Ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration is an accurate method for the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Given the lack of cheap and high-fidelity simulation models, most domestic residents do not practice enough on the models. This study attempted to provide a cost-effective viable and high-fidelity simulation model for training radiology residents in ultrasound-guided thyroid fine-needle aspiration.

A high-fidelity simulation model was made by using konjac, gelatin, cornstarch, tubes (small-sized and medium-sized) and several fish oil capsules. Twenty ultrasound residents participated in the training of thyroid fine needle puncture using our self-made model, and filled in a questionnaire before and after the training.

The anatomical and ultrasonographic images of the thyroid glands obtained using our simulation model were extremely close to real-world ones. All participants found that the training session was valuable. There was a statistically significant improvement in all surveyed aspects (statistically significant increases in both professional knowledge and technical confidence of residents, and a statistically significant decrease in the residents' anxiety degree related to performing thyroid biopsy).

The konjac-gelatin simulation model is a cost-effective, high-fidelity phantom for training residents in ultrasound-guided fine needle thyroid nodule targeting punctures.