Abstract: A system, method and/or apparatus is provided for visualization or imaging of the transverse carpal ligament and surrounding structures/features of a hand of a patient, and treatment of the transverse carpal ligament, particularly, but not necessarily, for performing non-invasive carpal tunnel release. The subject invention utilizes ultrasound waves preferably, but not necessarily, in the high frequency range and cavitations to image the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), record its location in three-dimensional space, and perform precision treatment on the transverse carpal ligament. Treatment may range from stretching or lengthening the TCL to complete tissue ablation or dissection of a portion or portions of the TCL (as is performed in a standard carpal tunnel release procedure) in order to release pressure within the carpal tunnel. Particularly, high temperature conditions are generated at target tissue of the TCL resulting in elongation or necrosis/dissection.

Abstract: An endoscope that has an integrated light source and camera mounted at the distal end of the endoscope. The light source is a class of LED devices constructed of high-efficiency LEDs that emit narrow-band blue light coupled with phosphors, which cause a nearly natural “white” light to be emitted. The LEDs are coupled to a waveguide for transmission of the light to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical system includes an ultrasound transducer assembly which is insertable into a patient, which has a longitudinal axis, and which has a plurality P of ultrasound transducers. Each transducer has an ultrasound-emitting surface oriented at an angle of substantially 360/P degrees apart from the ultrasound-emitting surface of an adjacent transducer when viewed in a cross section of the transducer assembly taken by a cutting plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In one example, the ultrasound transducer assembly is an ultrasound imaging transducer assembly, an ultrasound medical-treatment transducer assembly, or an ultrasound imaging and medical-treatment transducer assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical treatment system includes an end effector insertable into a patient. The end effector includes a tissue-retaining device. The tissue-retaining device includes a first tissue-retaining member having an ultrasound medical-treatment transducer and includes a second tissue-retaining member. The first and second tissue-retaining members are operatively connected together to retain patient tissue between the first and second tissue-retaining members and to release patient tissue so retained. In one example, the second tissue-retaining member has an ultrasound reflector. In the same or a different example, the ultrasound medical-treatment transducer is an ultrasound imaging and medical-treatment transducer.

Abstract: One embodiment of an ultrasound medical treatment system includes an end effector and at least three receivers. The end effector has a transducer assembly including a transducer having at least one transducer element adapted for emitting medical-treatment ultrasound waves and for emitting mechanical waves. The receivers are spaced apart from the transducer assembly, and the receivers are adapted to receive the emitted mechanical waves for use in locating the position of the transducer assembly. Another embodiment of an ultrasound medical treatment system includes an end effector and at least three receivers. The end effector has an ultrasound medical-treatment transducer assembly and has a transponder. The transponder is adapted to emit waves, and the waves include electromagnetic waves or mechanical waves or both. The receivers are spaced apart from the transducer assembly, and the receivers are adapted to receive the emitted waves for use in locating the position of the transponder.