• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.801-815
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• 2022

Objective : To evaluate the stent apposition of a low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device in distal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms, examine its correlation with clinical and angiographic outcomes, and determine the predictive factors of ischemic adverse events (IAEs) related to stent-assisted coiling. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database of 183 patients between January 2017 and February 2020. The carotid siphon from the cavernous ICA to the ICA terminus was divided into posterior, anterior, and superior bends. The anterior bends were categorized into angled (V) and non-angled (C, U, and S) types depending on the morphology and measured angles. Complete stent apposition (CSA) and incomplete stent apposition (ISA) were evaluated using unsubtracted angiography and flat-panel detector computed tomography. Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin 200 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg was administered. Clopidogrel resistance was defined as fewer responders (≥10%, <40%) and non-responders (<10%) based on the percent inhibition (%INH) of the VerifyNow system. These were counteracted by a dose escalation to 150 mg for fewer responders or substitution with cilostazol 200 mg for non-responders. IAEs included intraoperative in-stent thrombosis, transient ischemic attack, cerebral infarction, and delayed in-stent stenosis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive factors for ISA and IAEs. Results : There were 33 ISAs (18.0%) and 27 IAEs (14.8%). The anterior bend angle was narrower in ISA (-4.16°±25.18°) than in CSA (23.52°±23.13°) (p<0.001). The V- and S-types were independently correlated with the ISA (p<0.001). However, treatment outcomes, including IAEs (15.3% vs. 12.1%), aneurysmal complete occlusion (91.3% vs. 88.6%), and recanalization (none of them), did not differ between CSA and ISA (p>0.05). The %INH of 27 IAEs (13.78%±14.78%) was significantly lower than that of 156 non-IAEs (26.82%±20.23%) (p<0.001). Non-responders to clopidogrel were the only significant predictive factor for IAEs (p=0.001). Conclusion : The angled and tortuous anatomical peculiarity of the carotid siphon caused ISA of the LVIS device; however, it did not affect clinical and angiographic outcomes, while the non-responders to clopidogrel affected the IAEs related to stent-assisted coiling.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.380-384
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• 2009

Purpose: Autologous vessels remain the gold standard for vascular grafts in microanastomoses. However, they are sometimes unavailable and have a limited long - term patency. Synthetic vessels have high success rates in large - diameter reconstructions but failed when used as small - diameter grafts due to graft occlusion. It has been proved that endothelial cell seeding improves prosthesis performance and long - term patency. Among polyurethane, PET and ePTFE, polyurethane has the best affinity to endothelial cells and mechanical properties closest to human vessels. We examined the ability of endothelial cells to attach to a polyurethane graft manufactured by the electrospinning method. Methods: Endothelial cells, which were cultured from porcine internal jugular veins, were attached to polyurethane grafts with an internal diameter of 3 mm. The same cells were attached to allogeneic decellularized porcine internal carotid artery grafts as controls. Both of the 10 mm - long grafts were exposed to endothelial cells in a well for 1 hour. Each well contained $2{\times}10^5$ endothelial cells. The graft materials were rotated through 90 degrees every 15 minutes in order to minimize the effect of gravity. The extent of cell attachment was examined with the MTT assay. Results: The MTT assay showed good incorporation of endothelial cells into both grafts. For the evaluation of affinity, the number of attached cells was counted at 10 fields of microscopic examination with ${\times}40$ magnification. Endothelial cells adhered more to polyurethane grafts (mean, $127.4{\pm}6.2cells$) compared to porcine artery grafts (mean $45.8{\pm}5.1cells$)(p<0.05,Mann - Whitney test). Conclusion: In this study, we attached porcine endothelial cells to polyurethane grafts, manufactured by electrospinning. The grafts exhibited a better affinity to endothelial cells than allogeneic decellularized porcine internal carotid artery grafts. It is suggested that the time required for endothelial cells to attach to decellulized artery grafts may be longer than that which is required for attachment to polyurethane grafts.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2012

Objective : To optimize the recanalization of acute cerebral stroke that were not effectively resolved by conventional intraarterial thrombolysis (IAT), we designed a double device technique to allow for rapid and effective reopening. In this article, we describe the feasibility and efficacy of this technique. Methods : From January 2008 to September 2009, twenty patients with acute cerebral arterial occlusion (middle cerebral artery : n=12; internal carotid artery terminus : n=5; basilar artery : n=3) were treated by the double device technique. This technique was applied when conventional thrombolytic methods using drug, microwires, microcatheters and balloons did not result in recanalization. In the double device technique, two devices are simultaneously placed at the lesion (for example, one microcatheter and one balloon or two microcatheters). Chemicomechanical or mechanicomechanical thrombolysis was performed simultaneously using various combinations of two devices. Recanalization rates, procedural time, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results : The initial median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16 (range 5-26). The double device technique was applied after conventional IAT methods failed. Recanalization was achieved in 18 patients (90%). Among them, 55% (11 cases) were complete (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2B, 3). The median thrombolytic procedural time including the conventional technique was $135{\pm}83.7$ minutes (range 75-427). Major symptomatic hemorrhages (neurological deterioration ${\geq}4$ points in NIHSS) developed in two patients (10%). Good long term outcomes (modified Rankin Scale ${\leq}2$ at 90 days) occurred in 25% (n=5) of the cases. Mortality within 90 days developed in two cases (10%). Conclusion : The double device technique is a feasible and effective technical option for large vessel occlusion refractory to conventional thrombolysis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.50-52
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• 2009

A 31-year-old man presented with dull headache and memory disturbance lasting for one week. Computed tomographic scans revealed acute hydrocephalus. The cerebrospinal fluid contained 53 leukocytes/$mm^3$, with a mononuclear preponderance and no erythrocytes. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hydrocephalus and leptomeningeal enhancement. Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography showed supraclinoid occlusion of the right internal carotid artery, which resembled unilateral moyamoya disease. Neuroendoscopic biopsy of a lesion in the septum pellucidum revealed noncaseating granulomas, which was consistent with sarcoidosis. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous methylprednisolone and ventriculoperitoneal shunting. To our knowledge, this is the first case of moyamoya-like vasculopathy associated with neurosarcoidosis.

• Journal of Neurocritical Care
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.129-133
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• 2018

Background: A few cases of moyamoya syndrome associated with thyrotoxicosis have been reported. However, studies on the association of hyperthyroidism with moyamoya syndrome are insufficient. Case Report: Here we report a case of hyperthyroidism associated with moyamoya syndrome in a 41-year-old woman with aphasia and right side weakness. Brain imaging revealed acute cerebral infarction of left middle cerebral artery territory and occlusion of bilateral distal internal carotid arteries. Conclusion: Antithyroid medication stabilized the patient's neurologic deterioration, suggesting that thyrotoxicosis could aggravate acute cerebral infarction caused by moyamoya syndrome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.227-233
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• 2006

Objective : To determine the rationale for treating pure unruptured intracranial aneurysms[UIAs]. it is mandatory to know the risk of each treatment modality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical risk for treating UIAs. Methods : Between December 1994 and May 2005, 147 unruptured aneurysms in 135 patients were treated. The majority of these cases [94.6%] were treated with aneurysmal neck clipping. The remainder received aneurysmal wrapping [2.7%], trapping with bypass [20%], or proximal occlusion [0.7%]. The clinical outcomes were evaluated in each patient by the Glasgow Outcome Scale at one month post-surgery. Results : The patient pool consisted of 41 males and 94 females. The mean age was 55.9 years [range : $16{\sim}82$]. The aneurysms were located at middle cerebral artery in 63 [42.9%]. anterior communicating artery 30 [20.4%], posterior communicating artery in 26 [177%]. internal carotid artery[ICA] in 14 [95%], anterior choroidal artery in 4 [2.7%] and others in 10[6.9%]. One hundred fifteen [78.2%] of aneurysms were small [<10mm]. Others were large [10 to 25mm] and giant [>25mm]; 29 [19.7%] and 3 [21%] respectively. More than ninety percent [91.1%] of all patients recovered well. Mild to severe disability was seen in 8.7% of the patients. One patient succumbed to complications following injury to the ICA. Conclusion : The mortality and morbidity associated with UIA surgery at our hospital compared very favorably to the previous reported literature and with the previously established natural history of this disease.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.69-87
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• 2017

Objectives : Cheongnoemyeongsin-hwan (CNMSH) is a herb medicine to treat cognitive impairment. This study was investigated the effects of CNMSH on learning and memory impairment induced by cerebral hypoperfusion. Cerebral hypoperfusion was produced chronically by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) in rats. Methods : CNMSH was administered orally once a day (250 mg/kg) for 28 days starting at 4th week after the BCCAO. The acquisition of learning and the retention of memory were tested on 9th week after the BCCAO using the Morris water maze. In addition, effect of CNMSH on neuronal apoptosis and ${\beta}-amyloid$ accumulation in the hippocmapus was evaluated with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results : 1. CNMSH and ChAL significantly shortened the escape latencies on the 2nd day of acquisition training trials. 2. ChAL significantly prolonged the swimming time spent in the target and peri-target zones and CNMSH also significantly prolonged the swimming time spent in the peri-target zone. 3. CNMSH and ChAL significantly increased the number of target heading in the retention test. 4. ChAL significantly shortened the time of the 1st target heading in the retention test, but CNMSH insignificantly shortened the time of that. 5. CNMSH and ChAL significantly increased the memory score in the retention test. 6. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the reduction of CA1 neurons, but insignificantly attenuated the reduction of CA1 thickness. 7. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the up-regulation of Bax expression in the CA1 of hippocampus. 8. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the up-regulation of cascapse-3 expression in the CA1 of hippocampus. 9. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the ${\beta}-amyloid$ accumulation in the CA1 of hippocampus. 10. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the up-regulation of APP expression in the CA1 of hippocampus. 11. CNMSH and ChAL significantly attenuated the up-regulation of BACE-1 expression in the CA1 of hippocampus. Conclusions : The results show that CNMSH attenuates neuronal apoptosis and ${\beta}-amyloid$ accumulation in the hippocampus and alleviates the impairment of learning and memory produced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. These results suggest that CNMSH may be a beneficial medicinal herb to treat cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.155-164
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• 2017

Objective : To evaluate the efficacy of balloon guiding catheter (BGC) during thrombectomy in anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Methods : Sixty-two patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke were treated with thrombectomy using a Solitaire stent from 2011 to 2016. Patients were divided into the BGC group (n=24, 39%) and the non-BGC group (n=38, 61%). The number of retrievals, procedure time, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade, presence of distal emboli, and clinical outcomes at 3 months were evaluated. Results : Successful recanalization was more frequent in BGC than in non-BGC (83% vs. 66%, p=0.13). Distal emboli occurred less in BGC than in non-BGC (23.1% vs. 57.1%, p=0.02). Good clinical outcome was more frequent in BGC than in non-BGC (50% vs. 16%, p=0.03). The multivariate analysis showed that use of BGC was the only independent predictor of good clinical outcome (odds ratio, 5.19 : 95% confidence interval, 1.07-25.11). More patients in BGC were successfully recanalized in internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion with small retrieval numbers (<3) than those in non-BGC (70% vs. 24%, p=0.005). In successfully recanalized ICA occlusion, distal emboli did not occur in BGC, whereas nine patients had distal emboli in non-BGC (0% vs. 75%, p=0.001) and good clinical outcome was superior in BGC than in non-BGC (55.6% vs. 8.3%, p=0.01). Conclusion : A BGC significantly reduces the number of retrievals and the occurrence of distal emboli, thereby resulting in better clinical outcomes in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke, particularly with ICA occlusion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 2024

Objective : The primary treatment goal of current endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO) is complete recanalization after a single maneuver, referred to as the 'first-pass effect' (FPE). Hence, we aimed to identify the predictive factors of FPE and assess its effect on clinical outcomes in patients with ELVO of the anterior circulation. Methods : Among the 129 patients who participated, 110 eligible patients with proximal ELVO (intracranial internal carotid artery and proximal middle cerebral artery) who achieved successful recanalization after EVT were retrospectively reviewed. A comparative analysis between patients who achieved FPE and all others (defined as a non-FPE group) was performed regarding baseline characteristics, clinical variables, and clinical outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were subsequently conducted for potential predictive factors with p<0.10 in the univariate analysis to determine the independent predictive factors of FPE. Results : FPE was achieved in 31 of the 110 patients (28.2%). The FPE group had a significantly higher level of functional independence at 90 days than did the non-FPE group (80.6% vs. 50.6%, p=0.002). Pretreatment intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (odds ratio [OR], 3.179; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.025-9.861; p=0.045), door-to-puncture (DTP) interval (OR, 0.959; 95% CI, 0.932-0.987; p=0.004), and the use of balloon guiding catheter (BGC) (OR, 3.591; 95% CI, 1.231-10.469; p=0.019) were independent predictive factors of FPE. Conclusion : In conclusion, pretreatment IVT, use of BGC, and a shorter DTP interval were positively associated with FPE, increasing the chance of acquiring better clinical outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.316-321
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• 2017

The occurrence of subclavian steal syndrome is possible in patients with either severe stenosis or occlusion in the left proximal subclavian or brachiocephalic arteries. Limited and insufficient blood flow in the vessel with a lesion induces blood supply from the opposite side via any of the connected vessels, which is called a subclavian steal phenomenon. The duplex sonography is useful for detecting this phenomenon. Some patients who experience this phenomenon complain of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, such as headache or numbness and weakness in the arm, and so on. Subclavian steal syndrome means subclavian steal phenomenon accompanied by these symptoms. We present a patient with focal severe stenosis of the brachiocephalic artery, manifested as blood flow reversal in the vertebral, and a "to-and-fro" waveform pattern in the external carotid, internal carotid, and common carotid arteries.