Dual-Channel Near-Infrared Autofluorescence Imaging and AI Analysis to Locate Parathyroid Glands (PTFinder)

Launched by BO WANG,MD · Jun 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The PTFinder clinical trial is studying a new imaging system designed to help surgeons locate parathyroid glands during thyroid or parathyroid surgery. This system uses a special dual-camera technology to make the parathyroid glands glow on a screen, which can help ensure they are not accidentally removed during the operation. About 180 adult patients who need surgery for thyroid issues will participate in the trial at three hospitals in China. The study will assess how quickly and accurately this imaging system can find the glands compared to traditional methods. Additionally, researchers will monitor patients' blood calcium levels after surgery to see if using this technology helps reduce the risk of low calcium levels.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 18 years old and scheduled for certain types of thyroid or parathyroid surgeries. They must also be able to give consent to participate. However, individuals with a history of neck surgery or radiation, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with specific types of thyroid cancer cannot join. Participants can expect that the imaging process will only add a few minutes to their surgery but will not change the surgical procedure itself. The goal is to improve the safety and outcomes of these surgeries by better identifying parathyroid glands.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥18 years.
• • Scheduled for elective total thyroidectomy, hemithyroidectomy, or parathyroidectomy with removal of thyroid/parathyroid tissue.
• • Able and willing to provide written informed consent for participation and specimen imaging.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of neck irradiation or prior neck surgery that may distort parathyroid anatomy.
• • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• • Confirmed or suspected parathyroid carcinoma, or thyroid carcinoma requiring en-bloc parathyroid resection.
• • Inability to understand the study procedures or to comply with follow-up.