Fixation of Traumatic Sternal Fractures Using SternaLock Plating System

A 43-year-old man experienced chest trauma due to a car accident. Compound sternal fractures with severe dislocation were seen on computed tomography of the chest. Using a SternaLock plating system with manual reduction, fixation of the sternal fracture was successfully performed. There were no complications related to the operation.

Traumatic Right Diaphragmatic Rupture Combined with Avulsion of the Right Kidney and Herniation of the Liver into the Thorax

Right-sided diaphragmatic rupture is less common and more difficult to diagnose than left-sided lesion. It is rarely combined with the herniation of the abdominal organs into the thorax. High level of suspicion is the key to early diagnosis, and a delay in diagnosis is implicated with a considerable risk of mortality and morbidity. We experienced a case of right-sided diaphragmatic rupture combined with complete avulsion of the right kidney and herniation of the liver into the thoracic cavity.

Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis and Concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass: Long-term Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the surgical results and predictors of long-term survival in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at the time of an aortic valve replacement (AVR) due to aortic stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and December 2009, 183 consecutive patients underwent CABG and concomitant aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. The mean follow-up period was 59.8+/-3.3 months and follow-up was possible in 98.3% of cases. Predictors of mortality were determined by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 5 (2.7%) in-hospital deaths. Follow-up of the in-hospital survivors documented late survival rates of 91.5%, 74.8%, and 59.6% at 1, 5, and 10 postoperative years, respectively. Age (p<0.001), a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 mL/min (p=0.006), and left ventricular (LV) mass (p<0.001) were significant predictors of mortality in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The surgical results and long-term survival of aortic valve replacement with concomitant CABG in patients with aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease were acceptable. Age, a GFR less than 60 mL/min, and LV mass were significant predictors of mortality.

Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava Injury by Gunshot: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Injury to the inferior vena cava (IVC) is associated with a high mortality rate, and little progress has been made for improving the treatment for this since the 1970s. Injury to the retrohepatic IVC, in particular, has been associated with up to a 75% mortality rate due to the difficulty in gaining adequate exposure and controlling the bleeding. Both the severity of injury and anatomic accessibility has been directly correlated with survival in IVC injury. We have experienced a patient with retrohepatic IVC that was ruptured by a penetrating gunshot injury and we managed to save this patient's life.

Primary Pericardial Fibrosarcoma Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Primary malignant neoplasm of the pericardium is very rare. Neoplastic involvement of the pericardium may result in rapidly developing hemorrhagic effusion. A 30-year-old male who occasionally suffered from chest tightness was referred to our hospital under the diagnosis of unstable angina. He presented with acute chest pain and severe dyspnea that had developed one day previously. The diagnostic investigations such as echocardiography, chest CT and magnetic resonance image suggested cardiac tamponade that was caused by rupture of the pericardial teratoma. An operation to remove the tumor and effusion was performed. The pericardial mass was completely excised, and the result of the frozen biopsy favored malignancy. The final pathologic report was malignant fibrosarcoma of the pericardium and no malignant cells were found on the cytology of the pericardial effusion. The patient had a smooth postoperative course and was referred to another hospital for additional radiation therapy. We report here on this case of cardiac tamponade that was caused by primary pericardial fibrosarcoma, and this required urgent diagnosis and surgical management.

Hemoperitoneum Caused by Hepatic Necrosis and Rupture Following a Snakebite: a Case Report with Rare CT Findings and Successful Embolization

We report the computed tomographic and angiographic findings in the case of a recently obtained successful clinical outcome after embolization of the hepatic artery in the case of a snakebite causing hemoperitoneum associated with hepatic necrosis and rupture with active bleeding.

Dysfunction of the Prosthetic Aortic Valve in Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome is a rare systemic, leukoproliferative disorder characterized by eosinophil- mediated tissue injury causing multiple organ failure, including the heart. Cardiac involvement occurs in more than 75% of patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome. Cardiac manifestations include subendocardial fibrosis, thrombus leading to peripheral emboli, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and valvular dysfunction. It is more common in men than in women (9:1), and trends to present between the ages of 20 and 50 years. Presentation in childhood is unusual. We report for the first time a case of a 58-year-old man with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome manifested by prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction that was successfully treated by steroid and hydroxyurea therapy after surgical valvular replacement.

Bilateral Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome / 대한흉부외과학회지

Bilateral popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a rare vascular disease, which leads to ischemic claudication as a result of disturbance to the blood flow from the abnormal relationship of the popliteal artery to the gastrocnemius muscle, a fibrous band or the popliteus muscle in the young male population. A 58-years-old male patient, complaining of ischemic claudication, coldness and 3rd toe gangrene of left leg of 1 month's duration was admitted to our institution. His left ankle-brachial index was decreased; therefore, a femoral artery angiography was performed, which revealed a total occlusion below the distal superficial femoral artery of the left leg. An EKG revealed atrial fibrillation, suggestive of a thromboembolism of the popliteal artery due to atrial fibrillation; therefore, Urokinase thrombolysis was attempted. After the Urokinase thrombolysis, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome was diagnosed, with MRI then performed for an anatomical diagnosis. The popliteal artery entrapment was type I, where the popliteal artery was displaced medial to the Gastrocnemius head. After complete removal of the popliteal artery aneurysm, interposition was performed with a contra lateral greater saphenous vein graft. A mild right popliteal artery aneurysm still remained, but surgery was not performed. Currently, the patent is surviving, without complications. Herein, the good results obtained for the surgical treatment of a severely affected leg, and the conservative treatment of a mildly affected leg, are reported.

Lemierre Syndrome with Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Lemierre syndrome is caused by an acute oropharyngeal infection with secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and frequent metastatic infections. The usual etiologic agent is Fusobacterium necrophorum. Lemierre syndrome was a common disease with a high mortality rate in the pre-antibiotic era. Since the advent of antibiotics and their widespread use for the treatment of pharyngeal infections, there has been a substantial decrease in the incidence of this malady and it has become a "forgotten disease". Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic therapy for Lemierre syndrome is essential to avoid morbidity and mortality. We describe here a case of Lemierre syndrome with multiple septic pulmonary emboli.

A Communicating Bronchopulmonary Foregut Malformation Associated with Absence of the Left Pericardium: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) is a rare congenital anomaly that is characterized by a fistula between isolated respiratory tissue and the esophagus or stomach. The presence of accessory lung tissue arising from the primitive gastrointestinal tube is a common factor in the development of all forms of bronchopulmonary foregut malformations. Recurrent pneumonia associated with cystic radiographic structures is a characteristic of the condition. Further imaging studies using esophagogram, bronchography, computerized tomography, MRI, and arteriography can help in making a diagnostic evaluation. The treatment is a surgical resection of the involved lung tissue, and fistula closure with a good prognosis. We encountered a case of CBPFM, who presented with an extralobar pulmonary sequestration and bronchogenic cyst communicating with a tubular esophageal duplication that was associated with a complete left pericardial defect.

A Communicating Bronchopulmonary Foregut Malformation Associated with Absence of the Left Pericardium: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) is a rare congenital anomaly that is characterized by a fistula between isolated respiratory tissue and the esophagus or stomach. The presence of accessory lung tissue arising from the primitive gastrointestinal tube is a common factor in the development of all forms of bronchopulmonary foregut malformations. Recurrent pneumonia associated with cystic radiographic structures is a characteristic of the condition. Further imaging studies using esophagogram, bronchography, computerized tomography, MRI, and arteriography can help in making a diagnostic evaluation. The treatment is a surgical resection of the involved lung tissue, and fistula closure with a good prognosis. We encountered a case of CBPFM, who presented with an extralobar pulmonary sequestration and bronchogenic cyst communicating with a tubular esophageal duplication that was associated with a complete left pericardial defect.

Intrathoracic Ectopic Live: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Although intrathoracic liver in association with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia has been well documented, the finding of intrathoracic ectopic liver tissue in the presence of an intact diaphragm is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. We have experienced a case of intrathoracic ectopic liver without any diaphragmatic hernia. A 37-year-old woman was admitted for the treatment of an incidentally detected right lung mass. A chest computed tomography scan revealed a right lower lobe lung mass close to the diaphragm, and this was suspicious for bronchial carcinoid tumor. Upon surgery, 2 round solid masses 3.5x3.5 cm and a 2.0x2.0 cm in size were noted, with their bottoms attached to the diaphragm dome. The masses were completely resected. Histologically, they were confirmed to be intrathoracic ectopic livers. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

Intrathoracic Ectopic Live: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Although intrathoracic liver in association with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia has been well documented, the finding of intrathoracic ectopic liver tissue in the presence of an intact diaphragm is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. We have experienced a case of intrathoracic ectopic liver without any diaphragmatic hernia. A 37-year-old woman was admitted for the treatment of an incidentally detected right lung mass. A chest computed tomography scan revealed a right lower lobe lung mass close to the diaphragm, and this was suspicious for bronchial carcinoid tumor. Upon surgery, 2 round solid masses 3.5x3.5 cm and a 2.0x2.0 cm in size were noted, with their bottoms attached to the diaphragm dome. The masses were completely resected. Histologically, they were confirmed to be intrathoracic ectopic livers. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Tricuspid Annulus with the Duran Ring / 대한흉부외과학회지

Tricuspid annuloplasty with the flexible Duran ring may result in a physiologic repair while maintaining the dynamic morphology of the tricuspid annulus. A method for a durable three-dimensional tricuspid annular reconstruction, which retains the plasticity and orifice area of the tricuspid annulus, is described.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Elderly Patients Older Than 75 Years / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The number of elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is increasing. Elderly patients are at increased risk for a variety of perioperative complications and mortality. We identified determinants of operative complications and mortality in elderly patients undergoing CABG. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 1995 and July 2003, 91 patients older than 75 years underwent isolated CABG at Asan Medical Center. There were 67 men and 24 women with mean age of 77.0+/-2.4 years. Thirty clinical or hemodynamic variables hypothesized as predictors of operative mortality were evaluated. RESULT: CABG was performed under emergency conditions in 5 patients. The internal thoracic artery was used in 85 patients and 10 patients received both internal thoracic arteries. The mean number of distal anastomosis was 3.7 per patient. Operative mortality was 3.3%. Twenty-two patients had at least one major postoperative complication. Low cardiac output syndrome was the most common complication, followed by reoperation for bleeding, pulmonary dysfunction, perioperative myocardial infarction, stroke, acute renal failure, ventricular arrhythmia, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, infection, and delayed sternal closure. None were the predictors of mortality. Renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, emergency operation, recent myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, New York Heart Association (HYHA) class III or IV, Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina scale III or IV, and low left ventricle ejection fraction below 40% were univariate predictors of overall complications. Actuarial probability of survival was 94.9%, 89.8%, and 83.5% at postoperative 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. During the follow-up period 93.3% of patients were in NYHA class I, or II and 91.1% were free from angina. CONCLUSION: Although operative complication is increased, CABG can be performed with an acceptable operative mortality and excellent late results in patients older than 75 years.

Analysis of Recurred Mitral Regurgitation after Mitral Repair according to Procedure or Valve Related Causes / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair (MVP) is the optimal procedure for mitral regurgitation (MR), however, failure and subsequent reoperations are the limitations. The current study assessed the procedure in relation to the primary valve related causes of recurrent MR. MATERIAL AND METHOD: MR was treated in 493 patients undergoing MVP from January of 1994 to January of 2002. The causes of MR were degenerative (n=252, 51.5%), rheumatic (n=156, 31.6%), and others (n=85, 16.9%). Surgery comprised 446 ring annuloplasties (90.5%), 227 new chordae formations (46%), 125 quadriangular resections (25.3%), 28 chordae transfers (5.7%), and 8 Alfieri's stitches (1.6%). The mean follow up was 29.04+/-22.81 months. RESULT: There were 5 early (1.01%), and 5 late deaths (1.01%). The reoperation rate was 1.42%. There were 45 (9.1%) recurrent MR (grade III or IV). Of these, 24 were procedure related including incomplete repair (n=14), discordant new chordae length (n=8) and others (n=2). In 21 patients, the cause was valve related including rheumatic disease progression (n=10), recurrent chordae elongation or prolapse (n=5) and others (n=6). Severe MR was higher after incomplete repair (p <0.001), and valve related failure strongly correlated with rheumatic progression (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Since completeness of operation is the prime risk factor that determine the repair durability, intra-operative assessment of the initial repair with trans-esophageal echocardiography is essential.

Heart Transplantation. A Retrospective Analysis of the Long-Term Results

Long-term results of orthotopic heart transplantation vary among different institutions. The purpose of the present study was to assess the factors, which might affect long-term survival and complications. Between November 1992 and July 2003, 112 heart transplantations (M/F=89: 23) were performed. The standard technique was used in the first 57 patients and the bicaval technique in the latter 55 patients. Indications for transplantation in decreasing order of frequency were dilated cardiomyopathy (75%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (7%), and others (18%). The mean follow up duration was 51.8 +/- 31.3 months with 98 patients remaining alive. Preoperatively, all patients were either in NYHA functional class III or IV. Postoperatively, all patients showed improvement to functional class II or I, except 3 patients that remained in NYHA class III. The mean number of rejection cases within the first year was 0.6 +/- 0.8, with humoral rejection noted in 3 cases. The graft vascular disease (GVD) -free survival at 3 and 5 years was 96% and 83%, respectively. The 7-year survival after heart transplantation was 84%. There were 16 deaths, of which infection (n=4) was the most common followed by rejection (n=3), and malignancy (n=2). The present long-term results, were relatively superior to those seen in western countries. The relatively low GVD-free survival rate is thought to have contributed. The complications encountered after transplantation were mostly immunosuppressive drug related, suggesting further potentials for improvement in long-term survival.

Histological Characteristics of Right Gastroepiploic Artery for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Long term patency of arterial graft has been better than venous graft and redo coronary artery bypass grafting has been increasing, therefore, there has been an increasing need for alternative arterial grafts except internal thoracic artery(ITA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Right gastroepiploic arteries(RGEA) were harvested from 100 patients who had received gastrectomy for gastric cancer or ulcer. ITAs were obtained from 10 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The length of RGEA was measured from the pyloric ring. Items of the morphometric and histologic study at the pyloric ring and sites of the 10cm and 20cm RGEA from the pyloric ring were luminal diameter, intimal thickness, medial thickness, wall thickness, degree of intimal hyperplasia, intimal thickness, medial thickness, wall thickness, degree of intimal hyperplasia, intimal thickness index, medial thickness index, and the number of discontinuities of the internal elastic lamina. Similar items were applied to the proximal site of ITAs. RESULT: The length of RGEA was 23+/-2.7cm(range 17~31cm). Comparing the 20cm RGEA with ITA, intimal thickness, medial thickness, wall thickness, and degree of intimal hyperplasia did not show any difference(p>0.05). However, 20cm RGEA was greater than ITA at the luminal diameter, intimal thickness index, and the number thickness and wall thickness in each site of the RGEA(pyloric ring, 10cm, 20cm) decreased from the pyloric ring to the distal sites(p<0.05). The degree of intimal hyperplasia and the number of discontinuities of the internal elastic lamina did not show any difference between the pyloric ring and 10cm, however, those of 20cm were smaller than these sites(p<0.05). RGEA had more number of discontinuities of the internal elastic lamina and rich smooth muscle cells in the media than ITA. CONCLUSION: The length and diameter of RGEA is good enough to reach most of the coronary arteries. Moreover, long term patency of RGEA may be improved, if anastomosed in the distal site.

Simultaneous Revascularization for Coronary Artery Stenosis and Peripheral Vascular Disease / 대한흉부외과학회지

There was no significant difference in morbidity and mortality between those that received simultaneous operation for coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease versus those that received coronary artery bypass graft alone. Simultaneous operation is also cost effective. A 46 year-old patient with resting chest pain and intermittent claudication was diagnosed as unstable angina and Leriche's syndrome. We performed simultaneous revascularization for coronary artery stenosis with internal mammary artery and right gastroepiploic artery and a bifurcated vascular graft interposition between in the aorta, left common iliac and right femoral arteries for Leriche's syndrome. The postoperative coronary angiogram and aortogram revealed a good patency of the arterial conduits and vascular graft. He has been followed for 12 months without any problem.

Complete Sternal Cleft / 대한흉부외과학회지

Congenital defects of the sternum are rare development anomalies. They result form the failure of the lateral sternal bars to fuse. This malformation may be associated with other ventral midline fusion defects and ectopia cordis. A complete sternal cleft is the rarest form and less than 10 cases have been reported in the medical literature. Here were report a 3-day-old boy with complete sternal cleft without other malformations, who underwent primary surgical repair. Surgical correction of complete sternal cleft should be performed in neonatal period whether the infant if symptomatic or not because it is usually simple, able to achieve good result and primary repair is usually feasible at this period.