Using AI to help detect parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery

Development and Improvement of a Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Detection and Assessing the Perfusion of Parathyroid Gland During Endoscopic Thyroidectomy

Observational Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT05869058

This study is testing a new AI tool to help surgeons find and protect the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery to improve recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05869058 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to develop a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to assist surgeons in detecting the parathyroid gland (PTG) during endoscopic thyroidectomy. The study will utilize a large sample of endoscopic images to train the DCNN, which will also predict blood perfusion of the PTG by comparing its results to indocyanine green fluorescence angiography. The goal is to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism by enhancing the detection and preservation of the PTG's blood supply.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled to undergo endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, a history of neck surgery, or cervical radiotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of AI in surgical assistance is emerging, this specific application of DCNN for PTG detection and perfusion assessment is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The patients who undergo endoscopic thyroidectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

* hyperparathyroidism
* hypoparathyroidism
* neck surgery history
* cervical radiotherapy history

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Thyroidectomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.