Abstract: A cannula for use in endoscopic surgical procedures, the procedures including use of an endoscope and a surgical instrument. The cannula has two ends with a continuous passageway extending between the ends. The cannula has a slot extending along its length through which tissue can be viewed by the endoscope and accessed by the surgical instrument. The slot is bounded by a crosspiece at one of its ends. The cannula may be tapered and may have a guard at the end of the cannula opposite the crosspiece.
Abstract: An improved method and instrument design for performing endoscopic transverse carpal ligament release surgery. The improved instrument design comprises a working end, such as a knife blade, a rasp, a curette or a blunt right angle probe, connected to a handle. The handle is positioned at an angle of approximately 21 degrees relative to the working end. The improved method eliminates the step of retracting the flexor tendons and/or ulnar nerve at any time during the surgery. Furthermore, the design of two knife blades is described that allows the number of cutting steps involved in the surgery to be reduced from five to three.
Abstract: An improved method and instrument design for performing endoscopic transverse carpal ligament release surgery. The improved instrument design comprises a working end, such as a knife blade, a rasp, a curette or a blunt right angle probe, connected to a handle. The handle is positioned at an angle of approximately 21 degrees relative to the working end. The improved method eliminates the step of retracting the flexor tendons and/or ulnar nerve at any time during the surgery. Furthermore, the design of two knife blades is described that allows the number of cutting steps involved in the surgery to be reduced from five to three.
Abstract: An improved method and instrument design for performing endoscopic transverse carpal ligament release surgery. The improved instrument design comprises a working end, such as a knife blade, a rasp, a curette or a blunt right angle probe, connected to a handle. The handle is positioned at an angle of approximately 21 degrees relative to the working end. The improved method eliminates the step of retracting the flexor tendons and/or ulnar nerve at any time during the surgery. Furthermore, the design of two knife blades is described that allows the number of cutting steps involved in the surgery to be reduced from five to three.