• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.550-562
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• 2008

Background: We attempted to reproduce a previously reported method that is known to be effective for decellularization, and we sought to find the optimal condition for decellularization by introducing some modifications to this method. Material and Method: Porcine semilunar valves, arterial walls and pericardium were processed for decellularization with using a variety of combinations and concentrations of decellularizing agents under different conditions of temperature, osmolarity and incubation time. The degree of decellularization and the preservation of the extracellular matrix were evaluated by staining with hematoxylin and eosin and with alpha-Gal and DAPI in some of the decellularized tissues. Result: Decellularization was achieved in the specimens that were treated with sodium deoxycholate, sodium dodesyl sulfate, Triton X-100 and sodium dodesyl sulfate with Triton X-100 as single-step methods, and this was also achieved in the specimens that were treated with hypotonic solution ${\rightarrow}$ Triton X-100 ${\rightarrow}$ sodium dodesyl sulfate, sodium deoxycholate ${\rightarrow}$ hypotonic solution ${\rightarrow}$ sodium dodesyl sulfate, and hypotonic solution sodium dodesyl sulfate as multi-step methods. Conclusion: Considering the number and the amount of the chemicals that were used, the incubation time and the degree of damage to the extracellular matrix, a single-step method with sodium dodesyl sulfate and Triton X-100 and a multi-step method with hypotonic solution followed by sodium dodesyl sulfate were both relatively optimal methods for decellularization in this study.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.656-662
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• 1997

Aortic valvuloplasty has recently gained attention as an attractive alternative procedure for aortic valvular disease. Between March 1995 to August 1996, 14 patients with pure aortic regurgitation(AR) underwent aortic alvuloplasty using leaflet extension with glutaraldehydepreserved autologous pericardium. There were 11 males and 3 females, and the mean age was 34.8 $\pm$ 15.3 years. Preoperative echocardiography and cardiac catheterization revealed that the degree of AR was mean 3.4$\pm$0.65, and more than moderate degree of mitral regurgitation(MR) were detected in 4 patients. In 12 patients, 3 leaflets were extended and in another 2 patients only one deformed leaflet was extended. Concomitant mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) was performed in 4 patients. The competency of the aortic valve after completion of repair was evaluated by the transesophageal echocardiography in operating theater, and there was no aortic and mitral stenosis or regurgitation. In an early postoperative echocardiography, trivial AR was detected in 3 patients and mild MR in 1 patient. The end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions of the left ventricle were decreased significantly(p<0.05) as compared with those of preoperative values. T ere was no mortality and no significant postoperative complication encountered. Late complication developed in 2 patients during the follow-up period(mean 7.9$\pm$ 5.9 months). One patient underwent AVR on postoperative 7th month due to endocarditis, and the another patient with Behcet's disease underwent Ross operation at postoperative 4th month. In conclusion, AVP of leaflet extension technique offers an excellent early clinical result and represents a good alterna!ivy surgical treatment for the pure AR especially in young age group, although long-term follow-up is necessary to determine the durability of glutaraldehyde-preserved autologous pericardium as a valve leaflet.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.674-678
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• 1998

The conventional surgical treatment of isolated critical stenosis of the left main coronary artery restores a less physiologic perfusion of the myocardium, leads to occlusion of the left coronary ostium, and consumes an appreciable length of bypass material. From June 1994 to February 1996, eleven patients, three male and eight female, underwent patch angioplasty and additional bypass graft to left anterior descending artery (10 internal mammary artery, 1 saphenous vein) in isolated critical left main coronary artery stenosis. Their ages ranged from 34 to 62 years, mean 44 years. All had 60% to 90% stenosis of the left main coronary artery and Class III angina. The angiogram showed nine osteal lesion and three main stem stenosis. The operation was performed with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass and cold blood cardioplegia. We approached anteriorly and used bovine pericardium as onlay patch in all patients. There were one leg wound dehiscence, but no operative deaths and infarctions. All patients are free of symptoms after a mean follow-up of 15.5 months. Angiographic restudy at an average 14.4 months was obtained in five patients and showed widely patent left main coronary artery with excellent runoff. But additional graft to left anterior descending coronary artery were stenosed in two patients and showed diminutive flow in others. Our preliminary results suggest that angioplasty of the left main coronary artery can be carried out with low operative risks. But additional bypass graft to left anterior descending coronary artery may be unnecessary. The technique appears to be a promising alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting in isolated left main coronary artery stenosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.94-101
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• 2002

All kinds of tissue valves must be pretreated for the inactivation of immunologic properties and the strengthening of tissue before implantation. However, the tissue valves are gradually denatured with the calcification process and they eventually lose their functions. Recent reports have shown the existence of specific calcium binding non collagenous proteins in the calcified area of implanted biomaterials. This experiment was intended to confirm the effect of pretreatment with RGDS(Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) tetrapeptide on the calcification of subcutaneously implanted bovine pericardium in rats. RGDS tetrapeptide has the same amino acid sequence of attachment site of specific calcium binding non collagenous proteins. Material and Method: All bovine pericardial pieces were fixed with 0.6% glutaraldehyde. The pretreatments were done using 5 different methods, groupI, with normal saline for 60 minutes, groupII, with 0.5% GRSD(Gly-Arg-Scr-Asp) tetrapeptide solution for 60 minutes, group III : with 0.5% RGDS(Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) tctrapeptide for 30 minutes, group IV ; with 0.5% RGDS for 60 minutes, and group V : with 0.5% RGDS for 120 minutes. The pretreated bovine pericardial pieces were implanted subcutaneously at the abdominal sites of rats. 30 days after the implantation, the implanted bovine pericardial tissue were examined radiologically, biochemically, and histologically to measure the severity of calcification. Result: On the radiological examination, group I ; 68.42$\pm$3.06, group II , 64.25$\pm$5.58 showed significant difference with group III: 48.00$\pm$3.57, group IV; 43.67$\pm$2.31, and group V ; 2.58$\pm$2.47(p<0.05). There was no difference between group I and II(p=0.105). On the biochemical examination, the amount of calcium in group I was , 33.09$\pm$6.59 mg, in group II ; 28.12$\pm$5.50mg, in group III ; 25.42$\pm$7.67mg, in group Ⅵ ; 20.51$\pm$5.11mg, and in group V : 15.43$\pm$4.25mg.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.269-303
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• 2000

The xin(心) has various meanings in ${\ll}$Huangdineijing(黃帝內經)${\gg}$ but they sometimes contradict each other. This thesis divided the xin into the meaning and the Zang-xiang(藏象), and then analyzed the xin's notion in detail. The concept of the xin in ${\ll}$Huangdineijing(黃帝內經)${\gg}$ is sorted out into : the notion of space, yin-yang five elements(陰陽五行) and shen(神) The xin is the upper part of body and it possesses the character of yang(陽). So the concept of the breast has originated from this character and it rightly belonged to the top. The xin is assigned to fire among five elements, 'chang(長)', which has the energy of moving forward, noon at a day when yang-qi(陽氣) is properous and shows 'gu(鉤)' & 'keo(矩)' in pulse condition. The xin possesses the character, 'Taiyang of the yang(陽中之太陽)' along with the notion of space combined with five elements. That is, the notion of upper space means 'of the yang(陽中)', and, fire in five elements means 'yang'. This is similar to '=(Taiyang)' of Sasang(四象) at ${\ll}$the Book of Changes(周易)${\gg}$ Since the xin puts shen(神) in order, actions of spirit have effect on the xin. And it depends whether the sense of vitality is broad or narrow. The xin related with broad sense of spirit is 'monarch of the organs(君主之官)'. Therefore it has control over the human body. As it also directly effects the life or death, Pericardium(心句) substitutes the xin and protects the external invasion. In Shi-er-won(十二原) and Bonsu(本輸), instead of the Xin Channel the Pericardium Channel was used in healing patients. The xin can be interpretable as the mind, because the xin includes spirit. The mind can be distinguished into 'desire' and 'state of profound reason'. In ${\ll}$Huangdineijing(黃帝內徑)${\gg}$, the disease of the xin caused by emotion was mentioned many times. This emotion is 'desire' which resorted to the sentiment. The reason one mind has both character is; man preserves given principle (reason) and emotion reveals via the reason exercised. The above is about the xin related with the broad sense of vitality. Concerning the narrow sense of vitality, one of the five vitalities is stored with the others away in the five solid organs. Then it takes part in the operation of five body constituents and it is linked with the personified description of five solid organs. The xin, spleen, stomach and kidney are 'the ground of life'. Spleen and stomach are the origin of making qi and blood, which 'means the ground after birth'. Kidney keeps the essence of life, and manages the growing and generative function of human body. The xin keeps 'Shin-myung(神明)', in other words, it has control over and supervise whole activity of body. Therefore xin's role is needed for the appropriate working of spleen, stomach and kidney. And 'Shin-myung' is its motive power. In ${\ll}$Huangdineijing(黃帝內經)${\gg}$, the reason why xin was assigned to September and October is that yang-qi of the human body goes to the inner part, with xin at the same time. This explains that yang-qi of the human body is adapted to change of season and goes into xin-fire(心火) in order to get away from the cold. In this case, heart means more inner part than liver, spleen and lung. Mengzi(孟子), philosopher of the China's turbulent ages emphasized the thinking function of xin. Sunzi(荀子) asserted that xin is 'heaven monarch(天君)' and the other organs are 'heaven rninisters(天官)'. This conception is similar to 'monarch of the organs' of ${\ll}$Huangdineijing(黃帝內經)${\gg}$. After the Ming Dynasty, commentators of Huangdineijing(黃帝內經) explained the heart, as 'monarch of the organs', or 'the master of body(一身之主)'. This was due to the influence of Sung Confucianism.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.4 s.261
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• pp.281-288
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• 2006

Background: Extracardiac pericardial-flap lateral tunnel Fontan operation has theoretical advantage of growth potentiality of the extracardiac tunnels. The mid-term results of this technique and morphologic change of the lateral tunnel were studied. Material and Method: Clinical data was reviewed in 42 patients who underwent extracardiac pericardial-flap lateral tunnel Fontan operation between November 1993 and December 2004. The age was $2.8{\pm}1.5$ years and the body weight was $12.3{\pm}3.2$ kg. Extracardiac tunnel was constructed using the pedicled pericardium with the base undetached. By reviewing the follow-up cardiac angiograms, the diameter and the cross-sectional area of the lateral tunnel was compared to those of inferior vena cava. Result: There were four operative mortality cases (9.8%) and the causes of death were low cardiac output for all four cases. Postoperatively, five patients had prolonged pleural effusion longer than two weeks and one patient required a permanent pacemaker due to complete heart block. Follow-up was possible in 37 patients and the follow up duration was $3.8{\pm}2.2$ years. During that period, one patient died, of upper gastrointestional bleeding combined with heart failure and one patient died a sudden death of unknown cause. Two patients required reoperation due to subaortic stenosis and anastomosis site stenosis between inferior vena cava and lateral tunnel. In one patient, bradyarrhythmia was anew but there was no thromboembolic complication. The lateral tunnel showed growth in proportion to the size of the inferior vena cava. Conclusion: Extracardiac pericardial-flap lateral tunnel Fontan operation is relatively simple and safe. The mid-term result was favorable and the extracardiac tunnel showed potential for growth.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.40-54
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• 2004

Purpose : Captopril (angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor) is known to have a radioproptective effect in the lungs, intestines and skin, but its effect in the heart is unclear. To investigate the radioprotectlve efiect and mechanism of captopril on the heart, the histopathological changes and immunohistochemical stains were compared with radiation alone, and radiation combined with captopril, in the rats. Materials and Methods : The histopathological changes and immunohistochemical stains ($TNF{\alpha}$, $TGF{\beta}1$, PDGF and FGF2) were examined in the radiation alone and the combined captopril and radiation groups, 2 and 8 weeks after irradiation. Each group consisted of 8 to 10 rats (Sprague-Dawley). Irradiation (12.5 Gy) was given to the left hemithorax in a single fraction. Captopril (50 mg/Kg/d) mixed with water, was given orally and continuously from the first week prior to, up to the 8th week of the experiment. Results : In the radiation alone group, the ventricle at 2 weeks after irradiation showed prominent edema (p=0.082) and fibrin deposit (p=0.018) compared to the control group. At 8 weeks, the edema was decreased and fibrosis increased compared to those at 2 weeks. The histopathological changes of the combined group were similar to those of the control group, due to the reduced radiation toxicity at 2 and 8 weeks. The endocardial fibrin deposit (p=0.047) in the atrium, and the interstitial fibrin deposit (p=0.019) and edema (p=0.042) of the ventricle were reduced significantly in the combined group compared to those in the radiation alone group at 2 weeks. The expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $TGF-{\beta}1$, PDGF and FGF-2 in the radiation alone group were more increased than in the control group, especially in the pericardium and endocardium of the atrium at 2 weeks. At 8 weeks, the pericardial $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $TGF-{\beta}1$ in the radiation alone group continuously increased. The expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $TGF-{\beta}1$ and PDGF were decreased in the combined group at 2 weeks. At 8 weeks, the expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in the atrial and ventricular pericardia were markedly reduced (p=0.049, p=0.009). Conclusion : This study revealed that the early heart damage induced by radiation can be reduced by the addition of captopril in a rat model. The expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $TGF-{\beta}1$ and PDGF were further decreased in the combined compared to the radiation alone group at both 2 and 8 weeks. From these results, it may be concluded that these cytokines probably play roles in the radioprotective mechanism of captopril from the radiation-induced heart toxicity, similarly to in other organs.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.286-291
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• 2004

Mediastinum is a very rare primary site of liposarcoma. In general, wide surgical excision with adequate resection margin is the treatment of choice for lipesarcoma. We experienced a case of liposarcoma in a 24 year-old male who complained of dyspnea and chest discomfort. Symptoms had been developed a month before admission, and the intensity had been gradually increased. He visited another general hospital, and there he received left closed thoracostomy because hemothorax was suspected. Afterwards, he was transferred to our hospital without a specific diagnosis, on review of outside chest computed tomography film, mass shadow was detected in the mediastinum. For the further evaluation, we checked the chest sonography and chest magnetic resonance imaging. MRI showed 10 cm sized mass contacted with pulmonary artery trunk and left main pulmonary artery. The radiologist strongly suggested sarcoma. On the 4th day after admission, we performed emergent exploratory left thoracotomy for hematoma evacuation because mediastinal shifting progressed and heart rate was increased. Biopsy confirmed that the evacuated materials were extraskeletal myxoid chondresarcoma, so we performed extrapleural left pneumonectomy including diaphragm and a part of the pericardium. The final pathologic diagnosis was myxoid/round cell liposarcoma. He was discharged without complication and systemic chemotherapy was scheduled to begin 2 month later. During chemotherapy, local recurrence and peritoneal metastasis developed, and he died 10 month after the surgical excision. We report this case with reviewal of literature.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.241-249
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• 1977

Atrial septal defect is one of the most frequently encountered congenital heart disease. Up to December 31, 1976, 1682 cardiac patients received cardiac catheterization in the cardiac department of Yonsei university medical college. Out of the 1682 cardiac patients 723 cases had congenital heart disease and only 116 cases had congetial atrial septal defect. This amounted to 16.04% of all those with congenital heart disease. 58 cases of congenital atrial septal defect operated in the chest surgery department were presented. Of these 58 cases of atrial septal defect, 27 cases were male and 31 cases were female. Their ages ranged from 5 years to 54 years. The systolic pressure of the main pulmonary artery of 40 out of the 58 cases of atrial septal defect was below 40% of that of the systemic blood pressure: in 6 cases, the range of the systolic pressure of the main pulmonary artery was 50-90mmHg; in 12 cases, the range of the systolic pressure of the main pulmonary artery was 40-50mmHg. Average age of these was 30. 1 years. This study tends to show that Korean patients with atrial septal defect even though younger have a slight higher systolic pressure of the main pulmonary artery than Western patients have. The pulmonary blood is 1.5-2.5 times of systemic blood flow in 52 cases out of 58 cases of atrial septal defect.In only one of the 58 cases of atrial septal defect, the Rp was found to be as high as 45% of Rs. All other cases were below this level.51 cases had ostium secundum defect, 4 out of these cases had ostium secundum defect combined with mitral incompetence and 6 out of them had double ostium secundum defect. The remaining 7 cases had ostium primum defect. Their atrial defects were repaired under direct vision utilizing extracorporeal circulation, by hemodilution technic combined with moderate hypothermia. 44 cases [2nd atrial septal defect] were repaired by direct sutures while 14 cases, including the 7 cases ostium primum defects needed patches [1 pericardium and 13 teflon patch]. In 4 cases there were single defects while showed two defects. However the associated septal defect was so small that it could be closed by direct sutures. The size of the defect ranged between 6.0cm2and 10.0cm2 in 19 cases[33.7%]: the smallest being 0. 5cm2 and the largest 24cm2. The surgical mortality was 2 cases [3.4%]. These one case with ostium primum defect, could not be resuscitated on operation table. The cause of death in this case was myocardial failure and MI. The other, a case of ostium primum defect had a second operation on the first operative day due to massive bleeding from LV vent-line insertion site.The patient died on 26th post-operative day due to sepsis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.230-240
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• 1977

Atrial septal defect is one of the most frequently encountered congenital heart disease. Up to December 31, 1976, 1682 cardiac patients received cardiac catheterization in the cardiac department of Yonsei university medical college. Out of the 1682 cardiac patients 723 cases had congenital heart disease and only 116 cases had congetial atrial septal defect. This amounted to 16.04% of all those with congenital heart disease. 58 cases of congenital atrial septal defect operated in the chest surgery department were presented. Of these 58 cases of atrial septal defect, 27 cases were male and 31 cases were female. Their ages ranged from 5 years to 54 years. The systolic pressure of the main pulmonary artery of 40 out of the 58 cases of atrial septal defect was below 40% of that of the systemic blood pressure: in 6 cases, the range of the systolic pressure of the main pulmonary artery was 50-90mmHg; in 12 cases, the range of the systolic pressure of the main pulmonary artery was 40-50mmHg. Average age of these was 30. 1 years. This study tends to show that Korean patients with atrial septal defect even though younger have a slight higher systolic pressure of the main pulmonary artery than Western patients have. The pulmonary blood is 1.5-2.5 times of systemic blood flow in 52 cases out of 58 cases of atrial septal defect.In only one of the 58 cases of atrial septal defect, the Rp was found to be as high as 45% of Rs. All other cases were below this level.51 cases had ostium secundum defect, 4 out of these cases had ostium secundum defect combined with mitral incompetence and 6 out of them had double ostium secundum defect. The remaining 7 cases had ostium primum defect. Their atrial defects were repaired under direct vision utilizing extracorporeal circulation, by hemodilution technic combined with moderate hypothermia. 44 cases [2nd atrial septal defect] were repaired by direct sutures while 14 cases, including the 7 cases ostium primum defects needed patches [1 pericardium and 13 teflon patch]. In 4 cases there were single defects while showed two defects. However the associated septal defect was so small that it could be closed by direct sutures. The size of the defect ranged between 6.0cm2and 10.0cm2 in 19 cases[33.7%]: the smallest being 0. 5cm2 and the largest 24cm2. The surgical mortality was 2 cases [3.4%]. These one case with ostium primum defect, could not be resuscitated on operation table. The cause of death in this case was myocardial failure and MI. The other, a case of ostium primum defect had a second operation on the first operative day due to massive bleeding from LV vent-line insertion site.The patient died on 26th post-operative day due to sepsis.