Domestic Researchers Solve the Biggest Challenge in Thyroid Surgery: 'Parathyroid Preservation'

Domestic researchers have succeeded in solving the issue of ‘parathyroid preservation,’ one of the biggest challenges in thyroid surgery.

Professor Ahn Ye-chan’s team from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Pukyong National University developed a technology to preserve the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery and has completed approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as well as international patent registration.

Thyroid cancer, the most common cancer in Korea, is classified as a cancer with a high survival rate, but many patients who undergo thyroid surgery experience symptoms such as numbness in the hands and feet, abnormal sensations around the mouth, chest tightness, or convulsions in the hands or face.

These symptoms are the most common and significant complications of thyroid surgery and are caused by hypoparathyroidism.

The parathyroid glands are very small and difficult to distinguish from surrounding fatty tissue with the naked eye. Even if the parathyroid glands are located, preserving the blood flow to these tiny organs is not easy even for experienced surgeons, making it one of the greatest challenges in thyroid surgery.

Professor An Ye-chan.

Professor Ahn Ye-chan of Pukyong National University, in collaboration with Professor Lee Kang-dae from the Department of Otolaryngology at Kosin University Gospel Hospital, and Professor Bae Sung-chul and Dr. Kim Lee-geun from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNIST, developed a technology that detects invisible parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery using near-infrared autofluorescence imaging.

The near-infrared imaging equipment applying this technology detects the very weak parathyroid autofluorescence signals without turning off the lights, based on high-sensitivity and low-noise performance. Surgeons can confirm the location of the parathyroid glands in real time during surgery, enabling preservation of the organs.

From February to August 4, the research team consecutively registered four patents related to this core technology in the United States and one in China. The near-infrared imaging equipment applying this technology also received manufacturing and sales approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and was recognized for medical reimbursement.

Professor Ahn Ye-chan of Pukyong National University said, “By registering this technology, which solves one of the biggest challenges in thyroid surgery, with patents in the U.S. and China, we have secured opportunities to enter the global market. We especially expect to attract attention from the Chinese market, where the number of thyroid surgeries is rapidly increasing.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.