Device and method for carpal tunnel release
OwnerTerrence R. Orrinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device and method for treating a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome is provided. The invention involves a cannula which has a closed blunt end and an open end. The cannula is dimensioned so that an endoscope and a knife can be simultaneously manipulated inside the cannula. A slot is provided between the ends of the cannula for viewing and incising the carpal ligament. The cannula preferably has a handle attached near its open end. The cannula is typically employed in conjunction with an endoscope and a knife to cut the patients transverse carpal ligament through a small wrist incision, thereby minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue, and post-operative recovery time.
Claims8
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome comprising the steps of:
- providing a cannula having a closed blunt end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope may be inserted, the cannula having a slot extending between its ends for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of the carpal ligament;
- making an incision near the patient's wrist;
- inserting the closed blunt end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament;
- inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot;
- and
- inserting a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising:
- providing a cannula having a first end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope are insertable, the cannula having a slot extending substantially between its end for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of a carpal ligament;
- making an incision near the patient's wrist;
- inserting the first end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament;
- inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot;
- and
- inserting, after the cannula is positioned under the carpal ligament, a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising:
- providing a cannula having a first end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope are insertable, the cannula having a slot extending substantially between its ends for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of a carpal ligament;
- making an incision proximal to the patient's wrist;
- inserting the first end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament;
- inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot;
- guiding a probe along the cannula and probing the distal edge of the carpal ligament prior to inserting the knife;
- and
- inserting, after the cannula is positioned under the carpal ligament, a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.