Instruments and methods for minimally invasive carpal tunnel release
US8523892B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2031 |
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 proximal entry into the carpal tunnel from an incision in the volar aspect of the forearm, introducing the cannula in the carpal tunnel via the incision, and severing the transverse carpal ligament from proximal to distal with the cutting blade of the cuffing member under direct endoscopic visualization.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.