[ Objective] To analyze the clinical results of scoliosis patients treated by anterior correction surgery using the KASS (Kaneda Anterior Scoliosis System: the dual rod system). [ Method] Total 123 idiopathic scoliosis patients were treated. The patients' curve patterns by King classification were as follows:Thoracic scoliosis [ type Ⅱ (n = 13), Ⅲ (n = 18 ) , and Ⅳ (n = 16) ,total (n =47) and thoracolumbar or lumbar (TL/L) curve (n = 76)]. In all patients, anterior correction surgery within the range of the major curve was performed. The average follow-up period was 7 years 7 months (2 ～ 13 years 6 months).[ Result] Fusion was attained in all patients. Correction rates of the major curve scoliosis were 68% in thoracic scoliosis and 81%in TL/L scoliosis. In sagittal alignment, all patients restored nearly physiologic thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Correction rates of horizontal tilt of the lowermost end vertebra were 78% in thoracic scoliosis and 83% in TL/L scoliosis. Correction rates of the apical vertebral rotation were 59% in thoracic scoliosis and 70% in TL/L scoliosis. No neurovascular and implant related complications were observed. [ Conclusion ] KASS allows excellent 3-D correction of the scoliosis and rigid enough stability to maintain the correction with a shorter fusion.

The internal thoracic artery is a useful conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Recently we have developed a method for increasing blood flow by directly injecting a phosphodiesterase III (PDE III) inhibitor into the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to inflate the artery and prevent its contraction. In the present study we compared the reactivity of the LITA to three drugs: PDE III inhibitor, papaverine hydrochloride and isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN). Forty-two patients with a mean age of 66.8±11.5 years old who were undergoing primary CABG were enrolled in this study and were randomly separated into one of three groups based on the vasodilating drug administered. Each drug was used in 14 cases. Graft free flow (GFF) and systemic blood pressure were measured before and one minute after drug administration to calculate blood vessel resistance (R). All the drugs significantly increased GFF, and reduced both R and blood pressure. A comparison of the change rate of blood pressure did not differ significantly among the three drug groups. The PDE III inhibitor significantly increased change rates of both GFF and R, compared with the other drugs. These results indicate that PDE III inhibitor is most effective for increasing the blood flow of LITA grafts for CABG.

Multisite pacing has recently been available as a new treatment for patients with congestive heart failure. This study was intended to evaluate the effects of atrioventricular myocardial pacing on left or biventricular sites. Eleven patients (4 men, 7 women) who had undergone atrioventricular myocardial pacing between January 2000 and April 2002 were selected for this study. They ranged in age from 24 to 74 years (mean age 58.5 years). The diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy in 3 patients, ischemic cardiomyopathy in 4, complete atrioventricular heart block in 2, sick sinus syndrome in 1, and atrial fibrillation with bradycardia in 1. The method of pacemaker implantation was atrioventricular myocardial pacing on left or biventricular sites by means of mini-thoracotomy under general anesthesia. A DDD-R pacemaker was used. When biventricular pacing was employed, the ventricular pacing lead was cut, connected with a Y adapter, and implantation was made biventricularly. We analyzed pre- and postoperative hemodynamic states by means of a Swan-Ganz catheter, and clinical course (NYHA class). There was a significant difference between pre- and postoperative clinical course and hemodynamic state. The atrioventricular myocardial pacing on left or biventricular sites was a useful method of improving the clinical course and hemodynamic state. It is concluded that this method is available as a new therapeutic option in patients with congestive heart failure.