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Design and evaluation of an anthropomorphic neck phantom for improved ultrasound diagnostics of thyroid gland tumors

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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with ultrasound-guided biopsy being the method of choice for its early detection. The accuracy of diagnostics directly depends on the qualifications of the ultrasonographers, whose performance can be enhanced through training with phantoms. The aim of this study is to propose a reproducible methodology for designing a neck phantom for ultrasound training and research from widely available materials and to validate its applicability.

Methods

The phantom was made using polyvinyl chloride mixed with additives to reproduce different levels of brightness on ultrasound screens. 3D printing and casting were used to create the neck model and various structures of the neck, including bones, cartilage, arteries, veins, lymph nodes, thyroid gland, and soft tissues. The small objects, such as tumor and lymph node models, were shaped manually. All the phantom’s materials were carefully selected to match the ultrasonic speed and attenuation values of real soft tissues and bones.

Results

The thyroid gland contains models of a cancerous and cystic nodule. In the neck, there are models of carotid arteries and jugular veins filled with ultrasound-transparent gel. Additionally, there are replicas of lymph nodes and bone structures such as hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, trachea, and vertebrae. The resulting phantom covers the entire neck area and has been positively received by practicing ultrasound specialists.

Conclusions

The proposed manufacturing technology offers a reliable and cost-effective approach to produce an anthropomorphic neck phantom for ultrasound diagnosis of the thyroid gland. The realistic simulation provided by the phantom enhances the quality and accuracy of ultrasound examinations, contributing to better training for medical professionals and improved patient care. Subsequent research efforts can concentrate on refining the fabrication process and exploring additional features to enhance the phantom’s capabilities.

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Acknowledgements

This paper was prepared by a group of authors as a part of the research and development effort titled “Scientific rationale for development and use of tissue-equivalent materials to design test objects for radiology” (USIS No.:№ 123092000013-3) in accordance with the Order No. 1196 dated December 21, 2022 “On approval of state assignments funded by means of allocations from the budget of the city of Moscow to the state budgetary (autonomous) institutions subordinate to the Moscow Healthcare Department, for 2023 and the planned period of 2024 and 2025” issued by the Moscow Healthcare Department. The authors would like to express their gratitude to Daria Leichenco for her contribution at the preliminary stage of the research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Moscow Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, Moscow, Russia

    Denis Leonov, Anastasia Nasibullina, Veronika Grebennikova, Olga Vlasova, Yulia Bulgakova, Ekaterina Belyakova, Olga Omelianskaya & Yuriy Vasilev

  2. Moscow Power Engineering Institute, Moscow, Russia

    Denis Leonov, Veronika Grebennikova & Yulia Bulgakova

  3. Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia

    Ekaterina Belyakova

  4. Smolensk State Medical University, Moscow, Russia

    Darya Shestakova

  5. Brazilian Air Force Academy, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil

    José Francisco Silva Costa-Júnior

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  1. Denis Leonov
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  2. Anastasia Nasibullina
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  3. Veronika Grebennikova
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  4. Olga Vlasova
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  8. José Francisco Silva Costa-Júnior
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  9. Olga Omelianskaya
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  10. Yuriy Vasilev
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Correspondence to Denis Leonov.

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Leonov, D., Nasibullina, A., Grebennikova, V. et al. Design and evaluation of an anthropomorphic neck phantom for improved ultrasound diagnostics of thyroid gland tumors. Int J CARS (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-024-03130-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-024-03130-1

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