation(Group I) and 19 cases of left shunt operation (Group II), the diameters of the descending aorta, both pulmonary arteries, and the juxtaductal stenosis site were measured before and after the shunt operation. Result: In both Group I and II, the pre- and postoperative ratio of diameters of the ipsilateral pulmonary artery to the descending aorta was from 0.78${\pm}$0.31 units to 1.01${\pm}$0.26 units and from 0.67${\pm}$0.18 units to 0.84${\pm}$0.27 units respectively, showing a signigicant increase. The contralateral pulmonary artery index was increased from 0.92${\pm}$0.28 units to 1.05${\pm}$0.15 units and from 0.94${\pm}$0.27 units to 1.08${\pm}$0.37 units respectively, but could not be confirmed statistically. In both groups, the change of juxtaductal stenosis showed an aggravating tendency but of no statistical significance from 0.43${\pm}$0.27 units to 0.39${\pm}$0.25 units and from 0.32${\pm}$0.10 units to 0.30${\pm}$0.16 units respectively, and we experienced 2 total obstruction in Group II. Because the increased pulmonary blood flow by shunt operation has a favorable effect to the pulmonary arterial growth, the shunt operation is a recommended treatment in patients with hypoplastic pulmonary arteries. But in PA with ventricular septal defects, the change of juxtaductal stenosis is very important. In conclusion, the growth of ipsilateral (shunt site) pulmonary artery was promoted by shunt operation, but there is a tendency for the juxtaductal stenosis to be aggravated. And we experienced 2 total obstruction in Group II. Conclusion: Thus, in cases operated with shunt method, much careful postoperative follow up study including angiographic evaluation is needed, and after the shunt operation on the side of pulmonary artery associated with juxtaductal stenosis, early precise planning for total correction is recommended.