Outcome of neonatal palliative procedure for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect or tetralogy of Fallot with severe pulmonary stenosis: experience in a single tertiary center / 소아과

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate progression and prognosis according to the palliation method used in neonates and early infants aged 3 months or younger who were diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA VSD) or tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with severe pulmonary stenosis (PS) in a single tertiary hospital over a period of 12 years. METHODS: Twenty with PA VSD and 9 with TOF and severe PS needed initial palliation. Reintervention after initial palliation, complete repair, and progress were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among 29 patients, 14 patients underwent right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) connection, 11 palliative BT shunt, 2 central shunt, and 2 ductal stent insertion. Median age at the initial palliation was 13 days (1–98 days). Additional procedure for pulmonary blood flow was required in 5 patients; 4 additional BT shunt operations and 1 RV-PA connection. There were 2 early deaths among patients with RV-PA connection, one from RV failure and the other from severe infection. Finally, 25 patients (86%) had a complete repair. Median age of total correction was 12 months (range, 2–31 months). At last follow-up, 2 patients had required reintervention after total correction; 1 conduit replacement and 1 right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) patch enlargements. CONCLUSION: For initial palliation of patients with PA VSD or TOF with severe PS, not only shunt operation but also RV-PA connection approach can provide an acceptable outcome. To select the most proper surgical strategy, we recommend thorough evaluation of cardiac anomalies such as RVOT and PA morphologies and consideration of the patient's condition.

Long-Term Follow-Up of the Half-Turned Truncal Switch Operation for Transposition of the Great Arteries with Ventricular Septal Defect and Pulmonary Stenosis

The half-turned truncal switch (HTTS) operation has been reported as an alternative to the Rastelli or réparation à l'étage ventriculaire procedures. HTTS prevents left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and pulmonary stenosis (PS), or in those with a Taussig-Bing anomaly with PS. The advantages of the HTTS procedure are avoidance of late LVOT or right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction, and of overstretching of the pulmonary artery. We report the case of a patient who underwent HTTS for TGA with VSD and PS, in whom there was no LVOT obstruction and only mild aortic regurgitation and mild RVOT obstruction, including observations at 12-year follow-up. Our experience with long-term follow-up of HTTS supports a solution for late complications after the Rastelli procedure.

Early Manifestation of Supravalvular Aortic and Pulmonary Artery Stenosis in a Patient with Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a developmental disorder characterized by vascular abnormalities such as thickening of the vascular media layer in medium- and large-sized arteries. Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) and peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (PPAS) are common vascular abnormalities in WS. The natural course of SVAS and PPAS is variable, and the timing of surgery or intervention is determined according to the progression of vascular stenosis. In our patient, SVAS and PPAS showed rapid concurrent progression within two weeks after birth. We report the early manifestation of SVAS and PPAS in the neonatal period and describe the surgical treatment for stenosis relief.

Fourth Recurrence of Cardiac Myxoma in a Patient with the Carney Complex

Although cardiac myxoma is the most commonly encountered benign cardiac tumor in cardiac surgery practice, recurrent cardiac myxoma is very rare, is most commonly related to the Carney complex, and usually requires multiple cardiac operations with specific requirements in terms of perioperative management. In this report, we describe a patient who experienced the fourth recurrence of cardiac myxoma and review the diagnostic criteria of the Carney complex. This is the first report of such a case in Korea.

Staged Management of a Ruptured Internal Mammary Artery Aneurysm

The rupture of an internal mammary artery (IMA) aneurysm in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF-1) is a rare but life-threatening complication requiring emergency management. A 50-year-old man with NF-1 was transferred to the emergency department of Kyungpook National University Hospital, where an IMA aneurysmal rupture and hemothorax were diagnosed and drained. The IMA aneurysmal rupture and hemothorax were successfully repaired by staged management combining endovascular treatment and subsequent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The patient required cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation, the staged management of coil embolization, and a subsequent VATS procedure. This staged approach may be an effective therapeutic strategy in cases of IMA aneurysmal rupture.

Treatment of Large Arteriovenous Malformation in Right Lower Limb

A 10-year-old boy with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the right lower limb was scheduled for an amputation of the affected limb. Limb amputation was necessary because of the ineffectiveness of previous sclerotherapy and the rapid progression of AVM causing pain and heart failure. Right hip disarticulation was considered the best option to improve his quality of life. To prevent congestive heart failure and uncontrollable hemorrhage during surgery, the disarticulation was done under a partial cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient underwent surgery successfully without complications.

Outcome of inflammatory response after normothermia during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in infants with isolated ventricular septal defect / 소아과

PURPOSE: A recent study analyzing several cytokines reported that long cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and long aortic cross clamp (ACC) time were accompanied by enhanced postoperative inflammation, which contrasted with the modest influence of the degree of hypothermia. In this present study, we aimed to examine the effect of CPB temperature on the clinical outcome in infants undergoing repair of isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD). METHODS: Of the 212 infants with isolated VSD who underwent open heart surgery (OHS) between January 2001 and December 2010, 43 infants were enrolled. They were classified into 2 groups: group 1, infants undergoing hypothermic CPB (26degrees C-28degrees C; n=19) and group 2, infants undergoing near-normothermic CPB (34degrees C-36degrees C; n=24). RESULTS: The age at the time of the OHS, and number of infants aged<3 months showed no significant differences between the groups. The CPB time and ACC time in group 1 were longer than those in group 2 (88 minutes vs. 59 minutes, P=0.002, and 54 minutes vs. 37 minutes, P=0.006 respectively). The duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation was 1.6 days in group 1 and 1.8 days in group 2. None of the infants showed postoperative neurological and developmental abnormalities. Moreover, no postoperative differences in the white blood cell count and C-reactive protein levels were noted between two groups. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that hypothermic and near-normothermic CPB were associated with similar clinical outcomes and inflammatory reactions in neonates and infants treated for simple congenital heart disease.

Work Environment and Workplace Bullying among Korean Intensive Care Unit Nurses

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived work environment and workplace bullying among Korean intensive care units (ICU) nurses. METHODS: This is a descriptive survey research, with 134 ICU nurses from five hospitals in Korea. The work environment was measured by the Korean Nursing Work Environment Scale. Workplace bullying was measured with the Korean version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised. RESULTS: ICU nurses reported moderate satisfaction with their work environment, with perception of the basic work system receiving the highest scores. A total of 94.0% of ICU nurses have experienced at least one negative act within the past 6 months, and the prevalence of bullying was 17.2% according to operational bullying criteria. The ICU nurses reported that they experienced more work-related bullying than other types of bullying. Significant negative correlations between the nursing work environment and workplace bullying were found. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the better the nursing work environment, the less workplace bullying nurses will experience. Further research needs to be done to identify factors that influence bullying in the nurses and to develop an intervention that prevents workplace bullying.

Outcomes of Nonpledgeted Horizontal Mattress Suture Technique for Mitral Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND: Most surgeons favor the pledgeted suture technique for heart valve replacements because they believe it decreases the risk of paravalvular leak (PVL). We hypothesized that the use of nonpledgeted rather than pledgeted sutures during mitral valve replacement (MVR) may decrease the incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and risk of a major PVL. METHODS: We analyzed 263 patients, divided into 175 patients who underwent MVR with nonpledgeted sutures from January 2003 to December 2013 and 88 patients who underwent MVR with pledgeted sutures from January 1995 to December 2001. We compared the occurrence of PVL and PVE between these groups. RESULTS: In patients who underwent MVR with or without tricuspid valve surgery and/or a Maze operation, PVL occurred in 1.1% of the pledgeted group and 2.9% of the nonpledgeted group. The incidence of PVE was 2.9% in the nonpledgeted group and 1.1% in the pledgeted group. No differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We suggest that a nonpledgeted suture technique can be an alternative to the traditional use of pledgeted sutures in most patients who undergo MVR, with no significant difference in the incidence of PVL.

Operative Management in a Patient with Scapulothoracic Bursitis

Scapulothoracic bursitis, an uncommon lesion, has been reported to be a painful disorder of scapulothoracic articulation. The articulation may become inflamed secondary to trauma when overused because of sports or work that requires repetitive or constant movement of the scapula against the posterior chest wall. The bursitis usually appears as a growing mass at the scapulothoracic interface and is often confused with a soft tissue tumor. We report on a patient with scapulothoracic bursitis who underwent surgical excision.

Factors Affecting the Preventive Behavior of Cardiocerebrovascular Disease in Blue Color Workers / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate blue color workers' knowledge and attitudes about cardiocerebrovascular disease, and these influence on their preventive health behavior. METHODS: Data were collected from 235 blue color workers using questionnaire in 'H' city. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis with SPSS/WIN 17.0 version. RESULTS: Health behaviors for preventing cardiocerebrovascular disease were correlated positively with knowledge about cardiocerebrovascular disease. In addition, preventive behaviors for cardiocerebrovascular disease was influenced by marital status, monthly income, past history of cardiocerebrovascular disease, and knowledge about cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about cardiocerebrovascular disease has an effect on preventive behaviors regarding cardiocerebrovascular disease. For preventing cardiocerebrovascular disease, national campaign and health education program in each industry need to be built.

A Case of Oncocytic Carcinoma Arising in the Submandibular Gland / 대한이비인후과학회지

Oncocytic neoplasm of the head and neck region accounts for approximately 1% of all salivary gland tumors, but only 5% of oncocytic neoplasm is malignant. Oncocytic carcinoma arising in the submandibular gland is exceedingly rare. We encountered a sixty seven-year-old male patient who presented with multiple mass in the right neck. Fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed a salivary gland tumor of predominantly oncocytic form, and a differential diagnosis included oncocytic adenoma or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. A right submandibular gland resection and modified radical neck dissection were performed. Histologically, the tumor cells showed nuclear pleomorphism, and stromal invasion, which were compatible with oncocytic carcinoma. After surgery, the entire neck region was irradiated. Seventeen months after the initial surgery, multiple metastases to the bone and lung were detected from the incidental pathologic bone fracture of the right humerus; palliative chemotherapy was performed to resolve this. We report a case of oncocytic carcinoma in the submandibular gland with a review of literature.

Comparison of the Outcomes between Axillary and Femoral Artery Cannulation for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND: At present, many surgeons prefer axillary artery cannulation because it facilitates antegrade cerebral perfusion and may diminish the risk of cerebral embolization. However, axillary artery cannulation has not been established as a routine procedure because there is controversy about its clinical advantage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 111 patients diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection between January 2000 and December 2009. The right axillary artery was cannulated in 58 patients (group A) and the femoral artery was cannulated in 53 (group F). The postoperative outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 46 male and 65 female patients with a mean age of 58.9+/-13.1 years (range, 26 to 84 years). The extent of aortic replacement in both groups did not differ. There were 8 early deaths (7.2%) and 2 late deaths (1.8%). The mean follow-up duration was 46.0+/-32.6 months (range, 1 month to 10 years). Transient neurologic dysfunction was observed in 11 patients (19.0%) in group A and 14 patients (26.4%) in group F. A total of 11 patients (9.9%) suffered from a permanent neurologic dysfunction. Early and delayed stroke were observed in 6 patients (10.3%) and 2 patients (3.4%), respectively, in group A as well as 2 patients (3.8%) and 1 patient (1.9%), respectively, in group F. There were no statistical differences in the cannulation-related complications between both groups (3 in group A vs. 0 in group F). CONCLUSION: There were no differences in postoperative neurologic outcomes and cannulation-related complications according to the cannulation sites. The cannulation site in an aortic dissection should be carefully chosen on a case-by-case basis. It is important to also pay attention to the possibility of intraoperative malperfusion syndrome occurring and the subsequent need to change the cannulation site.

Placement of Endovascular Stent Graft in Acute Malperfusion Syndrome After Acute Type II Aortic Dissection

Acute malperfusion syndrome is a serious complication of acute aortic dissection. A 76-year-old female patient was admitted with acute type B aortic dissection and developed renal malperfusion during medical therapy. We are reporting a clinically successful result from the thoracic endovascular aortic repair used for malperfusion syndrome that occurred by acute type B aortic dissection.

Intrapericardial Implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator in a Child

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be a crucial therapeutic modality for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome and cardiomyopathy. Because transvenous implantation of ICD is mostly unfeasible for pediatric patients due to anatomical and technical limitations, epicardial patch type or subcutaneous type ICD have been used. Implantation of these alternative ICDs, however, was reported to be frequently associated with significant complications. We report a case of successful intrapericardial implantation of a single coil-type ICD through the transverse sinus in a 27 month-old child weighing lesser than 10 kg, and it was inferred from this experience that this alternative technique may decrease complications and morbidities after ICD implantation in children.

Development of Laser Ruler in Rigid Laryngoscope

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop a new device that provides a simple, noninvasive method of measuring accurate lesion size while using an endoscope. METHODS: We developed a rigid laryngoscope with a built-in laser-ruler using a one-light emitting diode and an acrylic plate. The invention incorporates a built-in laser diode that projects an auto-parallel beam into the optical path of the rigid laryngoscope to form two spots in the field of view. RESULTS: While the interspot distance remains consistent despite changes in focal plane, magnification, or viewing angle of the laryngoscope, projection to an uneven surface introduces certain variations in the shape, and size of the spots, and the distance between the two spots. CONCLUSION: The device enables a laryngologist to easily measure the distance between landmarks, as well as the change in real size, and the progressive change of vocal fold lesions in an outpatient setting.

Bloodless Cardiac Surgery in a Neonate Weighing 2.8 kg / 대한흉부외과학회지

Despite increased interest in bloodless cardiac surgery, its use has been mostly confined to adult patients. Especially, bloodless pediatric cardiovascular surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass has been avoided mainly due to hemodilution. Authors recently experienced a case of bloodless cardiac surgery in a 2.8 kg-weighing neonate whose parents were Jehovah's Witness.

Cardiac Transplantation for a Patient with Intra-aortic Balloon Pump and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator due to Cardiogenic Shock after Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

A 66-year-old male patient who suffered from chest pain and dyspnea was admitted to our hospital. He was diagnosed as having an acute myocardial infarction, and recovered from cardiogenic shock after cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation. Under the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) he underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention. After this, an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was inserted to increase coronary perfusion and reduce the impedance to left ventricular ejection. After 6 days, the patient was weaned from ECMO support; however, IABP therapy and infusion of inotropic agents were required to maintain adequate hemodynamic status. One week later, cardiac transplantation was performed successfully without major complications.

Effect of Trypsin on Physico-dynamic and Histological Changes after Decellularization of Bovine Pericardium / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Various decellularization methods have been studied in order to develop tissue graft which is less immunogenic and more durable. This study was performed to investigate the physico-dynamic and histological effect of trypsin pretreatment on decellularization protocols. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two groups of bovine pericardium specimen each underwent decellularization process based on SDS and Triton X-100 or N-lauroylsarcosinate and Triton X-100. Two more groups additionally underwent pretreatment with 0.1% Trypsin/0.1% EDTA. After decellularization process, mechanical tensile strength was tested, then iomechanical test of permeability and compliance was tested before and after fatigue test. Light microscopy and electron microscopy was performed to observe histological findings. RESULT: There was no difference in mechanical tensile strength between groups, but permeability and compliance was decreased in trypsin pretreated groups. Light microscopic and electron microscopic findings revealed damage of the extracellular matrix in trypsin pretreated groups and in groups which underwent the fatigue test also. CONCLUSION: Trypsin pretreatment in decellularizing process of bovine pericardium damages extracellular matrix and increases permeability and compliance of the bovine pericardium, but did not decrease tensile strength. Further studies are needed to use enzymatic treatments in decellularization protocols.

Right Ventricle Exclusion in Severe Neonatal Ebstein's Anomaly / 대한흉부외과학회지

A one-day-old baby was transferred for cyanosis and heart murmur. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed that he had severe neonatal Ebstein's anomaly (Carpentier type C), pulmonary atresia, and pulmonary circulation via patent ductus arteriosus. Because the wall of the atrialized right ventricle was very thin, showed decreased contractility, and the small right ventricle showed pulmonary atresia, we decided that a two-ventricular repair was impossible. When the patient was one-month-old, he underwent right atrium reduction-plasty, a right ventricular exclusion procedure (including atrialized right ventricle resection and functional right ventricle plication), and right modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. He was discharged without specific problems. He received a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt successfully at 4 months later.