Intelligent feedback thyroid ablation operation simulation training device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of medical teaching appliances, in particular to an intelligent feedback thyroid ablation operation simulation training device. The model comprises a simulation person, a cervical vertebra module, a thyroid gland module and a simulation nodule block. The simulation nodule is made of a thermal response material, a heating element and an ablation needle integrated temperature sensor are arranged in the simulation nodule, and the control unit triggers heating according to a sensor signal, so that the physical state of the nodule generates observable change, and a real ablation effect is simulated. The device is simple in structure, can provide visual visual and tactile feedback, and is used for surgical skill training and objective examination of medical staff.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of medical teaching aids, and particularly relates to an intelligent feedback type thyroid ablation operation simulation training device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a core technology for minimally invasive treatment of thyroid nodules, the efficacy of thyroid thermal ablation is highly dependent on the precise puncture skills and the control of the thermal field of the operator. At present, the training for this operation mainly relies on theoretical teaching, video learning and puncture path simulation on simple models. These traditional modes have significant limitations. First, they generally cannot simulate and evaluate the actual effect of the key link of thermal ablation, and the trainee cannot know whether the "ablation" energy he applies is sufficient to cause effective necrosis of the target nodule, resulting in a serious disconnection between training and real operation scene. Second, the existing models have too simplified anatomical structures, lack important anatomical elements such as pulsatile blood vessels and layers that need to be "water isolated", and are difficult to train the trainee's risk avoidance awareness and comprehensive operation ability. In addition, the evaluation of the operation effect often relies on subjective experience, lacks unified and objective quantitative standards, and is not conducive to standardized examination. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive simulation training model that can highly simulate the real operation environment, provide immediate and intuitive ablation effect feedback, and objectively quantify the effectiveness of the operation, to make up for the shortcomings of existing training methods and accelerate the training of specialist physicians. SUMMARY

[0003] The application aims to provide an intelligent feedback type thyroid ablation operation simulation training device, which simulates real anatomical structures, thermal ablation processes and blood vessel pulsation, etc., to provide trainees with realistic operation experience and intuitive feedback, and to realize objective and quantitative skill evaluation.

[0004] The intelligent feedback type thyroid ablation operation simulation training device comprises: a simulation person, a simulation skin being provided on the lateral side of the neck of the simulation person and being openable and closable, and a cavity being provided inside the neck of the simulation person and being exposed; a cervical vertebra module being installed in the cavity inside the neck of the simulation person and being made of hard plastic or resin; a left lobe or a right lobe of a thyroid module being provided with an isolated water injection cavity bag for injecting liquid, and the lobe provided with the cavity bag being different from the lobe provided with the nodule implantation channel; and the simulation nodule block being made of a thermal response material and being configured to have an observable change in physical state when reaching a set temperature; and an ablation needle, a needle tube of the ablation needle being a temperature sensor probe; The control unit is connected to the temperature sensor probe and the heating element. The control unit is configured to control the heating element to increase its power to heat the simulated nodule block to the ablation temperature of the simulated nodule block when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor probe reaches or exceeds the initial set temperature of the heating element and is maintained for a period of time.

[0005] This invention integrates an ablation needle with a temperature sensor probe, linking it to a control unit and a heating element within the simulated nodule block, thus constructing a complete "operation-sensing-feedback" closed-loop system. When the trainee accurately inserts the ablation needle into the simulated nodule block and applies "ablation" energy (simulation), the system monitors the needle tip temperature in real time via the temperature sensor probe. Once the set temperature (the simulated effective ablation temperature threshold) is reached or exceeded, the control unit triggers the heating element to heat the simulated nodule block, causing observable changes in its physical state. This transforms the abstract "ablation energy" into a concrete and visible "tissue denaturation" effect, providing the trainee with immediate and intuitive feedback. This model transforms the key criterion for surgical success (whether the lesion has undergone sufficient thermal ablation) from subjective experience into an objectively measurable physical quantity (temperature). Assessors can directly and indisputably judge the effectiveness of the trainee's operation in the energy application phase based on whether the simulated nodule block changes. This provides a clear and unified quantitative basis for skills assessment, overcoming the limitation of traditional models that can only assess the puncture path but not the ablation effect. A simulated human with an openable, foldable skin, a rigid plastic cervical spine module representing the skeletal structure, and a water-filled cavity bag and thyroid module together create a three-dimensional training space that closely resembles the anatomy of a real human neck. This environment enables trainees to perform a series of basic operations, such as skin incision, tissue separation, surgical field exposure, and precise puncture to avoid important structures (such as the cervical spine), enhancing the immersion and practicality of the training.

[0006] The intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device includes the following simulated human: A simulated neck skin layer made of rubber. And a simulated blood vessel path pre-embedded inside the simulated neck skin layer, the simulated blood vessel path being made of flexible silicone, and the simulated blood vessel being filled with a liquid capable of being visualized by ultrasound.

[0007] The simulated neck skin layer, made of rubber, highly mimics the elasticity, resistance, and puncture sensation of real human skin. Trainees receive tactile feedback very similar to real surgery when inserting the ablation needle, which is crucial for developing tactile sensitivity and controlling puncture force. Real neck surgery requires penetrating layers of skin and subcutaneous tissue. The rubber skin layer, specifically made of silicone rubber, provides this layer-by-layer penetration simulation experience, rather than just a simple epidermis. The thyroid gland is surrounded by vital blood vessels (such as the carotid artery and jugular vein). In real ablation surgery, accidental damage to these vessels can lead to serious complications. The simulated vascular pathway directly simulates these vessels. During the procedure, trainees must identify and actively avoid these vessels using ultrasound imaging or anatomical knowledge for simulated surgical training. By adding highly realistic skin layers and built-in vascular structures, the simulated neck skin layer and simulated vascular pathway upgrade the training model from a simple "thyroid target manipulation simulator" to a highly realistic "full surgical procedure simulation platform." It not only trains trainees in the final ablation procedure, but more importantly, it trains them in prerequisite and crucial skills such as surgical approach, anatomical structure identification, and risk avoidance, greatly improving the comprehensiveness and safety of the training and providing a physical basis for objectively assessing the trainees' operational standardization.

[0008] This intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device uses a water-based solution containing a thickener and added silica powder. Ordinary water or pure water is anechoic under ultrasound (i.e., appears black), which is completely different from real blood vessels filled with blood that reflects ultrasound waves. Silica powder consists of tiny solid particles that act as scatterers of ultrasound waves. When the ultrasound probe shines on the liquid, these particles cause it to appear on the ultrasound image as "echoic" or "foggy" (usually appearing as grayish-white dotted echoes) similar to blood. This allows the simulated blood vessels to be clearly identified on the ultrasound image, contrasting with the surrounding thyroid tissue. Trainees must learn to accurately locate important blood vessels such as the carotid artery on the ultrasound screen and ensure the ablation needle is kept away from them. Real blood has a certain viscosity. By adding "thickeners" (such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hyaluronic acid, etc.), the viscosity of water-based solutions can be adjusted to make them closer to the flow characteristics of blood. When a liquid with appropriate viscosity is driven by a pump, the pressure transmission and deformation of the blood vessel walls will be closer to the physiological state, avoiding the water hammer effect or the overly fragile pulsation that may occur when using water.

[0009] This intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device features a single main water inlet on the simulated vascular system. This main inlet is located on the surface of the simulated human torso and can be connected to an external water pump. Positioning the inlet on the torso surface (rather than the operating area in the neck) and designating it as a "main inlet" means that the entire vascular system's fluid filling and actuation can be completed through a single interface. This avoids the complex design of having multiple water inlets for multiple blood vessels, simplifying model preparation and maintenance. The inlet's location away from the simulated surgical area in the neck ensures that the connected water pipes and pump do not obstruct the trainee's main training actions such as puncture and ablation, guaranteeing a smooth and focused training process.

[0010] This intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device includes a water pump connected to a control unit. After the water pump fills the entire simulated vascular pathway with water, the control unit controls the pump to repeatedly pump and inject water at a certain frequency, simulating vascular pulsation. The water pump is a miniature peristaltic pump connected to the main inlet via a pipeline, used to pump liquid into the simulated vascular pathway and generate periodic pressure changes. The control unit has a preset pulsation control program that controls the water pump to periodically rotate forward (inject water) and reverse / stop (pump water / depressurize) at an adjustable frequency of 60 to 80 times per minute with a corresponding duty cycle, thereby simulating vascular pulsation under normal conditions within the simulated vascular pathway. Beginner trainees can use a lower frequency (60 times / minute) to adapt, while advanced trainees or those undergoing assessments use a normal or even slightly higher frequency (80 times / minute) to challenge their technical proficiency. This significantly increases the difficulty of puncture and ablation needle positioning, more effectively training the trainee's hand-eye coordination and stability.

[0011] This intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device includes a thyroid module that can be completely removed from the receiving cavity. The thyroid module comprises a snap-fit ​​module and a main thyroid module, which are tightly bonded together. The snap-fit ​​module is made of rigid plastic, while the main thyroid module is made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. The thyroid module is the direct target of the ablation surgery and is easily punctured repeatedly by the ablation needle during training, making it a rapidly worn part of the model. Designing the thyroid module as a "completely removable component from the receiving cavity" eliminates the need to replace the entire expensive mannequin when it is damaged due to overuse or when different pathological morphologies of the thyroid need to be used for training. This significantly reduces the cost of long-term training and greatly improves the model's practicality and economy. The snap-fit ​​structure made of rigid plastic ensures that the thyroid module is accurately and securely installed on the cervical spine module inside the mannequin's neck, preventing displacement or loosening during training and ensuring the accuracy of the anatomical position. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel is a high-performance porous polymer material whose elasticity, toughness, and surface friction properties closely resemble those of real human soft tissue. When punctured with an ablation needle, it provides an extremely realistic "sense of breakthrough" and "sense of resistance," which is crucial for training tactile feedback. Under ultrasound imaging, PVA hydrogel can simulate the echogenicity of real thyroid tissue, making ultrasound-guided puncture training more realistic and effective.

[0012] This intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device features a nodule implantation channel within the thyroid module for inserting simulated nodule blocks. When undeformed, this channel is conical, with the inner diameter decreasing sequentially from the back to the front. The pre-set implantation channel ensures that the simulated nodule block is placed in the same anatomical position during each training session or assessment. This eliminates evaluation bias caused by random changes in nodule position, making the results comparable across different trainees and guaranteeing the fairness and scientific rigor of the assessment. When it's necessary to replace a different type of nodule or replace a worn-out nodule, the operator simply removes the old nodule from the back of the thyroid module and pushes the new nodule along the pre-set channel. This is much faster, more accurate, and cleaner than manually "drilling" holes in solid gel before implanting the nodule, greatly facilitating instructor preparation and model maintenance. Because the simulated nodule block is a relatively elastic solid, and the channel entrance (back) is large while the exit (front) is small, the nodule can pass smoothly when pushed in from the back. However, when it reaches the smaller inner diameter near the front, it is elastically held in place by the channel wall. The friction generated by this conical structure effectively fixes the nodule in the preset position, preventing it from being pulled out or displaced inward during needle withdrawal or other procedures, ensuring the stability and reliability of the training process. The horizontally positioned nodule implantation channel simulates the common growth direction of nodules within the thyroid gland, making the ultrasound images closer to clinical reality. Because the nodule is implanted through the channel rather than being formed in one piece with the thyroid gland, it will show a slightly different interface echo on ultrasound compared to the surrounding thyroid tissue. This more realistically simulates the situation where there is a capsule or boundary between a real nodule and normal tissue, helping trainees to identify nodule boundaries on ultrasound.

[0013] This intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device uses a simulated nodule whose maximum outer diameter is larger than the minimum inner diameter of the implantation channel when it is not deformed. The implantation channel uses elastic force to fix the simulated nodule to the front of the thyroid module. Because the outer diameter of the simulated nodule is slightly larger than the narrowest point of the channel, when the simulated nodule is implanted from the wider back and pushed to the narrower front, the channel wall exerts a continuous and uniform elastic clamping force (i.e., elastic force) on the nodule. This force is sufficient to firmly fix the nodule in the preset position, preventing it from being accidentally pulled out or displaced during training, especially when the ablation needle is withdrawn, due to friction. This stable fixation ensures that the nodule, as the target point, does not move throughout the puncture and ablation process, providing the trainee with a stable operating environment and avoiding operational errors and evaluation deviations caused by target movement. This structure allows trainees to feel a uniform enveloping force when inserting the needle into the nodule. This tactile feedback, breaking through the enveloping sensation, mirrors real surgical conditions and is crucial for training trainees' tactile sense and needle placement—something that flat or simple embedded models cannot provide. Furthermore, when changing nodules, instructors simply push the new simulated nodule block forward along the conical channel from the back until it automatically locks in place. The entire process requires no tools, glue, or complex locking mechanisms, making it extremely quick and reliable. This purely mechanical, elastic fixation method eliminates the need for metal springs or clips in the nodule block or thyroid module, avoiding strong echo artifacts on ultrasound images and ensuring clear and realistic ultrasound images.

[0014] One of the core components of this model is an isolation water-filled cavity bag. This isolation water-filled cavity bag is fitted onto the left or right lobe of the thyroid module, and its placement is different from that of the lobe where the nodule implantation channel is located, to ensure the targeted nature of the simulation training.

[0015] The surface of the isolating water-filled hollow bag has one or more water inlets, and its bottom is connected to a drain pipe. This structure is designed to simulate the "liquid isolation" or "water isolation" technique used in real thyroid ablation surgery. In this real procedure, the surgeon injects sterile saline solution into the potential gap between the thyroid capsule and key tissues such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve and trachea under ultrasound guidance to form a protective fluid barrier. This barrier can both separate tissues through hydraulic pressure, increasing the safe distance between the ablation target and important structures, and absorb and block heat, thereby achieving dual protection for nerves and blood vessels.

[0016] The water-isolated cavity bag in this model is specifically designed for training this crucial technique. Trainees inject liquid into the bag through the injection port, which simulates a typical anechoic liquid band on the ultrasound image. This allows trainees to visually determine the success of the injection operation, i.e., whether the liquid has accurately entered the target cavity. This is essential for mastering liquid isolation techniques.

[0017] The number of injection ports can be unlimited, based on commonly used needle insertion points in real surgery. Because the model is in a supine position, the injection ports are located at a higher position within the isolated injection cavity bag, preventing backflow of the injected fluid from other ports. The drain pipe is typically kept closed and can only be opened after each training session to drain the fluid and ensure the model can be reused.

[0018] This intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device uses polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel as the simulated nodule material. High thermal conductivity filler is added to the PVA hydrogel, and its phase transition temperature is set by adjusting the PVA concentration. Using PVA as the matrix, the critical temperature point (ablation temperature) at which the hydrogel undergoes a phase transition (from transparent or translucent to milky white and opaque) is precisely set by adjusting the PVA concentration in the aqueous solution between 10% and 20%. This ablation temperature is continuously adjustable within a medically relevant range of 70°C to 90°C, and the PVA concentration is positively correlated with the phase transition temperature. The PVA hydrogel is formed through at least one freeze-thaw cycle of physical cross-linking to achieve mechanical strength that simulates the elasticity of real tissue. When the PVA hydrogel is heated to a certain temperature and maintained for a period of time, its internal physical cross-linking structure (hydrogen bonds) is destroyed, and a large amount of water evaporates. The simulated nodule changes from translucent or milky white to opaque white, which is the most intuitive change and perfectly simulates the "whitening" phenomenon that occurs after the thermal denaturation of proteins in real tissue. Simultaneously, due to dehydration, the PVA hydrogel causes the nodules to shrink significantly. This heat-induced dehydration and (simulated) protein denaturation are irreversible. Upon cooling, the nodules do not regain their original color, size, or mechanical properties, meaning the simulated nodules have been ablated, mimicking the situation in real clinical surgery. High thermal conductivity fillers are added to the PVA hydrogel. Boron nitride nanosheets can be used, as they have high thermal conductivity and are electrical insulators, not interfering with the electrical performance of the heating element or ultrasonic imaging. Adding them significantly improves the thermal conductivity of PVA. Alternatively, alumina nanoparticles can be used, another common insulating and thermally conductive filler, which is relatively inexpensive and has good thermal conductivity. Adding high thermal conductivity fillers improves the surface thermal conductivity of the simulated nodules, allowing the heat from the thin-film heater to be transferred to the puncture surface.

[0019] Regarding the attachment method of the flexible film heater, the simulated nodule block is installed in the nodule implantation channel, which is divided into the nodule surface area exposed on the surface of the thyroid module and the channel interior area inside the nodule implantation channel. The flexible film heater can be attached to the channel interior area of ​​the nodule, and the number is set according to the size of the simulated nodule block. In the initial state, the flexible film heater can heat the channel interior area at a low power, which will transfer heat to the nodule surface area, allowing the ablation needle to detect the temperature change when it contacts the surface (reaching the initial set temperature).

[0020] The heating element consists of several flexible thin-film heaters that cover the surface of the simulated nodule to heat the entire nodule. Initially, the flexible thin-film heaters operate at very low power, maintaining the surface temperature of the simulated nodule at 45°C, which is the initial set temperature. When the temperature sensor probe of the ablation needle touches the nodule surface, the probe temperature gradually reaches 45°C and remains there for a period of time. After approximately 20 seconds, the controller determines that the ablation needle has penetrated the surface of the simulated nodule, and the power of the flexible thin-film heaters increases, heating the simulated nodule to the ablation temperature of the PVA hydrogel. The simulated nodule dehydrates and shrinks, and the trainee can see the simulated nodule shrinking in the ultrasound image, mirroring a real surgical procedure. After shrinking, the simulated nodule may detach into the nodule implantation channel. The instructor simply removes the simulated nodule from the implantation channel and replaces it with a new one before proceeding to the next trainee's teaching test.

[0021] The core advantage of this invention lies in constructing a high-performance training platform that integrates real-time thermal feedback, ultrasound imaging simulation, and precise operational assessment. It not only achieves intuitive and quantifiable verification of ablation effects through thermal response simulation of nodule blocks, transforming the standard for surgical success from subjective experience into objective physical indicators, but also provides an immersive, full-process training environment through highly simulated anatomical structures (including pulsating blood vessels and fluid-filled isolation cavity bags). This significantly enhances the realism of the training and the scientific rigor of the assessment, while the modular design greatly reduces long-term operating costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ablation needle of the present invention being inserted into a simulated human body; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the thyroid module, cervical spine module, and isolation water-filling cavity bag inside the cavity of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the cervical spine module and thyroid module of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the simulated human blood vessel circuit, water pump, and control unit of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the simulated nodule block being placed into the nodule implantation channel (left is the back, right is the front). Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the simulated nodule block and heating element of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ablation needle and temperature sensor probe of the present invention.

[0024] Figure descriptions: 1-Simulated human, 2-Cervical spine module, 3-Thyroid module, 4-Ablation needle, 5-Control unit, 6-Isolation water injection cavity bag, 7-Water pump, 8-Heating element, 11-Simulated skin, 12-Simulated neck skin layer, 13-Simulated blood vessel path, 13a-Main water inlet, 31-Nodule implantation channel, 32-Simulated nodule block, 32a-Nodule surface area, 32b-Internal area of ​​the channel, 33-Snap-on module, 34-Thyroid main module, 41-Temperature sensor probe, 61-Water injection port, 62-Drainage pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The concepts involved in this application will first be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following descriptions of various concepts are only for the purpose of making the content of this application easier to understand and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; furthermore, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] Example 1: This embodiment details an intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device.

[0028] See appendix Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the model mainly includes a human simulator 1, a cervical spine module 2, a thyroid module 3, an ablation needle 4, and a control unit 5.

[0029] See appendix Figure 4As shown, the simulated human 1 has an openable simulated skin 11 on the side of its neck, forming an internal cavity. The simulated skin layer 12 of the simulated human 1 is made of highly elastic rubber, and a simulated blood vessel path 13 made of flexible silicone is pre-embedded inside. The simulated blood vessel path 13 has a main water inlet 13a located on the surface of the torso, and is connected to a water pump 7 (micro peristaltic pump) through a pipeline. The control unit 5 is signal-connected to the peristaltic pump and can control it to periodically rotate forward and backward at a frequency of 70 times per minute, thereby pumping a thickened water-based solution with added silica powder into the blood vessels to simulate the pulsation of the carotid artery.

[0030] See attached document Figure 2 Appendix Figure 3 Appendix Figure 5 Appendix Figure 6 As shown, the cervical spine module 2 is made of rigid resin and is fixed in the center of the neck cavity. The thyroid module 3, as an independent component, is installed in front of the cervical spine module 2 via a rigid plastic snap-fit ​​module 33 on its back. The main body 34 of the thyroid module 3 is made of PVA hydrogel, and a horizontal conical nodule implantation channel 31 is pre-set inside it. A simulated nodule block 32 with a diameter slightly larger than the narrowest part of the channel is fastened to a predetermined position in the nodule implantation channel 31 by elastic force. The simulated nodule block 32 is made of PVA hydrogel of a specific concentration through freeze-thaw cycles, and its phase transition temperature is set to 80°C. Several flexible thin-film heaters are embedded on the surface of the nodule block as heating elements 8.

[0031] See attached document Figure 6 Regarding the bonding method of the flexible film heater and the simulated nodule block 32, the simulated nodule block 32 is installed in the nodule implantation channel 31, which is divided into a nodule surface area 32a exposed on the surface of the thyroid module 3 and a channel interior area 32b inside the nodule implantation channel 31. The flexible film heater can be bonded to the channel interior area 32b of the simulated nodule block 32, and the number is set according to the size of the simulated nodule block 32. The flexible film heater heats the nodule surface area 32a through the channel interior area 32b of the simulated nodule block 32, so that the temperature change can be detected when the ablation needle 4 contacts the surface of the simulated nodule block 32.

[0032] See attached document Figure 2 As shown, one of the lateral lobes of the thyroid module 3 is fitted with an isolation water-filled cavity bag 6, which has a water inlet 61 on its surface and a drain pipe 62 at the bottom, used to simulate the "water isolation" operation in real surgery.

[0033] See attached document Figure 7As shown, the tip of the ablation needle 4 is actually a temperature sensor probe 41. The control unit 5 is connected to the temperature sensor probe 41 and the flexible film heater, and has preset control logic: when the probe detects that the temperature reaches or exceeds 45°C and is maintained for 20 seconds, it determines that the ablation needle 4 has correctly punctured the simulated nodule block 32, and then triggers the flexible film heater to work, rapidly raising its temperature to 80°C and maintaining it for a period of time. After heating, the simulated nodule block 32 will dehydrate and shrink, simulating the ablation of thyroid nodules in real surgery. This can be seen on ultrasound images to determine whether the puncture position is correct.

[0034] Example 2: At a medical skills training center, instructors are preparing to use an intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device to train students. (See attached document) Figure 2 Appendix Figure 3 Appendix Figure 5 Appendix Figure 6 As shown, first, the instructor prepares the model. The instructor takes a separate thyroid module 3 made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel. He picks up a simulated nodule block 32, with several heating elements 8 (thin-film heaters) glued to its surface, and pushes it into the nodule implantation channel 31 on the back of the thyroid module 3. This conical channel fixes the simulated nodule block 32 in place by elastic force. Next, the mannequin 1 is taken out, the simulated skin 11 on the side of its neck is opened, and the snap-fit ​​module 33 of the thyroid module 3 is fastened to the slot of the cervical spine module 2. One of the lateral lobes of the thyroid module 3 is fitted with an isolation water-filled cavity bag 6. Finally, the instructor closes the simulated skin 11.

[0035] The instructor then connects the circulation system. See appendix. Figure 1 Appendix Figure 4 Appendix Figure 7 He connected the main water inlet 13a on the torso of the simulated human 1 to a miniature water pump 7 (peristaltic pump) via a catheter. The water pump 7 was then connected to the control unit 5. He injected a liquid containing silicon micropowder into the water pump 7 and started the pump. The liquid was pumped into the simulated blood vessel 13 and began to pulsate. Finally, he connected the ablation needle 4 to the control unit 5 and confirmed that the temperature sensor probe 41 at the tip of the ablation needle 4 was in normal signal communication with the heating element 8 inside the simulated nodule block 32.

[0036] See attached document Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2As shown, after the training begins, trainees first identify the anatomical structure consisting of a simulated neck skin layer 12, simulated blood vessels 13, a thyroid module 3, and a cervical spine module 2 under ultrasound guidance. Next, trainees perform a simulated "water isolation" procedure, using an injection needle to penetrate the simulated neck skin layer 12 and inject water into the cavity through the injection port 61 on the surface of the water-filled isolation bag 6, observing the resulting fluid-filled dark band on ultrasound. Then, in the core operation phase, trainees use an ablation needle 4 to puncture the simulated skin 11, avoiding the pulsating simulated blood vessels 13, and insert the needle tip into the simulated nodule 32, maintaining stability. See Appendix. Figure 6 As shown, when the temperature sensor probe 41 of the ablation needle 4 detects the preset temperature and maintains it for a period of time, the control unit 5 triggers the heating element 8 (thin-film heater) inside the simulated nodule block 32 to heat the simulated nodule block 32. Soon, the simulated nodule block 32 shrinks due to material phase change, and this change is clearly visible on the ultrasound image, objectively proving the effectiveness of the ablation operation.

[0037] See appendix Figure 2 Appendix Figure 3 As shown, after the operation is completed, the instructor opens the drain pipe 62 to drain the liquid in the isolation water-filled cavity bag 6, then takes out the thyroid module 3, replaces the simulated nodule block 32 that has fallen off due to shrinkage caused by heat, and recovers the thin film heater. The model is then quickly reset and can be used by the next student.

[0038] The embodiments and / or implementation methods described above are merely preferred embodiments and / or implementation methods for implementing the technology of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the technology of the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications to other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical means disclosed in the content of the present invention, but these should still be regarded as the technology or embodiments that are substantially the same as the present invention. This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that due to the limitations of written expression, while there are objectively infinite specific structures, those skilled in the art can make several improvements, modifications, or changes without departing from the principles of this application, and can also combine the above technical features in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An intelligent feedback-based thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device, characterized in that, include: The simulated human (1) has an openable simulated skin (11) on the side of its neck or back, and an exposed cavity inside its neck for accommodating the thyroid module (3). The cervical spine module (2) is installed in the internal cavity of the neck of the simulated human (1) and is made of hard plastic or resin. Thyroid module (3), wherein the thyroid module (3) is provided with simulated nodule blocks (32); The simulated nodule block (32) is made of thermally responsive material and is configured to undergo an observable change in its physical state when a specific temperature is reached; the surface of the simulated nodule block (32) is provided with a plurality of heating elements (8). The ablation needle (4) has a temperature sensor probe (41) in its tube. The control unit (5) is connected to the temperature sensor probe (41) and the heating element (8) by signal connection; the control unit (5) is configured to control the heating element (8) to increase the power to heat the simulated nodule block (32) to the ablation temperature of the simulated nodule block (32) when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor probe (41) reaches or exceeds the initial set temperature of the heating element (8) and is maintained for a period of time.

2. The intelligent feedback thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated human (1) includes: Simulated neck skin layer made of rubber (12). And a simulated blood vessel path (13) pre-embedded inside the simulated neck skin layer (12), the simulated blood vessel path (13) being made of flexible silicone and filled with liquid.

3. The intelligent feedback-type thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid inside the simulated blood vessel (13) is a water-based solution containing a thickener, and silica powder is added to the liquid.

4. The intelligent feedback thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The simulated blood vessel (13) is provided with a main water inlet (13a), which is located on the surface of the torso of the simulated human (1). The main water inlet (13a) can be connected to an external water pump (7).

5. The thyroid ablation surgery simulation training and assessment model according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water pump (7) is connected to the control unit (5). After the water pump (7) fills the entire simulated blood vessel (13) with water, the control unit (5) controls the water pump (7) to repeatedly pump and inject water at a certain frequency to simulate blood vessel pulsation.

6. The intelligent feedback-type thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thyroid module (3) is an independent component that can be removed as a whole from the cavity. The thyroid module (3) includes a snap-fit ​​module (33) and a thyroid body module (34). The snap-fit ​​module (33) and the thyroid body module (34) are tightly bonded together. The snap-fit ​​module (33) is made of rigid plastic, and the thyroid body module (34) is made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel.

7. The intelligent feedback thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thyroid module (3) has a nodule implantation channel (31) inside for inserting a simulated nodule block (32). The nodule implantation channel (31) is a cone-shaped channel when it is not deformed, and the inner diameter of the channel decreases sequentially from the back to the front.

8. The intelligent feedback thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter of the simulated nodule block (32) is greater than the minimum inner diameter of the nodule implantation channel (31) under the condition of no deformation. The nodule implantation channel (31) fixes the simulated nodule block (32) to the front of the thyroid module (3) by elastic force.

9. The intelligent feedback-type thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left or right leaf of the thyroid module (3) is fitted with an isolation water-filling cavity bag (6), the surface of the isolation water-filling cavity bag (6) is provided with a water inlet (61), and the area fitted on the back of the thyroid module (3) is provided with a drain pipe (62).

10. The intelligent feedback thyroid ablation surgery simulation training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated nodule block (32) is made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, and a high thermal conductivity filler is added inside the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel.

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