Instruments and method for minimally invasive carpal tunnel release
US7780690B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B90/36
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Instruments for use in minimally invasive carpal tunnel release include a cannula and a cutting member movable longitudinally within the cannula to advance a cutting blade of the cutting member along a longitudinal slot in the cannula to sever a transverse carpal ligament disposed over the slot. A dilating member is provided for creating a subligamentous space to accommodate the cannula and/or for removing adhered synovium from a lower surface of the ligament. A method for minimally invasive carpal tunnel release involves establishing a subcutaneous pathway to the carpal tunnel from an incision in the forearm, introducing the cannula in the carpal tunnel via the pathway, and severing the transverse carpal ligament with the cutting blade of the cutting member, all of which steps are performed under direct endoscopic visualization.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.