Successful Left-Heart Decompression during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in an Adult Patient by Percutaneous Transaortic Catheter Venting

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is widely used in patients with cardiogenic shock. Insufficient decompression of the left ventricle (LV) is considered a major factor preventing adequate LV recovery. A 40-year-old male was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, and revascularization was performed using percutaneous stenting. However, cardiogenic shock occurred, and VA ECMO was initiated. Severe LV failure developed, and percutaneous transaortic catheter venting (TACV) was incorporated into the venous circuit of VA ECMO under transthoracic echocardiography guidance. The patient was successfully weaned from VA ECMO. Percutaneous TACV is an effective, relatively noninvasive, and rapid method of LV decompression in patients undergoing VA ECMO.

Aortic Valve Replacement Using Balloon Catheter for Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair to Patient with Calcified Aorta

A 79-year-old man was admitted to Samsung Changwon Hospital due to chest pain and dyspnea. The ejection fraction was 31% and mean pressure gradient between the left ventricle and aorta was 69.4 mmHg on echocardiography. Chest computed tomography showed severe calcification of the ascending aorta. Aortic valve replacement was successfully performed using a thoracic endovascular aortic repair balloon catheter without classic aortic cross clamping. The patient was discharged on the eleventh postoperative day.

Aortic Valve Replacement Using Balloon Catheter for Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair to Patient with Calcified Aorta

A 79-year-old man was admitted to Samsung Changwon Hospital due to chest pain and dyspnea. The ejection fraction was 31% and mean pressure gradient between the left ventricle and aorta was 69.4 mmHg on echocardiography. Chest computed tomography showed severe calcification of the ascending aorta. Aortic valve replacement was successfully performed using a thoracic endovascular aortic repair balloon catheter without classic aortic cross clamping. The patient was discharged on the eleventh postoperative day.

Myxofibrosarcoma of the Chest Wall / 대한흉부외과학회지

Myxofibrosarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue tumors in elderly patients, mostly arising in the extremities, and rarely arising in the chest wall. A 53-year-old women presented with a painful chest wall mass in the manubrium. We excised the mass. The mass was located subdermally, but had infiltrated the underlying muscle layer, and was histologically diagnosed as an intermediate grade myxofibrosarcoma showing myxoid changes and hypercellularity. Here we report a rare case of chest wall myxofibrosarcoma and present a review of the literature.

Comparison of Saphenous Vein and PTFE Grafts for Above the Knee Femoropopliteal Bypass Grafting / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Femoropopliteal artery bypss grafting is an effective form of treatment for infrainguinal artery occlusive disease in those patients who have either intermittent claudication or resting critical ischemia. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the long-term patency of a femoropopliteal bypass graft that is classified as an above- the-knee saphenous vein graft or an above-the-knee PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) graft. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 1998 to February 2005, 103 above-the-knee femoro-popliteal bypasses were performed on 87 patients. There were 74 male and 13 female patients with a mean age of 65.7+/-9.6 (range: 31~82). The surgical indications were intermittent claudication in 65 cases (74.7%), foot ulceration in 2 cases (2.3%), foot necrosis in 10 cases (11.5%) and toe necrosis in 10 cases (11.5%). For the bypass graft, a reversed saphenous vein was used in 31 limbs and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prosthesis was used in 72 limbs (6 mm: 27 limbs, 8 mm: 45 limbs). The perioperative risk factors were diabetes mellitus in 33 cases (37.9%), hypertension in 47 cases (54.0%), a history of ischemic heart disease in 13 cases (14.9%) and smoking in 72 cases (82.8%). RESULT: There were three perioperative deaths (3.4%) and seven late deaths (8.3%). Major leg amputation was necessary in 12 patients (13.8%) during the entire course of the study. The primary patency rate at 5 years for the vein grafts, the 8 mm-PTFE grafts and the 6 mm-PTFE grafts were 84.7%, 77.4% and 74.2%, respectively and the overall primary patency rate was 78.7%, and there were no significant statistical differences among the graft groups. By using multivariate analysis, the number of patent tibial arteries was determined to be a significant factor that influenced the primary graft patency rate (p<0.005), but risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, smoking and age had no statistically significant affect on the primary graft patency rates. CONCLUSION: The great saphenous vein is considered the most durable conduit for infrainguinal revascularization, but the overall results of this study show that saphenous vein and PTFE grafts have comparable patency rates when used above the knee in patients with claudication or critical ischemia. The use of PTFE above the knee is a reasonable alternative for a femoro-poplitael bypass and it is associated with acceptable long term patency rates.

Trial of a Synthetic Absorbable Staple Line Reinforcement for Preventing Recurrence after Performing Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Bullectomy for the Treatment of Primary Pneumothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postoperative recurrence is a major problem after performing video-assisted thoracic surgery for the treatment of primary pneumothorax. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement (GORE SEAMGUARD(R)) for preventing recurrence after bullectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 2000 to December 2004, 300 patients underwent video assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of primary penumothorax. 143 patients were treated with bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement (Group A) and 142 patients were treated with stapling of the bullae (Group B). Mechanical pleural abrasion was performed in all the patients. The operating time, the duration of the indwelling chest tube, the length of the hospital stay and the number of recurrences after operation were compared between the groups. RESULT: No operative deaths occurred. The conversion rate to an open procedure was 5% (15/300). Comparison with these groups (Group A versus Group B) showed the following results: the operating time (49.6+/-5.6 vs 51.8+/-0.4 minutes, respectively, p=0.514), the duration of an indwelling chest tube (5.8+/-.5 vs 7.2+/-.3 days, respectively, p<0.005), the hospital stay (10.9+/-4.3 vs 12.5+/-4.3 days, respectively, p<0.005) and the number of recurrences (14 (9.8%) vs 10 (7.0%), respectively, the over all rate: 8.4% p=0.523), and the mean follow up period (48.1+/-36.6 vs 36.5+/-24.4 months, respectively). CONCLUSION: There were advantages to use synthetic absorbable staple line reinforcement over the usual method for the treatment of primary pneumothorax in regard to the duration of an indwelling chest tube and the hospital stay, but here was no significant difference between the groups for postoperative recurrence.

Leiomyosarcoma of the Inferior Vena Cava: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare malignant tumor. Yet tumors of a smooth muscle origin are the most common primary neoplasms of the major veins, and the inferior vena cava is the most common site of origin. We report here on a 65-year-old female patient who had been suffering from dyspnea and abdominal discomfort for 3 weeks before admission. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and IVC cavogram showed an IVC mass extending from the right atrium to above the level of the right renal vein, obstructing the IVC, and the radiological findings were suggestive of an IVC leiomyosarcoma. We resected the tumor and reconstructed the IVC with a patch PTFE graft. The follow-up abdominal CT revealed no recurrence and obstruction of the IVC for 6 months after the operation.

Complete Transsection of the Trachea by Blunt Trauma / 대한흉부외과학회지

Tracheobronchial rupture due to blunt chest trauma is an uncommon injury although the incidence is increasing. Early diagnosis and primary repair of tracheobronchial rupture not only restore a normal lung function but also avoid the difficulties and complications associated with delayed diagnosis and repair. We present one case of the tracheal transsection caused by traffic accident. Patient suffered from progressive dyspnea, subcutaneous emphysema on the neck and anterior chest wall and tension pneumothorax at both sides were noted. Although both closed thoracostomy were done, massive air leakage through the chest tube continued and subcutaneous emphysema spread to the anterior abdominal wall and scrotum and the degree of dyspnea aggravated. With the impression of tracheobronchial injury, we performed the emergency operation. Preoperative bronchoscopy at the operation room was proceeded, which revealed the trachea was near totally transsected in transverse direction. Operation was performed through collar incision on the anterior neck, and the trachea was anastomosed with 4-0 Vicryl(R) interruptedly. Postoperative course were uneventful and patient discharged without any complications.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: Clinical Investigation / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon, benign, self-limited disorders that usually occurs in young adults without any apparent precipitating factors or disease. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in dealing with this entity and describe a reasonable course of assessment and management. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective case series was conducted to identify adults patients with SPM who were diagnosed and treated in a single institution between 2001 and 2005. RESULT: Fifteen patients were identified who included 14 men and 1 women with a mean age of 26 years. Presenting symptoms were chest pain in 12 patients (80%), dyspnea in 5 patients (33%), and throat discomfort in 4 patients (26%). Two cases were associated with use of inhalational drugs and 3 cases were associated with exercise. The predisposing factors were asthma, excessive exercise, and vomiting in spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The physical findings were subcutaneous emphysema in 10 patients (77%). Chest radiography and computerized tomography were the diagnostic methods in all cases with CT scan revealing six cases with associated pulmonary abnormalities. Esophagogram and flexible bronchoscopy were selectively used. Fifteen patients (100%) were admitted to the hospital. Their mean hospital stay was 3 days. All patients were conservatively treated. In a follow-up of 3 years no complications or recurrences were observed. CONCLUSION: Most simple spontaneous pneumomediastinum cases were benign diseases and most of them (77%) had shown typical chest pain, dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema. Inhalational drug use was not a major cause of SPM; however, increased use of bronchoinhalers was a suspicious cause of SPM.

Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Perforation / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Perforation of esophagus is relatively uncommon. but it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment and outcome are largely determined by the time of presentation. We performed a retrospective review of patients with esophageal perforation to assess the outcome of current management techniques. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients treated for perforation of esophagus from March 1990 to March 2005. There were 28 patients (22 men and 6 women: mean age 51 years, range 17 to 82 years) The causes of the perforations were as follows: foreign body retention (9 patients), trauma (7 patients), spontaneous rupture (7 patients), and iatrogenic (5 pati-ients). 18 patients were presented within 24 hours and 10 patients were presented after 24 hours. Esophageal repair was performed in 21 (75%) of them, 4 patients were treated with esophagectomy, 3 patients were treated with feeding gastrostomy and drainage. RESULT: Hospital mortality was 18% and iatrogenic was increase the mortality rate (p <0.05). Site of perforation, time from perforation, and treatment method had no influence on mortality. Postoprative leaks occurred in 4 patients after primary repair and were treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Esophageal perforation remains a devastating event which is difficult to diagnose and manage. Primary repair can be performed in most patients with esophageal perforation regardless of time to presentation with a low mortality. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment are essential to the successful managenent of patients.

Early and Mid-term Results of Operation for Acute Limb Ischemia / 대한흉부외과학회지

Background: Even though there were developments in various treatment techniques for acute limb ischemia, this disease is both life threatening and limb threatening. We investigated early and mid-term results of operation for acute limb ischemia with symptoms, the combined diseases, location of occlusion, complication in our patients. Meterial and Method: A retrospective review was conducted in 54 patients (43 men, 11 women, mean age 67.2 years) presenting with acute limb ischemia due to arterial thrombosis or embolism between Jan. 1996 and Dec. 2003, initially underwent thromboembolectomy. Result: In 33 patients (61.1%) the timeinterval from the onset of symptom to admission was within 24 hours. Causes of acute limb ischemia were embolic occlusion (27.8%), native arterial thrombosis (66.7%), and bypass graft thrombosis (5.6%). The distribution of arterial occlusion location was at 8 aortoiliac (14.8%) and 43 distal to femoral (79.6%) and brachial (5.6%). Clinical categories were grade I in 64.8%, IIa in 24.1%, IIb in 7.4%, and III in 3.7%. All the patients were received embolectomy. Underlying diseases were heart disease (72.2%), hypertension (33.3%), cerebrovascular accident (16.7%) and diabetes (18.5%). History of smoking was noted in 96.3% of the cases. Mortality rate was 5.6% and overall amputation rate was 9.3% (5/54). The 1-year limb salvage rate was 93.62%. Postoperative complications were 1 wound infection, 1 GI bleeding, 3 acute renal failure, and 1 compartment syndromes. The functional outcomes of the salvaged limb according to the recommended scale for gauging changes in clinical status, revised version in 1997 were +3 in 68.5%, +2 in 9.3%, +1 in 7.4%, -1 in 5.6%, -2 in 3.7%, and -3 in 5.6%. Conclusion: This study revealed 5.6% mortality and the amputation rate was 9.3%. We have retrospectively shown good results from early diagnosis & early operation. To improve outcome, early diagnosis and understand the underlying diseases, prompt treatment and operation would be appreciated.

Clinical Analysis of Primary Varicose Vein: review of 209 cases / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Varicose vein is a very common vascular disease and has recently become a matter of concern for thoracic and cardiovascular surgens. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed 209 cases or 269 feet with varicose vein retrospectively, which had been treated in our hospital from April 1999 to December 2000. RESULT: Male: Female ratio was 1:3(Male: 52 cases, Female: 157 cases), mean age was 42.2+/-9.7 years old, mean duration of varicosities was 12.2+/-9.7 years, and mean follow up was 14.8+/-6.1 months from July 2001. Most common symptom was leg pain(122 cases, 58.4%). Long standing job(44 cases), pregnancy(37 cases), and family history related to varicose vein came to 79.9% as the major predisposing or precipitating factors. Anatomic classifications of main lesion were GSV (greater saphenous vein,126 cases),LSV(lesser saphenous vein,18 cases), and reticular veins and telangiectasias(65 cases). Main treatments were stripping of GSV, stab avulsion, ligation of saphenofemoral junction, sclerotherapy, and conservative treatment. Comparing A group (stripping of GSV) with B group(sclerotherapy of GSV), A group had more complications than B group; however, A group had less recurrences than B group(p0.05). Comparing B group(sclerotherapy of GSV) with E group(sclerotherapy of reticular vein and telangiectasia), there were no differences in complication; however, B group had more recurrences than E group. Post-stripping complications were ankle numbness and tingling(2 cases), ankle pain(2 cases),ankle swelling(2 cases), and wound pain(1 case). Postsclerotherapy complications were thrombophlebitis(1 case) and skin ulcer(1 case). CONCLUSION: Sclerotherapy for varicose vein involving GSV had more recurrences than stripping for lesions involving GSV. Sclerotherapy for reticular vein and telangiectasia had less recurrences than sclerotherapy for lesion involving GSV. Sclerotherapy is a very convenient method without operation and admission, thus further research is demanded in case of varicose vein involving GSV.

Bullectomy Using 2 mm Videothoracoscope in Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

Video assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy has brought us the relief of postoperative pain and wound infection,cosmetically good results, short hospital admission and early return to society. Especially, we have tried to decrease operative wound minimally for better cosmetic results by using 2 mm videothoracoscope. From November 18, 1999 to April 19, 2000, we have performed 20 cases of video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy using 2 mm video-thoracoscope in primary spontaneous pneumothorax surgically indicated without conversion to open thoracotomy. Operative wound was almost similar to that in closed thoracostomy. The lesion of primary spontaneous pneumothorax was localized and pleural adhesion was absent or not severe. Thus, we cauld perform bullectomy using 2 mm videothoracoscope in primary spontaneous pneumothorax and decrease operative wound.

Availability of 2mm Videothoracoscope in Bullectomy of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: For many years, 10mm videothoracoscope has been widely used in bullectomy of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. However we used a 2mm videothoracoscope to minimize operative wound. Thus, we compared the clinical results of bullectomy using 2mm videothoracoscope with bullectomy using 10mm videothoracoscope. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed 118 patients who underwent VATS for primary spontaneous pneumothorax from April, 1998 to December, 2000. 2mm videothoracoscope was used in 53 patients(Group A)and 10mm videothoracoscope was used in 65 patients(Group B). The mean age was 20.2+/-6.9 years old in group A and 20.1+/-6.1 years old in group B. The mean follow up was 10.9+/-3.8 months in group A and 11.4+/-4.3 months in group B. RESULT: The operation time was shorter in group A than group B(55.7+/-22.9 minutes, 71.2+/-21.4 minutes, p0.05), the amount of analgesics(1.38+/-1.0 ampules, 1.7+/-1.4 ampules, p>0.05), postoperative complications(2 cases,7cases,p>0.05) and recurrences(1 case, 1 case, p>0.05) were not statistically different between two groups. Operative wound was smaller in group A than group B. CONCLUSION: There were no adverse results in group A than group B. Furthermore, bullectomy using 2mm videothoracoscope brought us minimized operative wound and good cosmetic results. Thus, we could recommend bullectomy using 2mm videothoracoscope in primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

The Change of Cardiothoracic Ratio after Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Adult: Report of 30 cases / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Treatment of adult patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) has many difficulty such as pulmonary hypertension, arterial wall calcification, aneurysmal chage of ductus. We tried to evaluate the effect of surgical interruption of PDA on postopeative change of heart size. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From 1987 to 1997 we experienced 30 cases of the ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in adult at the department of cardiovacular surgery in Masan Samsung General Hospital. RESULT: There were 9 males and 21 females and their ages ranged from 16 to 44 years, with a mean age of 26.1 years. 15 patients had pulmonary hypertension and 9 patients complained of dyspnea with a degree of functional NYHA class III. Operation method was double or triple ligation using Teflon felt. Postoperative complications were wound dehiscence in 3 patients and transient hoarseness in 1 patient. The mean preoperative cardiothoracic ratio was 54.7%, and mean postoperative cardiothoracic ratio was 51.9%. The change of cardiothoracic ratio was more typical in the cases who had congestive heart failure. Their mean preoperative cardiothoracic ratio was 64.8% and the mean postoperative cardiothoracic ratio was 58.5% there was no postoperative deaths. CONCLUSION: We canclude that the improvement in cardiothoracic ratio may result from surgical intervention of PDA.

Supraarterial Myotomy for Myocardial Bridges: Two Cases Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Myocardial bridges as an anatomical arrangement in which an epicardial coronary artery becomes engulfed, for a limited segment, by myocardial fibers. These diseases are recognized primarily because of their systolic narrowing or milking effect as seen on coronary angiography. The most frequent site of myocardial bridging is the middle segment of left anterior descending artery. Myocardial bridges have an ischemic effect capable of causing : angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, or even sudden death in athletes. We report 2 patients having a milking effect of the middle segment of left anterior descending artery who were suffered from angina. The operation procedure was a simple supraarterial myotomy over the embedded segment of the LAD under cardiopulmonary bypass. Angina and milking effect were disappeared after the operation.

Early Thoracotomy in the Treatment of Chest Trauma / 대한흉부외과학회지

Trauma to the thorax represents a significant portion of injuries seen in an inner-city emergency room. Although most of these patients may be sucessfully managed without thoracotomy, a certain percentage requires operative intervention either immediately or within several hours. 126 records of patients who had early thoracotomy for chest trauma from March 1986, to June 1997, in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in Masan Samsung General Hospital were reviewed. There were 96 males and 30 females whose ages ranged from 4 to 72 years, with a mean age of 32.8 years. The modes of injury were as follows : stab wounds, 55 cases (44%), blunt trauma, 70 cases (55%), and gunshot wound, 1 case (1%). Immediate operation was performed in 105 cases (84%) and delayed operation in 21 cases (16%). Indications that operation was necessary were hemorraging and shock in 66 cases (52%), cardiac tamponade in 27 cases (21%), and rupture of the diaphragm in 33 cases (27%). Most of these patients were sucessfully treated but 21 cases were resulted in death. The mortality rate was 16.6% and common causes of death were irreversible shock and hypoxia.

Endobronchial Leiomyoma: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Endobronchial leiomyoma is extremely rare and accounts for less than 2% of benign tumors of the lower respiratory tract. Leiomyomas are predominantly found in the young and the middle aged : of the average age being 35 years for bronchial and lung parenchymal lesions and 40.6 years for tracheal lesions. The symptom depends on the location of the tumor, its size, and changes in the lung distal to the lesion. A 37-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of coughing. Bronchoscopy revealed complete obstruction of the right main bonchus at the carina by an oval-shaped, nonulcerative, smooth, and pinkish-tan tumor with a broad margin and extended to the left main bronchus. A biopsy was performed and showed a benign spindle cell tumor. A right pneumonectomy was performed because of chronic infection, and the lung could not expanded during aeration. The histological diagnosis of the resected specimen was leiomyoma. The postoperative course was uneventful.

A Clinical Study of the Medistinal Tumors and Cysts: 27 cases analysis / 대한흉부외과학회지

We have experienced 27 cases of primary medistinal tumors and cyst from April, 1986 to April 1996. At Masan Samsung General Hospital. The results of the anslysed were as follows. 1. Of 27 medistinal tumors and c,pests, 9 patients were male and 18 patients were female(m : f = 1 : 2). 2. The most common chief complaint was chest discomfort or pain(8 cases 30 %) and 17 patients(63%) were asymptomatic. 3. The most common primary medistinal tumor was Neurogenic tumor in 9 cases(33 %) followed by Thymoma in 7 cases(26 %), teratoma in 6 cases(22 %). 4. The incidence of malignancy of all case was 3 cases(11 %), all cases were symptomatic and the most common malignancy was malig. thymoma(3 cases,43 %). 5. The anterior mediastinum was the most common tumor location with 15 cases(56 %) followed by posterior 11(41 %) and middle mediastinum 1(4 %). Anterior mediastinum tumors were predominantly thymomas and teratoma and posterior mediastinal tumors were neurogenic tumors. 6. Complete removal of tumor was achieved in 26 cases(96 %) and open biopsy was done on 1 case. 7. Postoperative complications were continued lumbar shunt drainage in 1 case and wound infection in 1 case. 8. There was no case of postoperative mortality and good clinical course in surgically completely resected cases.

Clinical Analysis of Traumatic Diaphragmatic injuries: Report of 28 cases / 대한흉부외과학회지

The records of 28 patients with traumatic diaphragmatic injuries seen at Masan Samsung Hospital from march 1986 o March 1995 were reviewed. We treated 21 male and 7 female patients ranging in ages from 5 to 68 years. Thc diaphragimatic injuries were due to blunt trauma in'20 cases(Trawc accident 18, compression injury 1, Human trauma 1) and penetrating injuries 8 cases (all stab wound). Most common symptoms were dyspnea 27 (96%), chest pain 26 (93%), abdomianl pain 8 (29%), comatose mentality 36 (11 %). Chest X-ray were elevated diaphragm in 20 cases(71%) find hemothorax in 18 cases (64%) and 25 cascs (89%) were diagnosed or suspected as diaphragmatic inju,rims prcopcrativcly. The repair of 28 cases were performed with thoracic approach in 20 cases, abdominal approach 7, thoracoabdominal approach in 1 cases. There were 5 death (18%) and all death related to the severity of associated injury. (hypovolcmic shock 3, combined head injury 1, renal failure 1).