3D Thyroid Scaffold With Fluid Sheath for RLN Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical techniques for thyroidectomy face challenges in accurately identifying and preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), leading to potential nerve damage and complications, particularly for surgeons with varying levels of experience.

Innovation Solution

An artificial 3D scaffold with an artificial interstitial fluid sheath and RLN, mimicking the human body's anatomy, is used to simulate thyroid surgery, allowing precise identification and visualization of the RLN through a sheath that encases interstitial fluid, facilitating its preservation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional thyroidectomy techniques are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage increases due to difficulty in identification

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRLN preservation rateVSAvoidRLN identification difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs fluorescent markers or contrast agents that cause the recurrent laryngeal nerve to exhibit distinct color changes or fluorescence under specific lighting conditions, enabling surgeons to easily distinguish the nerve from surrounding tissues during thyroidectomy procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance such as a fluorescent dye or contrast agent that selectively accumulates in or around the recurrent laryngeal nerve, serving as a visual mediator that enhances nerve visibility without interfering with normal surgical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If surgeons with varying experience levels perform thyroidectomy, then more patients can be treated, but the complication rate increases due to inconsistent surgical skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of surgeries performedVSAvoidsurgical outcome consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies fluorescent markers or contrast agents to the recurrent laryngeal nerve before the surgical procedure begins, or uses pre-operative imaging to identify nerve locations, thereby preparing the surgical field in advance to ensure consistent nerve visibility regardless of surgeon experience level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms such as intraoperative fluorescence imaging or neuromonitoring systems that provide immediate information to the surgeon about nerve location and integrity, allowing for continuous adjustment of surgical technique to maintain consistent outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4469995B1Intraoperative anatomical landmark in thyroid surgery - recurrent laryngeal nerve interstitial fluid sheath

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 REVEZ FERREIRA MIGUEL ALLEN

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AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to an artificial 3D scaffold of thyroid comprising artificial laryngeal and tracheal framework, wherein the scaffold comprises an artificial interstitial fluid sheath. Further, methods for obtaining a 3D scaffold according to the present disclosure and methods for identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in a subject, are disclosed.