Surgical Treatment for Intra-Thoracic Migration of Acupuncture Needles

The aim of this study was to introduce the experience of diagnosis and treatment for patients with migrated acupuncture needle to pleural cavity and or lung parenchyma. We had treated 5 patients who had acupuncture needles in their thoracic cavity from January 2000 to September 2009. The mean age was 55.8 yr old. All patients suffered from the sequelae of the cerebrovascular accident and had been treated with acupuncture. They had drowsiness and hemiplegic or quadriplegic motor activity. Fever and dyspnea were main symptoms when referred to us. Diagnosis was made by the chest radiography and chest computed tomography which revealed straight metallic materials in their thoracic cavity. The needles were removed via thoracotomy or thoracoscopic procedures. Pleural decortications were also needed in four patients. Thoracoscopic surgery was successfully performed in two patients. After the removal all patients became symptomless. Although we experienced only five patients who have migrated acupuncture needles in thoracic cavity, we suggest that thoracoscopic removal of the needle with or without pleural decortication is the most optimal modality of treatment in those patients.

Microarray Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles in Response to Treatment with Melatonin in Lipopolysaccharide Activated RAW 264.7 Cells

Melatonin, which is the main product of the pineal gland, has well documented antioxidant and immune-modulatory effects. Macrophages produce molecules that are known to play roles in inflammatory responses. We conducted microarray analysis to evaluate the global gene expression profiles in response to treatment with melatonin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In addition, eight genes were subjected to real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to confirm the results of the microarray. The cells were treated with LPS or melatonin plus LPS for 24 hr. LPS induced the up-regulation of 1073 genes and the down-regulation of 1144 genes when compared to the control group. Melatonin pretreatment of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells resulted in the down regulation of 241 genes and up regulation of 164 genes. Interestingly, among genes related to macrophage-mediated immunity, LPS increased the expression of seven genes (Adora2b, Fcgr2b, Cish, Cxcl10, Clec4n, Il1a, and Il1b) and decreased the expression of one gene (Clec4a3). These changes in expression were attenuated by melatonin. Furthermore, the results of real-time PCR were similar to those of the microarray. Taken together, these results suggest that melatonin may have a suppressive effect on LPS-induced expression of genes involved in the regulation of immunity and defense in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Moreover, these results may explain beneficial effects of melatonin in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions.

Pulmonary Thromboembolectomy for Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism is fatal because of abruptly occurring hypoxemia and right ventricular failure. There are several treatment modalities, including anticoagulation, thrombolytics, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenator), and thromboembolectomy, for managing acute pulmonary thromboembolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records from January 1999 to December 2004 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed for pulmonary thromboembolectomy. There were 7 patients (4 men and 3 women), who underwent a total of 8 operations because one patient had post-operative recurrent emboli and underwent reoperation. Surgery was indicatedfor mild hypoxemia and performed with CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) in a beating heart state. RESULTS: The patients had several symptoms, such as dyspnea, chest discomfort, and palpitation. Four patients had deep vein thromboembolisms and 3 had psychotic problems, specifically schizophrenia. Post-operative complications included hemothorax, pleural effusion, and pericardial effusion. There were two hospital deaths, one each by brain death and right heart failure. CONCLUSION: Emergency operation should be performed when medical treatments are no longer effective.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax due to Pulmonary Invasion in Multisystemic Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Langerhans cell Histiocytosis can present as a single or multiple lesion and can affect one or several organ systems. A 41-year-old woman with a history of multisystemic Langerhans cell Histiocytosis invading lung and thyroid was admitted with left-sided spontaneous pneumothorax. Here we report a case of uncommon pulmonary Langerhans-cell Histiocytosis presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax as a multisystemic Langerhans cell Histiocytosis.

A Case of Multiple Cardiac Myxomas Complicating Recurrent Right Hemiparesis in a Child who had a Wrong Diagnosis of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Multiple cardiac myxomas are rare in children. However, myxomas may be lethal because of their various manifestations such as blood flow obstruction, embolization and constitutional changes. Especially, the cerebral infarction due to tumor fragmentation are more likely to be misdiagnosed of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. We report a case of multiple cardiac myxoma complicating recurrent right hemiparesis in a 12-year-old child who at first had a wrong diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Consequently, a child who show unrepresentative symptom of ADEM, should be examined rapidly by various tools to rule out the cerebral infarction from cardiogenic cause.

Angiographic Results of Radial Artery Grafts that are Used for Myocardial Revascularization / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The radial artery is gaining widespread acceptance as complementary arterial conduits for surgical myocardial revascularization, but there have been limited reports about its angiographic patency compared with that of internal thoracic artery or saphenous vein. We tried to evaluate angiographic patency of radial artery graft and to compare that of radial artery and other grafts with retrospective manner. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 2001 to June 2006, totally 132 patients (male 92, female 40) who underwent coronary artery bypass graft using radial artery were re-admitted to our hospital for follow up angiographic examination. Mean age was 58.2+8.87 and mean follow up duration was 32 month (2~110 month). Off pump and on pump bypass surgery were performed 74 and 58 patients respectively. Along with radial artery, left internal thoracic arteries were used in 57 cases, concomitant left internal thoracic artery and saphenous veins were used in 47 cases and bilateral internal thoracic arteries were used in 20 cases. RESULT: Totally 412 distal anastomosis were performed and 376 anastomosis remained patent (91.2%). Left internal thoracic artery showed the most excellent patency in all of the conduits (98.5%). Radial artery graft patency was 90.8% (169/186). There was no statistical difference of the patency by conduit between on-pump and off-pump group. But radial artery showed more higher patency rate (98/110, 89%) in the severe stenotic lesion that preoperatively revealed more than 90% stenosis than in the lesser severe (<90%) stenotic lesion (60/76, 78%)(p<0.005). Radial artery conduit represented the worst result when it was grafted in the right coronary system. But when it was positioned in the left heart especially diagonal or obtuse marginal area, patency was comparable with left internal thoracic artery. CONCLUSION: Radial artery graft showed good midterm patency when it was used in the severe stenotic lesion more than 90% and left coronary system. But great notice should be taken when it is grafted in the right coronary system or less severe stenotic lesion.

Results of Bronchial Sleeve Resection for Primary Lung Cancer / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: It is known that long-term survival rate in patients underwent bronchial sleeve lobectomy for primary lung cancer is at least equal to that in patients underwent pneumonectomy, and bronchial sleeve lobectomy is performed in patients with suitable tumor location even in patients have adequate pulmonary function. Sleeve pneumonectomy is performed when carina was invaded by tumor or tumor location was near to the carina. We performed this study to know our results of sleeve resection for primary lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed retrospectively the medical records of 45 patients who underwent sleeve lobectomy or sleeve pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer by one thoracic surgeon from May 1990 to July 2003 in Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University. Follow-up loss was absent and last follow-up was performed in April 5, 2005. Kaplan-Meyer method and log-lank test were used to know long-term survival rate and p-value. RESULT: Mean age was 60 years old and male to female ratio 41:1. Histologic types were squamous cell carcinoma were 39, adenocarcinoma were 4, and others were 2 patients. Pathologic stages were I 14, II 14, and III 17 patients. Nodal stages were N0 23, N1 13, and N2 9 patients. Types of operation were sleeve lobectomy 40 and sleeve pneumonectomy 5 patients. Operative mortality was 3 patients and its cause was respiratory complications. Early complications were pneumonia 4, atelectasis 8, air leakage more than 7 days 6, and atrial fibrillation 4 patients. In 19 patients tumor was recurred. Local recurrence was 10 and systemic metastasis was 9 patients. Overall 5, 10-year survival rate were 54.2%, 42.5%. The 5, 10-year survival rates according to the pathologic stage were 83.9%, 67.1% in stage I, 55%, 47.1% in II, 33.3%, 25% in III, and significance difference was present between stage I and III. The 5, 10-year survival rate according to the lymph node involvement were 63.9%, 54.6% in N0, 53.8%, 46.5% in N1, 28.5%, 14.2% in N2, and significance difference was present between N0 and N2. CONCLUSION: Because bronchial sleeve lobectomy for primary lung cancer could be performed safely and shows acceptable long-term survival rate, it could be considered primary in case of suitable tumor location if complete resection is possible. Although sleeve pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer shows somewhat high operative mortality rate, it could be considered in view of curative treatment.

Short Term and Midterm Surgical Results for Infective Endocarditis: Does Wide Debridement and Reconstruction Affect the Post Operative Mortality and Morbidity? / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: We present here the early and midterm surgical results for infective endocarditis and we especially focus on the effect of aggressive reconstruction or root implantation after wide debridement. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 1995 and Jun 2006, we enrolled 79 adult infective endocarditis patients who underwent surgical treatment. There were 63 and 16 native and prosthetic valve endocarditis cases, respectively. They included 27 cases of culture negative endocarditis. With performing valve replacement or repair, 28 of the patient underwent a more aggressive surgical option, for example, aortic root replacement or reconstruction, or heart base reconstruction etc. RESULT: There were statistical relationships between the in-hospital mortality and staphylococcal infection, urgent-based operation and operation during the active phase of endocarditis. Wide debridement and aggressive reconstruction were not related to either the post operative mortality or the early morbidity. Culture negative endocarditis was not related to the postoperative mortality and morbidity. CONCLUSION: Physicians must pay attention to patients' medical treatment during the preoperative period of the infective endocarditis. If surgery is considered for treating infective endocarditis, it should be performed before the downhill course of the disease so that the surgical outcome is improved. Wide debridement and more aggressive reconstruction are also warranted.

Surgical removal of a left ventricular thrombus caused by acute myocarditis / 소아과

Left ventricular thrombus is mainly caused by anterior myocardial infarction or severe cardiac wall dysfunction of the apex, and is rarely caused by a complication of acute myocarditis. A 12-year-old female who developed symptoms of motor dysphasia and incomplete hemiparesis of the right side was admitted to the hospital. The brain MRI taken on the day of her admission showed acute cerebral infarction in the left basal ganglia and the frontoparietal lobe. The echocardiogram showed a movable thrombus, which was 19x28 mm sized and located in the apex of the left ventricle. So in order to prevent further thromboembolic event we performed open cardiac surgery via the atrium and removed the thrombus of the left ventricle. After the removal of the thrombus her symptoms improved and she was discharged from the hospital. Thrombus formation in acute viral myocarditis are considered to be related with endocardial injury and blood flow stasis. Treatment with anticoagulants in left ventricular thrombosis may not be effective and may even cause a major thromboembolism. When the thrombus is laminar and fixed, one should consider anticoagulant therapy. But if the thrombus is pedunculated and movable, which means that there are higher possibilities of major embolism or there may be already one, one should consider surgical removal. We report a 12-year-old girl who required surgical removal of a left ventricular thrombus caused by acute viral myocarditis.

Mediastinal Lymphangioma: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 14-year-old male patient was admitted for an abnormal chest X-ray. A chest computed tomogram showed a cystic mass in the anterior mediastinum and spleen, 14X14 cm and 2X2 cm in size respectively. Complete removal of the mediastinal lesion was achieved by a median sternotomy. The final histologic diagnosis of the lesion was cystic lymphangioma. There was no evidence of tumor recurrence until a postoperative period of 14 months.

Occlusion of the Right Coronary Artery Ostium due to Rheumatic Aortic Valve Stenosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

Occlusion of a coronary artery ostium and especially occlusion of the right by an aortic cusp is a rare condition. We experienced an adult patient with occlusion of the right coronary ostium that was due to fusion of the right coronary cusp to the aortic wall along with underlying rheumatic aortic valve stenosis. During the operation, the adherent right coronary cusp was excised. After confirming that the right coronary ostium was patent, the other cusps were removed, and this followed by replacement of the aortic valve with a mechanical valve. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Primary Sternal Osteomyelitis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Primary sternal osteomyelitis is a rare disease. Primary sternal osteomyelitis occurring during childhood is extremely rare; therefore, only eleven cases have been reported in the English language literatures. The predisposing factors of primary sternal osteomyelitis are malnutrition, immune deficiency, intravenous injection, blunt chest trauma, and sickle cell anemia. Drainage of pus with antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice. We report a case of primary sternal osteomyelitis occurred in a 16-year old boy, who had no predisposing factors, with review of literatures.

Surgical Treatment for Carotid Artery Stenosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy is an effective treatment modality in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis, but it may result in serious postoperative complications. We analyzed the results of the carotid endarterectomy performed in our institution to reduce the complications related to the carotid endarterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed retrospectively the medical records of 74 patients (76 cases) who underwent carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis by a single surgeon from February 1996 to July 2004. RESULT: There were 64 men and 10 women. The mean age of the patients was 63.6 years old. Carotid endarterectomy only was performed in 63 cases, carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty in 8 cases, and carotid endarterectomy with segmental resection of internal carotid artery and end to end anastomosis in 5 cases. Intra-arterial shunt was used in 29 cases. The mean back pressures of internal carotid arteries checked after clamping common carotid arteries and external carotid arteries were 23.48+/-10.04 mmHg in 25 cases with changes in electroencephalography (group A) and 47.16+/-16.04 mmHg in 51 cases without changes in electroencephalography (group B). There was no statistical difference in the mean back pressure of internal carotid arteries between two groups (p=0.095), but the back pressures of internal carotid arteries of all patients with changes in electroencephalography were under 40 mmHg. When there was no ischemic change of electroencephalography after clamping common carotid artery and external carotid artery, we did not make use of intra-arterial shunt regardless of the back pressure of internal carotid artery. Operative complications were transient hypoglossal nerve palsy in four cases, cerebral hemorrhage occurred at previous cerebral infarction site in two cases, mild cerebral infarction in one case, hematoma due to anastomosis site bleeding in one case, and upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal edema probably caused by excessive retraction during operation in two cases. One patient expired due to cerebral hemorrhage occurring at previous cerebral infarction site. CONCLUSION: Carotid endarterectomy is a safe operative procedure showing low operative mortality. We suggest that intra-arterial shunt usage should be decided according to the ischemic change of electroencephalography regardless of the back pressure of internal carotid artery. Excessive retraction during operation should be avoided to prevent upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal edema and if upper airway obstruction is suspected, prompt management is essential.

Pleural Sparganosis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

The major cause of Sparganosis is ingestion of raw snake or frog. The most common clinical manifestation of Sparganosis is subcutaneous moving nodule in abdominal wall, chest wall, thigh, and scrotal area. The most accurate method of diagnosis and treatment for Sparganosis is surgical removal of the parasite. We experienced pleural sparganosis in a 70-years-old male patient, and report it with review of literatures.

Urinothorax following Blunt Renal Trauma: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Urinothorax occurs when urine leakes into thoracic cavity and it was first reported by Correie in 1968. The mechanism of its occurrence is an accumulation of urine in thoracic cavity by retroperitoneal urinoma formed by urinary tract obstruction or trauma. Retroperitoneal inflammation, malignant neoplasm, kidney transplantation, and kidney biopsy can also induce urinothorax. The diagnosis of urinothorax may be delayed due to its rare incidence rate, but if diagnosis is confirmed the treatment is possible by urinary diversion. We report our experience of a case of urinothorax associated with retroperitoneal urinoma followed by blunt renal trauma with review of literatures.

Synchronous Double Cancer of the Esophagus and Lung: Two case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

The synchronous double cancer of the esophagus and lung is rare. Right lower lobectomy and Ivor Lewis procedure were performed simultaneously in a 75 year-old male patient who had synchronous double primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus and right lower lobe of the lung. Left upper lobectomy was performed in a 69 year-old male patient who had squamous cell carcinoma of the left upper lobe of the lung, and four months later we performed Ivor Lewis procedure for the squamous cell carcinoma that occurred in the thoracic esophagus. The above two patients were doing well 10 months and 24 months after the operation respectively without recurrence. We treated the two cases of synchronous double cancer of the esophagus and lung with complete resection, and report this with review of literature.

Aorto-bicarotid-biaxillary Bypass in Takayasu's Arteritis: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 30 year-old female patient was admitted for dizziness and palpitation. Pulsation of the both upper extremities and both common carotid arteries were absent. Innominate artery and both common carotid arteries were severely narrowed, and both subclavian arteries were completely obstructed on aortogram. The patient was diagnosed as type I Takayasu's arteritis, and operation was performed to increase blood flow to the brain and both upper extremities. Ascending aorta, both carotid arteries, both subclavian arteries, and both axillary arteries were exposed by four separate incision, and we performed an aorto-bicarotid-biaxillary bypass with Hemashield graft. Previous dizziness and palpation were disappeared after the operation.

RVOTO Caused by Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma Originating from Pulmonary Valve: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Primary pulmonary arterial sarcomas, especially those originating from the pulmonary valve are extremely rare. A 35 year-old male patient was admitted for exertional dyspnea and fatigue. Large intraluminal mass in the main pulmonary artery and both pulmonary arteries was detected by chest computed tomogram, chest magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiogram, and pulmonary angiogram. We regarded the mass as a primary pulmonary arterial malignant tumor, and resected under cardiopulmonary bypass. The mass was appeared to originate from the posterior cusp of pulmonary valve, and extended from below pulmonary valve to main pulmonary artery and both pulmonary arteries. We resected the mass by pulmonary endarterectomy and replaced the pulmonary valve. The mass was diagnosed as a pulmonary arterial sarcoma in histopathologic examination.

Animal Experiments on an Antithrombogenic Small-Caliber Vascular Prostheses and Vascualr Patch: Observation in Canine Models / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although a variety of synthetic vascular grafts are available in modern vascular surgery, no ideal prosthesis has yet been developed. Small-caliber vascular grafts with low flow, as used in the lower extremity, continue to become thrombosed at unacceptable rates. We have developed and evaluated the new antithrombogenic blood contacting surfaces in canine model. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two new antithrombogenic blood contacting surfaces(Polyvinylalcohol-Polyurethane(PVA-PU) blend and natural Graphite-Polyurethane(G-PU) blend) have been developed and evaluated in canine model, using vascular grafts and patches. The luminal surfaces of the test vascular grafts(5 mm ID) were fabricated by dipping a glass rod in PVA-PU blend solution(50 % PVA) using phaseseparation method. Mongrel dogs of either sex weighing 18-22 kg were anesthetized by endotracheal intubation using halothane and their lungs were ventilated with a volume-cycled ventilator. Maintenance anesthesia with 0.5-1.0% halothane and supplemental oxygen was used. Two pairs were used for comparison in the bilateral femoral arteries for both vascular grafts(PVA-PU vs. PU) and vascular patches(G-PU vs. PU). Bilateral groin incisions were made and the arteries were exposed and clamped. After an excision of 1 cm of the artery between clamps, a graft of 2.5 cm in length was implanted end-to-end using 6-0 polypropylene suture. The vascular patch was implanted as a form of on-lay patch. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 16 weeks for vascular grafts and 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks for vascular patches. RESULT: The vascular grafts of PVA-PU blends showed patent lumina in the 2 and 16 weeks animals, while those of PU showed a patent lumen in 2 weeks animal. PVA-PU graft of 16 weeks showed a fairly clean luminal surface. A light microscopic finding of this graft demonstrated good tissue infiltration through porosity. The animals with vascular patches showed patent arteries in both groups except 2 weeks animal. Scanning electron microscopy of the luminal surfaces of G-PU patches in 4 and 6 weeks animals showed endothelial cell covering with microvilli. PU patches showed qualitatively less endothelial cell covering. CONCLUSION:In conclusion, PVA-PU and G-PU blends can be a promising blood contacting surfaces for application in a synthetic vascualr graft. However,further animal study is needed to determine the real long-term effects of these methods of surface modifications.

A New Technique of Angioplasty of the Left Pulmonary Artery Using an Autologous Main Pulmonary Artery Flap / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Stenosis of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is troublesome. A new technique of LPA angioplasty using an autologous MPA flap was performed in patients with TOF. MATERIALAND METHOD: From October 1998 to January 2001, 24 patients (median age; 10 months, range; 4 to 145 months)underwent total correction of TOF with LPA angioplasty using the autologous MPA flap. Five patients underwent pulmonary angioplasty without any patch over the MPA and LPA. The patches were required to enlarge only the MPA in 4 patients, and transannular RVOT widening was performed in 15. RESULT: There were no operative or late deaths. During follow-up (range: 6~42 months), reoperation for LPA stenosis was not required in any patients, but balloon angioplasty for branch pulmonary artery stenosis was performed in 3 patients. Echocardiography and CT angiography at the recent follow-up showed an obtuse angle between the MPA and LPA. CONCLUSION: Although further follow-up is needed, the angioplasty using the autologous MPA flap can be easily performed, avoiding patch-related complications, and allowing growth of the MPA flap. This angioplasty technique creates a more natural and obtuse angle between the MPA and LPA, which can minimize kinking of the LPA, especially in the patients who underwent transannular patch widening.