Development of an auxiliary device for ultrasound-guided aspiration of pelvic cystic masses: a simulation study

Pelvic cystic masses are a common gynecological condition. Ultrasound-guided aspiration is a minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of pelvic cystic masses. However, further developments to improve its stability and safety are wanting. This study evaluated the application and safety of a self-developed auxiliary device for pelvic cystic masses' ultrasound-guided aspiration through phantom testing.

Saline and coupling agents were used at different viscosity levels to simulate simple cysts, medium viscosity cysts (such as pelvic effusions), and ovarian, endometrial cysts. An auxiliary device consisting of a three-way valve, a negative pressure aspirator, and a pressurized infusion bag was developed. Phantom testing was performed to evaluate the application of this device in ultrasound-guided aspiration of pelvic cystic masses. The indicators, including the time of aspiration, time of injection, and the incidence of complications, were compared to cases in which ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed manually with a syringe.

The incidence of complications in the auxiliary device group was significantly lower compared to the manual operation group (P<0.05). The ovarian cystic aspiration times and operation times were significantly shorter in the auxiliary device group compared to the traditional manual puncture group (P<0.05).

Ultrasound-guided aspiration is repeatable and minimally invasive for the treatment of pelvic cystic masses. Using the auxiliary device designed in this report resulted in shorter operation times, definite needle fixation, and fewer complications, which may allow for a more stable and safer aspiration procedure for the treatment of pelvic cystic masses.