Endovenous radiofrequency ablation using a new bipolar electrode in a canine model: a new endovenous radiofrequency electrode

Purpose@#This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of a newly developed endovenous radiofrequency (RF) catheter compared with that of the existing RF catheter in a canine model. @*Methods@#Seven dogs underwent ablation using 1 control catheter (ClosureFAST, CF; Covidien) and 1 experimental catheter (VENISTAR, VS; STARmed Co., Ltd.) in the femoral and cephalic veins. The ablated vein was evaluated macroscopically (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, TTC), microscopically (hematoxylin and eosin staining), and ultrasonographically. Vessel injury score was used to evaluate the ablating effect objectively. Veins from 1 dog were evaluated on the day of ablation, while in the remaining 6 dogs, the ablated veins were evaluated 2 weeks later. @*Results@#A total of 23 veins (CF, 11 veins; VS, 12 veins) were ablated in 7 dogs. Non–TTC-stained vein wall areas were identified in all ablated veins. No significant difference was observed in the mean vessel injury score (2.54 ± 1.16 vs. 2.42 ± 1.13, P = 0.656) and the mean vessel wall thickness (0.32 ± 0.03 mm vs. 0.31 ± 0.05 mm, P = 0.212) between CF and VS. There was no blood flow in all veins ablated with VS, whereas there was remaining blood flow in 1 vein ablated with CF. Perivenous complication was not observed. @*Conclusion@#Endovenous RF ablation using a newly developed VS RF catheter seems to provide comparable occlusion rate and degree of vein wall injury without perivenous adverse events compared to the most commonly used RF catheter (CF).

Retrograde Endovenous Laser Ablation through Saphenopopliteal Junctional Area for Incompetent Small Saphenous Vein: Comparison with Antegrade Approach

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrograde endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and to compare it with the conventional antegrade EVLA for incompetent small saphenous vein (SSV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Small saphenous vein was cannulated via two approaches under ultrasound-guidance. One method involved puncturing the SSV cranially at mid-calf (the antegrade group). If the antegrade puncture into the SSV failed twice, the other approach for puncture was selected that involved puncturing the SSV toward the ankle (the retrograde group). Patients were evaluated in terms of technical & clinical success, closure rates of the SSV, and complications including pain, bruising, or paresthesia at all follow-up visits. RESULTS: The 1470 nm endovenous laser was used in all limbs. Technical success was seen in all limbs in both groups (100%). Closure rate in both groups showed about 95%, without significant difference (p = 0.685). Similar linear endovenous energy density was supplied during the EVLA in both groups (p = 0.876). Three frequent complications including bruising, pain, and paresthesia did not show statistical significance between groups (p = 0.465, 0.823, 1.000, respectively). Major complications were absent in both groups. CONCLUSION: The EVLA for the incompetent SSV using a retrograde approach is safe and effective and should be considered the alternative method if the antegrade access fails due to vasospasm or small SSV diameter.

Fluoroscopy-Guided Endovenous Sclerotherapy Using a Microcatheter Prior to Endovenous Laser Ablation: Comparison between Liquid and Foam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Tributaries

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of endovenous foam sclerotherapy (EFS) and liquid sclerotherapy (ELS) using a microcatheter for the treatment of varicose tributaries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to January 2009, patients with venous reflux in the saphenous vein were enrolled. The foam or liquid sclerosant was injected through a microcatheter just before endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). Patients were evaluated for the technical success, clinical success, and procedure-related complications during the procedure and follow-up visits. RESULTS: A total of 94 limbs were included: 48 limbs (great saphenous vein [GSV], 35; small saphenous vein [SSV], 13) were managed using EFS and EVLA (foam group; FG), and 46 limbs (GSV, 37; SSV, 9) were treated by ELS and EVLA (liquid group; LG). Varicose tributaries demonstrated complete sclerosis in 92.7% with FG and in 71.8% with LG (p = 0.014). Bruising (78.7% in FG vs. 73.2% in LG, p > 0.05), pain or tenderness (75.6% in FG vs. 51.2% in LG, p = 0.0237) were noted. Hyperpigmentation (51.2% in FG vs. 46.2% in LG, p > 0.05) was found. CONCLUSION: Endovenous foam sclerotherapy using a microcatheter is more effective than ELS for eliminating remnant varicose tributaries prior to EVLA. However, EFS is more commonly associated with local complications such as pain or tenderness than ELS. Furthermore, both techniques seem to prolong the duration of hyperpigmentation along with higher costs.

Novel Early Predictor of Acute Kidney Injury after Open Heart Surgery under Cadiopulmonary Bypass Using Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin

BACKGROUND: Open heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is considered one of the most frequent surgical procedures in which acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as an early AKI biomarker after CPB in cardiac surgery (CS). METHODS: Thirty-seven adult patients undergoing CS with CPB were included in this retrospective study. They had normal preoperative renal function, as assessed by the creatinine (Cr) level, NGAL level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Serial evaluation of serum NGAL and Cr levels was performed before, immediately after, and 24 hours after the operation. Patients were divided into two groups: those who showed normal immediate postoperative serum NGAL levels (group A, n=30) and those who showed elevated immediate postoperative serum NGAL levels (group B, n=7). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18. RESULTS: Of the 37 patients, 6 (6/37, 16.2%) were diagnosed with AKI. One patient belonged to group A (1/30, 3.3%), and 5 patients belonged to group B (5/7, 71.4%). Two patients in group B (2/7, 28.5%) required further renal replacement therapy. Death occurred in only 1 patient (1/37, 2.7%), who belonged to group B. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that postoperative plasma NGAL levels can be used as an early biomarker for the detection of AKI following CS using CPB. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our results.

Efficacy and Safety of Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Delirium in Adult Cardiac Surgery on Cardiopulmonary Bypass

BACKGROUND: Delirium after cardiac surgery is associated with serious long-term negative outcomes and high costs. The aim of this study is to evaluate neurobehavioral, hemodynamic, and sedative characteristics of dexmedetomidine, compared with the current postoperative sedative protocol (remifentanil) in patients undergoing open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: One hundred and forty two eligible patients who underwent cardiac surgery on CPB between April 2012 and March 2013 were randomly divided into two groups. Patients received either dexmedetomidine (range, 0.2 to 0.8 microg/kg/hr; n=67) or remifentanil (range, 1,000 to 2,500 microg/hr, n=75). The primary end point was the prevalence of delirium estimated daily via the confusion assessment method for intensive care. RESULTS: When the delirium incidence was compared with the dexmedetomidine group (6 of 67 patients, 8.96%) and the remifentanil group (17 of 75 patients, 22.67%) it was found to be significantly less in the dexmedetomidine group (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in the extubation time, ICU stay, total hospital stay, and other postoperative complications including hemodynamic side effects. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests that dexmedetomidine as a postoperative sedative agent is associated with significantly lower rates of delirium after cardiac surgery.

A Case of Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation Infected with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Complex / 결핵및호흡기질환

We present a case of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) in a 25-year-old male who was presented with chronic cough. Chest radiography revealed an abnormal mass-like shadow in the right lower pulmonary zone. A contrast enhanced computed tomography showed an 11 cm solid, cystic mixed mass on the right lower lobe. A right lower lobectomy was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without complications. The gross specimen showed a massive cavitation with multiloculated cysts of varying size, consistent with CCAM, along with noticeable granulomatous inflammation. Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria were isolated from a bronchial wash specimen, and the resected tissue homogenates were positive for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex by polymerase chain reaction.

Effects of Ulinastatin on Postoperative Blood Loss and Hemostasis in Atrioventricular Valve Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces variable systemic inflammatory reactions associated with major organ dysfunction via polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, inhibits PMN activity and reduces systemic inflammatory responses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ulinastatin on postoperative blood loss and laboratory changes in patients undergoing open heart surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and February 2009, 110 patients who underwent atrioventricular valve surgery through right thoracotomy were divided into two groups. Patients received either 5,000 U/kg ulinastatin (ulinastatin group, n=41) or the equivalent volume of normal saline (control group, n=69) before aortic cross clamping. The primary end points were early coagulation profile changes, postoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, and duration of intubation and intensive care unit stay. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in early coagulation profile, other perioperative laboratory data, and postoperative blood loss with transfusion requirements. CONCLUSION: Administration of ulinastatin during operation did not improve the early coagulation profile, postoperative blood loss, or transfusion requirements of patients undergoing open heart surgery. In addition, no significant effect of ulinastatin was observed in major organs dysfunction, systemic inflammatory reactions, or other postoperative profiles.

Effects of Ulinastatin on Postoperative Blood Loss and Hemostasis in Atrioventricular Valve Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces variable systemic inflammatory reactions associated with major organ dysfunction via polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, inhibits PMN activity and reduces systemic inflammatory responses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ulinastatin on postoperative blood loss and laboratory changes in patients undergoing open heart surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and February 2009, 110 patients who underwent atrioventricular valve surgery through right thoracotomy were divided into two groups. Patients received either 5,000 U/kg ulinastatin (ulinastatin group, n=41) or the equivalent volume of normal saline (control group, n=69) before aortic cross clamping. The primary end points were early coagulation profile changes, postoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, and duration of intubation and intensive care unit stay. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in early coagulation profile, other perioperative laboratory data, and postoperative blood loss with transfusion requirements. CONCLUSION: Administration of ulinastatin during operation did not improve the early coagulation profile, postoperative blood loss, or transfusion requirements of patients undergoing open heart surgery. In addition, no significant effect of ulinastatin was observed in major organs dysfunction, systemic inflammatory reactions, or other postoperative profiles.

Granular Cell Tumor Occurring in the Chest Wall: A Case Report

Granular cell tumors are uncommon soft tissue neoplasm of nerve sheath origin, which are predominately benign. Granular cells can be found at any site in the body including the tongue, skin, subcutaneous tissue, breast, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems. However, granular cell tumors have only been rarely described in the chest wall. Here we report a case of a granular cell tumor that occurred in the chest wall of a 59-year-old woman, along with a review of the literature.

Surgical Treatment of Killian-Jamieson Diverticulum

Killian-Jamieson diverticulum is a rare diverticular disease. This disease differs from Zenker's diverticulum in its location and mechanism. Various treatment modality have been attempted, but traditional surgical treatment has been recommended for a symptomatic Killian-Jamieson diverticulum due to the concern of possible nerve injury. We performed surgical treatment by cervical incision. We report here on a case of Killian-Jamieson diverticulum and we briefly review the relevant literature.

Coronary-Bronchial Artery Fistula Manifested by Hemoptysis and Myocardial Ischemia in a Patient with Bronchiectasis

A coronary-bronchial artery fistula is a very rare congenital anomaly of the coronary artery whose etiology and pathogenesis have not yet been clarified. Most patients with coronary-bronchial fistulas are asymptomatic; however, some patients present with congestive heart failure, infective endocarditis, myocardial ischemia induced by a coronary steal phenomenon, or rupture of an aneurysmal fistula. Furthermore, patients with a coronary-bronchial artery fistula rarely manifest life-threatening hemoptysis due to the associated bronchiectasis. We report herein the case of a patient with a coronary-bronchial artery fistula who had bronchiectasis and a history of massive hemoptysis and myocardial ischemia.

Comparative Analysis of Thoracotomy and Sternotomy Approaches in Cardiac Reoperation

BACKGROUND: Reoperation of cardiac surgery via median sternotomy can be associated with significant complications. Thoracotomy is expected to reduce the risk of reoperation and to enhance the surgical outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed two operative approaches (thoracotomy vs. sternotomy) in cardiac reoperation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2007 to December 2010, 35 patients who required reoperation of the mitral valvular disease following previous median sternotomy were included. Average age of patients was 45.8+/-15.4 years (range, 14 to 76 years) and male-to-female was 23:12. Interval period between primary operation and reoperation was 135.8+/-105.6 months (range, 3.3 to 384.9 months). RESULTS: Comparative analysis was done dividing the patient group into two groups that are thoracotomy group (22 patients) and sternotomy group (13 patients). Thoracotomy group was significantly lower in operative time (415.2+/-90.3 vs. 497.5+/-148.0, p<0.05), bleeding control time (108.0+/-29.5 vs. 146.4+/-66.8, p<0.05) and chest tube drainage (287.5+/-211.5 mL vs. 557.3+/-365.5 mL, p<0.05) compared to sternotomy group. CONCLUSION: The thoracotomy approach is superior to sternotomy in some variables, and it is considered as a valid alternative to repeat median sternotomy in patients who underwent a previous median sternotomy.

Simultaneous Chest Wall Reconstruction after Sternectomy and Modified Radical Mastectomy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer with Solitary Sternal Metastasis / 한국유방암학회지

Bone is the most common metastatic organ in patients with breast cancer. The most significant clinical symptom of bone metastasis is pain which reduces quality of life in cancer patients. We report a case of chest wall reconstruction after partial sternal resection for solitary sternal metastasis and modified radical mastectomy in a patient with locally advanced breast cancer. The sternal defect was reconstructed with a 2 mm thick Gore-Tex patch. Postoperative pain was acceptable and the patient was discharged without any complications. The patient received the endocrine and bisphosphonate therapy combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. No recurrence or complications were observed during a follow-up period of 36 months. We describe our good surgical management results of sternal metastatic lesion in a patient with locally advanced breast cancer. We suggest that simultaneous sternectomy is a safe and curative surgical method for a solitary sternal metastasis when no evidence of systemic spread is noted.

Early Results of Endovenous Ablation with a 980-nm Diode Laser for an Incompetent Vein of Giacomini

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of endovenous ablation of the incompetent vein of Giacomini using a 980-nm diode laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 patients (18 limbs, 4%) had the incompetent vein of Giacomini. Retrograde reflux originating from the great saphenous vein was noted in sixteen limbs and paradoxical diastolic anterograde reflux from the saphenopopliteal junction was observed in two limbs. After tumescent anesthesia, laser ablation using a 980-nm wavelength laser fiber was performed under ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance. Patients were evaluated clinically and with duplex ultrasound at one week and at one, three, six and twelve months after laser ablation for the technical and clinical success. RESULTS: In the 18 limbs, the technical success rate was 100%. Continued closure of the vein of Giacomini was seen in 18 of 18 limbs after one month, in 12 of 12 limbs after three and six months and in six of six limbs after twelve months. No recanalization of the vein and no major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Endovenous laser ablation with a 980-nm wavelength is an effective and safe procedure for treating an incompetent vein of Giacomini.

The Primary Patency and Fracture Rates of Self-Expandable Nitinol Stents Placed in the Popliteal Arteries, Especially in the P2 and P3 Segments, in Korean Patients

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to evaluate the status of self-expandable nitinol stents implanted in the P2 and P3 segments of the popliteal artery in Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 189 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for stenoocclusive lesions in the femoropopliteal artery from July 2003 to March 2009, and 18 patients who underwent stent placement in popliteal arterial P2 and P3 segments were finally enrolled. Lesion patency was evaluated by ultrasound or CT angiography, and stent fracture was assessed by plain X-rays at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. RESULTS: At the 1-month follow-up, stent fracture (Type 2) was seen in one limb (up to P3, 1 of 18, 6%) and it was identified in seven limbs at the 3-month follow-up (Type 2, Type 3, Type 4) (n = 1: up to P2; n = 6: P3). At the 6-month follow-up, one more fracture (Type 1) (up to P3) was noted. At the 1-year follow-up, there were no additional stent fractures. Just four limbs (up to P2) at the 2-year follow-up did not have stent fracture. The primary patency was 94%, 61% and 44% at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively, and the group with stent implantation up to P3 had a higher fracture rate than that of the group that underwent stenting up to P2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that stent placement up to the popliteal arterial P3 segment and over P2 in an Asian population can worsen the stent patency owing to stent fracture. It may be necessary to develop a stent design and structure for the Asian population that can resist the bending force in the knee joint.

Cavernous Lymphangioma Arising in the Chest Wall 19 Years after Excision of a Cystic Hygroma

Lymphangioma is a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system and is thought to result from the failure of the lymphatic system to connect with the venous system. Lymphangioma of the chest wall is a very rare disease entity, and only a few cases have ever been documented in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, there have been few cases of recurrent cavernous lymphangioma after surgical excision of a cystic hygroma on the same side of the chest wall. Here, we report a case of a cavernous lymphangioma of the chest wall in a patient who had undergone surgical excision of a cystic hygroma 19 years earlier.

Short-term Mechanical Circulatory Support with a Centrifugal Pump: Results of Peripheral Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator According to Clinical Situation

BACKGROUND: A peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (p-ECMO) has been developed to support patients who are dying due to a serious cardiopulmonary condition. This analysis was planned to define the clinical situation in which the patient benefits most from a p-ECMO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2007 and Aug 2009, a total of 41 adult patients used the p-ECMO. There were 23 males and 18 females (mean age 54.4+/-15.1 years). All patients had very unstable vital signs with hypoxia and complex cardiac problems. We divided the patients into 4 groups. In the first group, a p-ECMO was used as a bridge to cardiac operation. In the second group, patients did not have the opportunity to undergo any cardiac procedures; nevertheless, they were treated with a p-ECMO. In the third group, patients mostly had difficulty in weaning from CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) after cardiac operation. The fourth group suffered from many complications, such as pneumonia, bleeding, infections, and LV dysfunction with underlying cardiac problems. All cannulations were performed by the Seldinger technique or cutting down the femoral vessel. A long venous cannula of DLP(R) (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN) or RMI(R) (Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Irvine, CA) was used together with a 17~21 Fr arterial cannula and a 21 Fr venous cannula. As a bypass pump, a Capiox emergency bypass system (EBS(R); Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) was used. We attempted to maintain a flow rate of 2.4~3.0 L/min/m2 and an activated clotting time (ACT) of around 180 seconds. RESULTS: Nine patients survived by the use of the p-ECMO. Ten patients were weaned from a p-ECMO but they did not survive, and the remainder had no chance to be weaned from the p-ECMO. The best clinical situation to apply the p-ECMO was to use it as a bridge to cardiac operation and for weaning from CPB after cardiac operation. CONCLUSION: Various clinical results were derived by p-ECMO according to the clinical situation. For the best results, early adoption of the p-ECMO for anatomical correction appears important.

Surgical Treatment of Isolated Phlebectasia of the Forearm: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Phlebectasia of the venous system of the upper limb is very rare and it does not have a well-defined etiology. Phlebectasia means isolated fusiform or saccular dilatation of the venous system and isolated phlebectasia of the forearm may present as a painless cosmetic deformity or it may cause pain, decreased range of movement, compression on adjacent structures, bleeding, thrombosis and consumptive coagulopathy. We report here on a case of isolated phlebectasia of the forearm and we briefly review the relevant literature.

Application of Veno-venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Multitrauma Patient with ARDS: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is difficult to treat and it is often fatal. If the medical treatment for ARDS is not effective, then extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be applied to the patient. A 22-year-old female who suffered multiple traumatic injuries due to a car accident presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Veinarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) was started to treat her respiratory failure. With the VA ECMO, the systemic oxygen saturation remained at only 84%, and so the ECMO system was switched to V-VA ECMO via an additional venous outflow through the right jugular vein to increase both the systemic and pulmonary oxygen saturation. After conversion to the V-VA type ECMO, the systemic oxygen saturation increased to 94% and the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) increased to 65 mmHg. We report here on a successful case of ECMO conversion from the VA type to the V-VA type in a patient with severely hypoxic respiratory failure.

Surgical Treatment of Primary True Aneurysm on the Dorsalis Pedis Vein: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

An aneurysm is a focal, localized dilatation of a blood vessel. This term is most commonly applied to dilatation of arteries. However, dilatation can occur in any part of the vascular system. Primary true aneurysm of the superficial venous system that contains all the vascular layers is known to be very rare. We report here on surgically treating a case of primary true aneurysm on the dorsalis pedis vein and we briefly review the related literature.