A Case of Migrated Esophageal Foreign Body Removal Through Cervical Approach Under C-Arm Fluoroscopic Guidance / 대한이비인후과학회지

Foreign bodies in the upper airway and the esophagus are common and often removed in the outpatient setting using the rigid or flexible laryngoscope. Although most esophageal foreign bodies are removed from the digestive tract, in some cases, surgical intervention is required due to its difficult location. Esophageal foreign bodies often removed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy, but when they penetrate the esophagus and move to deep neck spaces, other approaches should be taken into consideration. We report a rare case of a 13-year-old patient whose esophageal foreign body moved to a deep neck compartment, which was embedded in the anterior vertebral muscle. We decided to perform neck exploration under C-arm guidance, successfully targeted and removed the foreign body.

Application of an Intraoperative Neuromonitoring System Using a Surface Pressure Sensor in Parotid Surgery: A Rabbit Model Study

Objectives@#. Facial nerve monitoring (FNM) can be used to identify the facial nerve, to obtain information regarding its course, and to evaluate its status during parotidectomy. However, there has been disagreement regarding the efficacy of FNM in reducing the incidence of facial nerve palsy during parotid surgery. Therefore, instead of using electromyography (EMG) to identify the location and state of the facial nerve, we applied an intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) system using a surface pressure sensor to detect facial muscle twitching. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using the IONM system with a surface pressure sensor to detect facial muscle twitching during parotidectomy. @*Methods@#. We evaluated the stimulus thresholds for the detection of muscle twitching in the orbicularis oris and orbicularis oculi, as well as the amplitude and latency of EMG and the surface pressure sensor in 13 facial nerves of seven rabbits, using the same stimulus intensity. @*Results@#. The surface pressure sensor detected muscle twitching in the orbicularis oris and orbicularis oculi in response to a stimulation of 0.1 mA in all 13 facial nerves. The stimulus threshold did not differ between the surface pressure sensor and EMG. @*Conclusion@#. The application of IONM using a surface pressure sensor during parotidectomy is noninvasive, reliable, and feasible. Therefore, the IONM system with a surface pressure sensor to measure facial muscle twitching may be an alternative to EMG for verifying the status of the facial nerve.

Application of Novel Intraoperative Neuromonitoring System Using an Endotracheal Tube With Pressure Sensor during Thyroid Surgery: A Porcine Model Study

Objectives@#. The loss of signal during intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) using electromyography (EMG) in thyroidectomy is one of the biggest problems. We have developed a novel IONM system with an endotracheal tube (ETT) with an attached pressure sensor instead of EMG to detect laryngeal twitching. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and reliability of this novel IONM system using an ETT with pressure sensor during thyroidectomy in a porcine model. @*Methods@#. We developed an ETT-attached pressure sensor that uses the piezoelectric effect to measure laryngeal muscle twitching. Stimulus thresholds, amplitude, and latency of laryngeal twitching evaluated using the pressure sensor were compared to those measured using transcartilage needle EMG. The measured amplitude changes by EMG and the pressure sensor during recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) traction injury were compared. @*Results@#. No significant differences in stimulus threshold intensity between EMG and the pressure sensor were observed. The EMG amplitude detected at 0.3 mA, increased with increasing stimulus intensity. When the stimulus was more than 1.0 mA, the amplitude showed a plateau. In a RLN traction injury experiment, the EMG amplitude did not recover even 20 minutes after stopping RLN traction. However, the pressure sensor showed a mostly recovery. @*Conclusion@#. The change in amplitude due to stimulation of the pressure sensor showed a pattern similar to EMG. Pressure sensors can be feasibly and reliably used for RLN traction injury prediction, RLN identification, and preservation through the detection of laryngeal muscle twitching. Our novel IONM system that uses an ETT with an attached pressure sensor to measure the change of surface pressure can be an alternative to EMG in the future.

Development of a Novel Intraoperative Neuromonitoring System Using an Accelerometer Sensor in Thyroid Surgery: A Porcine Model Study

OBJECTIVES: The sensitivity and positive predictive value of widely used intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) using electromyography (EMG) of the vocalis muscle in thyroid surgery are controversial. Thus, we developed a novel IONM system with an accelerometer sensor that uses the piezoelectric effect instead of EMG to detect laryngeal twitching. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this novel IONM system during thyroid surgery in a porcine model. METHODS: We developed an accelerometer sensor that uses the piezoelectric effect to measure laryngeal twitching in three dimensions. This novel accelerometer sensor was placed in the anterior neck skin (transcutaneous) or postcricoid area. Stimulus thresholds, amplitude, and latency of laryngeal twitching measured using the accelerometer sensor were compared to those measured through EMG of the vocalis muscle. RESULTS: The amplitudes of the accelerometer sensor at the anterior neck and postcricoid area were significantly lower than those of EMG because of differences in the measurement method used to evaluate laryngeal movement. However, no significant differences in stimulus thresholds between the EMG endotracheal tube and transcutaneous or postcricoid accelerometer sensors were observed. CONCLUSION: Accelerometer sensors located at the anterior neck or postcricoid area were able to identify laryngeal twitching. The stimulus intensity measured with these sensors was equivalent to that from conventional vocalis EMG. Our novel IONM system with an accelerometer sensor that checks changes in surface acceleration can be an alternative to EMG of the vocalis muscle for IONM in the future.

Computational Quantification of the Cardiac Energy Consumption during Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping Using a Cardiac Electromechanics Model

To quantify the reduction in workload during intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy, indirect parameters are used, such as the mean arterial pressure during diastole, product of heart rate and peak systolic pressure, and pressure-volume area. Therefore, we investigated the cardiac energy consumption during IABP therapy using a cardiac electromechanics model. We incorporated an IABP function into a previously developed electromechanical model of the ventricle with a lumped model of the circulatory system and investigated the cardiac energy consumption at different IABP inflation volumes. When the IABP was used at inflation level 5, the cardiac output and stroke volume increased 11%, the ejection fraction increased 21%, the stroke work decreased 1%, the mean arterial pressure increased 10%, and the ATP consumption decreased 12%. These results show that although the ATP consumption is decreased significantly, stroke work is decreased only slightly, which indicates that the IABP helps the failed ventricle to pump blood efficiently.

Long-Term Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty with an Extensively Porous Coated Stem in Patients Younger than 45 Years Old

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the long-term results of cementless total hip arthroplasty using an extensively porous coated stem in patients younger than 45 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiographic results of 45 hips from 38 patients who underwent cementless total hip replacement arthroplasty with an AML prosthesis were reviewed retrospectively. The average follow-up was 12 years (range, 10-15 years). RESULTS: The average Harris hip score at the time of final follow-up was 87.3 (range 77-94) points. Forty two hips (93.3%) showed excellent and good clinical results. Osteolysis occurred around the stem in 20 hips (44.4%) and around the cup in 26 hips (57.8%). Stress-mediated femoral resorption was observed in 33 hips (73.3%) at 10 years. There was no incidence of resorption progressing after 5 years postoperatively. There was no stem loosening. Five hips were revised for osteolysis, cup loosening and polyethylene wear. CONCLUSION: The long term results of total hip arthroplasty using an extensively porous coated stem were acceptable, and there was no case involving the progression of proximal bone resorption.

The Effects of Remifentanil on the LMA Insertion with the Administration of Propofol

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) can be inserted without muscle relaxant in patients who have received propofol. Remifentanil that is recently used opioid effectively attenuates the hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy. This study was to investigate the effects of remifentanil on the quality and hemodynamic response of LMA insertion after intravenous propofol induction without muscle relaxant. METHODS: Forty patients (ASA I or II, 20-65 years) were randomly allocated to control and remifentanil group. Control group received propofol 4microg/ml alone, remifentanil group received propofol 4microg/ml and remifetanil 2 ng/ml by target controlled infusion. LMA insertion condition was assessed by Muzi's score (jaw mobility, coughing, movement). The time interval to loss of eyelash reflex, to BIS < 60 and to insertion of LMA were recorded. The BIS and hemodynamic changes were measured at preinduction (baseline), preinsertion and postinsertion. RESULTS: Loss of consciousness and LMA insertion were more rapid with remifentanil group than control group (P < 0.05). Clinically acceptable insertion of LMA were observed in 35% and 70% of patients in the control and remifentanil group, respectively. There were significant elevations in heart rate, mean blood pressure after insertion of LMA in control group, but no elevations in remifentanil group. And there were no significant differences in BIS in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The LMA insertion with propofol-remifentanil can provide more favorable condition and stable hemodynamic status compared with propofol alone.

What to Wear in the Emergency Deparence for Physican's Attire and Appearance in the ED

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate patients' and physicians' attitude toward emergency physician's professional appearance in the ED. METHODS: By way of a survey, the patients and guardians of 87 patients presenting to the Emergency Department of Seoul National University Hospital (patients' group) were shown 6 photographs of physician's dress style and asked questions related to their preference for each physician's dress style. The same questions were also given to 52 medical personnel (medical group: physicians, nurses, and paramedics of the emergency department). RESULTS: There was no preference for formal suit or casual suit without white laboratory coat in either group. Fifty-eight (73.4%) of the patients' group preferred a formal suit with white coat whereas 22(44.0%) of the medical group preferred a formal suit with white coat (p=0.008). As to surgical scrubs with or without a white coat, there was a preference in both group. However, the medical group liked 'scrubs+white coat' more than the patients' group (p=0.003). Of 12 other items, 4 items (dyed hair, no tie, a Tshirt, and sports shoes) were preferred and 7 items (longhair/ponytail (man), mustache/beard, blue jeans, sportswear, mini-skirt, earrings (man) and bracelets) were not preferred by the either group. However, there is a disconcordance about slippers/sandals between the patients' group and the medical group (27.8% vs 56.8% preferred them; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Patients and their guardians preferred emergency department doctors to be dressed in formal dress with a white coat, but also accepted surgical scrubs whereas medical personnel preferred scrub with white coat.

Usefulness of Blood Cultures in the Emergency Department

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to derive and validate a clinical prediction rule for blood cultures obtained in the emergency department. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with a fever who underwent blood cultures from August 2002 through July 2003. The student t-test, coefficient of correlation, ROC (receiver operatics characteristic) curve, and Chi-square statistics were used for the analyses. RESULTS: Included in the study were 108 patients, of whom 47 were men and 61 were women. The mean age was 45.30+/-26.21 years old. The most common diagnoses were pneumonia and acute gastroenteritis. The usefulness of blood cultures in the emergency department was statistically significant in patients with fever or with higher levels of band form. CONCLUSION: We determined that blood cultures are uncommonly useful for febrile patients and that a need rule is needed for the use of blood cutures in the emergency department

A case of Severe Snake Bites of the Genus Agkistrodon for Pediatric Patients: A Case Report

Venomous snakes are estimated to inflict 400,000 bites annually, resulting in approximately 40,000 deaths. There are nearly 3,500 known species of snakes worldwide, and three species exist in Korea. Venom contains toxins that effect the cardiovascular system, the kidneys, the respiratory system and the muscles. There are many modalities in treating snake bites, but most of all, neutralization of the venom is the most important. however, many doctors in Korea hesitate in using antivenom. The reason is that there are no specific antivenoms against Korean venous snakes. In this case, a 2-year-old female child with a snake bite vistied our hospital Korea via a local clinic. Severe systemic symptoms and local symptoms, including compartment syndrome, were observed. When we tried antivenom, the result was satisfactory.

A case of Verrucous Carcinoma Arising on the Glans Penis with Insertion of Penile Prosthesis / 대한피부과학회지

Verrucous carcinoma is a variant of well-differentiated squarmous cell carcinoma. Although this tumor is well-documented in the oral cavity, its occurrence on the glans penis is rare. It is a relatively nonaggressive tumor which seldom metastasizes to the resional lymph node or distantly. With proper treatment, the prognosis is excellent. We have experienced a case of verrucous carcinoma arising on the glans penis with the previous insertion of paraffin and penile prosthesis for the augumentation of penis, which was treated with total phallectomy. We report this case with a review of literature.

MRI Findings of Cortical Laminar Necrosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristic sequential MRI findings of cortical laminar necrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the MRI findings of 11 patients with clinical signs of hypoxic brain damage who showed findings of cortical laminar necrosis with definite time of onset. Three were men and eight were women; they were aged between 27 and 74 (mean 59.3)years. All patients underwent imaging with a 1.0-T MagnetomImpact(Siemens) ; follow-up MR examinations were performed in five. RESULTS: The watershed zones in the parietooccipital, frontoparietal and temporoparietal cortex were involved in eight cases, whereas the other areas involved were the frontal lobe in two cases and the temporal lobe in one. In one case, MRI obtained two days latershowed brain swelling demonstrating obliteration of cortical sulci and high signal intensity of subcortical whitematter on T2WI. In five cases, MRI obtained between two and three weeks later showed gyriform high signalintensity along the cortex on T1WI, cortical high and subcortical low signal intensities on T2WI in four cases,and gyriform enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced scans in three cases. MRI obtained between three and four weeks later in three cases showed subcortical high signal intensity on T2WI in two cases and gyriform cortical highsignal intensities on T1WI and gyral enhancement in all cases. MRI obtained after 50 days in four cases includingtwo of follow-up MR, showed cortical gyriform high signal intensity on T1WI in all cases and subcortical high signal intensity on T2WI and mild gyriform enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced scans in three cases. In twofollow-up studies, the lesions had become more discrete and larger. CONCLUSION: Cortical laminar necrosis due tohypoxic brain damage shows relatively characteristic MR findings according to the stage. Therefore, MR imaging seems to be useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of cortical laminar necrosis due to hypoxic brain damage.