Method for minimally invasive tendon sheath release using device with hemi-cannula

A method for minimally invasive tendon sheath release, comprising the steps of:

• making an incision at, or just proximal to, a proximal flexion crease of a finger containing an A-1 pulley;
• inserting a device for minimally invasive tendon sheath release under an edge of the pulley wherein the device is comprised of
• a handle having a cavity contained therein;
• a sheath having a proximal and a distal end wherein the proximal end projects from the cavity and the distal end of the sheath has a top and a bottom portion;
• a guide probe having a spherical tip attached to the bottom portion of the distal end of the sheath;
• a dorsal outrigger guide having a spherical tip attached at the top portion of the distal end of the sheath;
• a cutting blade disposed between the guide probe and the dorsal outrigger guide;
• a hemi-cannula disposed on the distal end of the sheath further comprising
• a tubular structure having a proximal end, a distal end, a top portion and a bottom portion wherein distance between the proximal end and the distal end define a longitudinal distance of the tubular structure;
• a rounded opening disposed in the proximal end adapted to receive the device for minimally invasive tendon sheath release;
• and
• a sliding means disposed at the proximal end of the top portion;
• wherein the top portion of the distal end is downwardly tapered;
• wherein the bottom portion extends distally from the opening for less than half of the longitudinal distance of the tubular structure;
• sliding the hemi-cannula over the guide probe whereby the guide probe, blade and pulley are contained within the hemi-cannula;
• deploying the blade of the device and pushing the device along the pulley to sever the pulley;
• retracting the device from the incision;
• and
• closing the incision;
• wherein the spherical tipped guide probe is positioned under the edge of the A-1 pulley.