Device and method for carpal tunnel release

• US 5,325,883 A
• Filed: 02/04/1993
• Issued: 07/05/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Terrence R. Orr
• Original Assignee: Terrence R. Orr
• Inventors: Orr, Terrence R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Isabella, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jones, MaryBeth O.
• Application Number:
  US08/013,287
• Time in Patent Office: 516 Days
• Field of Search: 604/22, 604/51, 604/104, 604/164, 606/159, 606/170, 606/172, 606/191, 606/198, 128/898
• US Class Current: 128/898
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320036 adapted for use within the carpal tunnel

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.

Claims

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising guiding a probe alone the cannula and probing the distal edge of the carpal ligament prior to sectioning.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising handling the cannula near its open end during the procedure by gripping a handle member which is rigidly and transversely attached to the cannula near its open end.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the sectioning step is performed from the distal to proximal edges of the ligament.

6. 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.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising handling the cannula near its open end during the procedure by gripping a handle member which is rigidly and transversely attached to the cannula near its open end.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the sectioning step is performed from the distal to proximal edges of the ligament.