Visualizing minimally invasive carpal tunnel release
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521538626.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-07-22
AI Technical Summary
[0005]本实用新型正是针对背景技术中的不足,提出一种结构简单、可视化安全操作的可视化微创腕管松解器,旨在解决传统手术切口大、组织损伤严重、感染风险高以及现有器械操作复杂、精度稳定性不足等问题,为腕管综合征手术治疗提供一种更安全、高效、精准的器械选择
[0017] 1. Clinical Treatment: This visualized carpal tunnel release device can be applied to the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Its small incision reduces damage to soft tissues, lowers the risk of large scars, and facilitates faster patient recovery, making it particularly suitable for patients with high expectations for wound aesthetics and functional recovery. Furthermore, its advantages in precise treatment and reduced infection risk enhance the safety and effectiveness of the surgery, making it a promising option for the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, bringing better treatment experiences and prognoses to a wider range of patients.
Smart Images

Figure CN224655386U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device for surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Background Technology
[0002] Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression disorder of the hand, often causing symptoms such as sensory discomfort and muscle atrophy, severely impacting patients' daily lives. For patients who do not respond well to conservative treatment, surgery becomes the primary option. Traditional surgery mainly uses a midline radial incision at the metacarpal joint, which, while providing thorough decompression, has several drawbacks: First, the incision is relatively large, causing severe soft tissue damage and hindering rapid patient recovery; second, for patients with a tendency to form keloids, it easily leads to large scars, affecting hand and wrist joint movement and sensation; third, the large incision increases the risk of postoperative infection; and fourth, there is a risk of damaging important tissues such as nerves and tendons.
[0003] In recent years, although various instruments for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome have emerged, they still have varying degrees of shortcomings. For example, while minimally invasive carpal tunnel instruments can achieve visualized cutting of the transverse carpal ligament, their precision and stability are greatly affected by the operator's technique. Improper operation may damage surrounding tissues, and the cleaning and sterilization of the instruments are complex, requiring the assurance of sterility for all components of the endoscope and instruments. Surgical instruments for arthroscopic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome are designed with double-winged grooved cannulas and arthroscopic cutting blades, but for complex carpal tunnel anatomy or severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, they may not fully meet the surgical needs. Their high cost and requirement for specific arthroscopic equipment limit their adoption in primary hospitals. Split-type minimally invasive surgical instruments for carpal tunnel syndrome use a top and bottom plate to protect tissue, and a cutting blade that uses a groove to guide the cutting direction. However, the split structure increases the assembly and disassembly steps during surgery, affecting surgical efficiency and requiring a high level of operator skill. Another minimally invasive surgical instrument consists of a nerve and tendon protection plate and a scalpel. The upper front of the protection plate has a guide groove to guide the scalpel, but its protective and precise cutting effects are limited for obese patients or those with special carpal tunnel structures. The surgical field is relatively narrow, affecting the surgeon's observation. The minimally invasive scalpel for carpal tunnel syndrome includes an insertion section, a connecting section, and a control section. It can cut the transverse carpal ligament under ultrasound assistance, but this reliance on ultrasound increases surgical costs and operational complexity, requiring high levels of skill and experience from the surgeon. Improper control can easily lead to inaccurate cutting or damage to surrounding tissues. The cutting device used in minimally invasive surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome includes a guide tube, a sliding rod, a handle, a cutting hook, and a push-pull mechanism. However, the cutting hook has limited strength and durability, and is prone to deformation and damage when repeatedly used or cutting tough tissues. The overall structure is complex, increasing the difficulty of preoperative preparation and operation.
[0004] In general, the aforementioned instruments are mostly used for surgical treatment under blind conditions, and their structure is complex and operation is relatively cumbersome. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by proposing a simple, visually-guided, and safe carpal tunnel release device. It aims to solve the problems of large incisions, severe tissue damage, and high risk of infection in traditional surgery, as well as the complexity, inaccuracy, and instability of existing instruments. This provides a safer, more efficient, and more precise instrument option for the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device, including a working sleeve, the working sleeve having a recessed middle section and a protective sleeve, the protective sleeve having a chamber for accommodating a blade, the blade having a blade and an endoscope camera, the blade being located at the end of the blade, and the endoscope camera being spaced apart from the blade.
[0007] Preferably, the protective sleeve has an opening above the location of the blade, and a protective cover is detachably connected to the opening. The insert has springs directly below its ends, so that the blade can protrude from the protective sleeve when it is removed.
[0008] Preferably, the protective sleeve is movable within the working sleeve to adjust the exposure level of the blade and the endoscope camera.
[0009] Preferably, the endoscope camera is connected to a USB plug via a data cable, and the USB plug is used to connect the endoscope camera display.
[0010] Preferably, the endoscope camera display is used to display real-time images captured by the endoscope camera in order to control the cutting depth and direction of the blade.
[0011] Preferably, the distance between the blade tip and the top of the protective sleeve is 1 mm.
[0012] Preferably, the diameter of the protective sleeve is 11 mm, and the distance between the protective sleeve and the top of the working sleeve is 1 mm.
[0013] Preferably, the protective sleeve has protrusions on the inner sides of both openings to form slots that can be inserted and mated with the protective cover.
[0014] Preferably, when the protective cover is not removed, the spring is compressed from 2.5mm to 0.5mm.
[0015] Preferably, when the protective cover is removed, the blade is springed up by the spring, protruding 2mm from the surface of the protective cover.
[0016] In summary, this utility model has the following beneficial technical effects:
[0017] 1. Clinical Treatment: This visualized carpal tunnel release device can be applied to the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Its small incision reduces damage to soft tissues, lowers the risk of large scars, and facilitates faster patient recovery, making it particularly suitable for patients with high expectations for wound aesthetics and functional recovery. Furthermore, its advantages in precise treatment and reduced infection risk enhance the safety and effectiveness of the surgery, making it a promising option for the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, bringing better treatment experiences and prognoses to a wider range of patients.
[0018] 2. Medical Device Market: In the medical device field, the unique design and advantages of this release device give it a strong competitive edge. Compared with traditional surgical instruments, its visualization and minimally invasive precision operation align with the development trend of modern medical devices, meeting clinicians' needs for safer and more effective surgical instruments. As public attention continues to increase regarding the treatment effectiveness and safety of carpal tunnel syndrome, this device is expected to gain a certain market share and has broad market prospects.
[0019] 3. Academic Research and Technological Development: This utility model provides a new technical solution and research direction for the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Its innovative design and application can stimulate academic research in related fields and promote the further development of surgical treatment techniques for carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, in-depth research can be conducted on the application effects of this release device in patients with different types of carpal tunnel syndrome, and its combined application with other treatment methods can be explored, thereby promoting technological innovation and academic exchange in this field. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a side view of Embodiment 1 of the visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the working cannula in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a side view of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device;
[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working cannula in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device.
[0026] Reference numerals: 1. Working sleeve; 2. Protective sleeve; 3. Blade; 4. Endoscope camera; 5. Endoscope camera data cable; 6. Endoscope camera USB plug; 7. Endoscope camera display; 8. Insert; 9. Spring; 10. Protective sleeve body; 11. Protective cover. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0028] Example 1:
[0029] This utility model discloses a visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device, aiming to address the shortcomings of traditional mid-radial incisions in the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The main structure of the release device is an inverted "Ω"-shaped working sleeve 1, with a height of 12mm, an upper width of 14mm, and a bottom width of 12mm, forming a surgical channel with a specific geometric shape. The working sleeve 1 is internally encased by a protective sleeve 2 with a diameter of 11mm. This protective sleeve 2 is precisely spaced 1mm from the top of the inverted "Ω"-shaped working sleeve 1, thus providing a necessary protective barrier for the internal components during surgical procedures while ensuring uninterrupted clarity of the surgical field.
[0030] Inside the protective sleeve 2, a 7mm long blade 3 and a 5mm diameter endoscope camera 4 are installed, both fixed to a rectangular insert 8 measuring 50mm (length) × 10mm (width) × 3mm (height). A 15mm center-to-center distance is maintained between the blade 3 and the endoscope camera 4. This design ensures that during surgical procedures, the endoscope camera 4 can clearly capture real-time images of the tissue near the tip of the blade 3, while the distance between the tip of the blade 3 and the top of the protective sleeve 2 is precisely controlled within 1mm, thus minimizing the potential risk of damage to surrounding tissues while ensuring cutting effectiveness.
[0031] The endoscope camera 4 is connected to the endoscope camera USB plug 6 via its matching endoscope camera data cable 5, and then to the endoscope camera monitor 7. This visualization device allows the surgeon to observe the anatomical structures near the tip of the protective sleeve 2 in real time on the monitor, thereby precisely controlling the cutting depth and direction of the blade 3 during the operation. During the operation, a small incision is first made on the palmar side of the wrist, and then the inverted "Ω"-shaped working sleeve 1 is carefully inserted into the potential gap between the transverse carpal ligament, tendon, and median nerve. At this time, the protective sleeve 2, along with the blade 3, endoscope camera 4, and insert 8 encased inside, are placed inside the working sleeve 1, forming an integrated surgical operation unit, which can adjust the length of the blade 3 protruding from the working sleeve 1 for cutting operations.
[0032] Once the working cannula 1 is accurately positioned, the protective sleeve 2 is partially pulled out from the working cannula 1 by a traction action. This process exposes the blade 3 pre-mounted on the insert 8 and the endoscope camera 4. At this time, the surgeon can precisely monitor the position of the blade tip 3 by observing the real-time image on the endoscope camera monitor 7. Through precise manual adjustment, the protrusion length of the blade 3 relative to the working cannula 1 is controlled, thereby achieving precise cutting of the transverse carpal ligament. During the cutting process, by pulling the insert 8, the blade 3 and the endoscope camera 4 can be moved along the guide path of the working cannula 1, achieving gradual release of the transverse carpal ligament. This process can be repeated as needed until the transverse carpal ligament is completely severed, effectively relieving the pressure inside the carpal tunnel and achieving the goal of treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
[0033] The innovative design of this visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device brings several technological advantages:
[0034] 1. The small incision surgical design significantly reduces postoperative scar formation and patient recovery time;
[0035] 2. The unique structure of the inverted "Ω"-shaped working cannula 1 can effectively separate and compress the cord-like tissue below the wrist ligament during the operation, creating a clearer space for the surgical procedure;
[0036] 3. Under the protection of the protective sleeve 2, the insert 8 with the blade 3 and the endoscope camera 4 can be safely inserted into the carpal tunnel through the working sleeve 1 and go beyond the distal edge of the transverse carpal ligament. The surgeon can flexibly adjust the protruding length of the blade 3 according to actual needs to achieve one-time precise cutting, significantly shorten the operation time and reduce the risk of postoperative infection.
[0037] 4. The entire surgical procedure was performed under real-time monitoring of the endoscopic camera monitor 7, ensuring the precision of the treatment and effectively avoiding iatrogenic damage to important tissues such as surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
[0038] Example 2:
[0039] This embodiment is a further improvement on Embodiment 1, aiming to further optimize the flexibility and safety of surgical procedures.
[0040] In this embodiment, the main structure is still an inverted "Ω" shaped working sleeve 1, with a main body height of 12mm, an upper width of 14mm, and a bottom width of 12mm, forming a surgical channel with a specific geometric shape. The inner protective sleeve 2 is composed of a protective sleeve body 10 and a protective cover 11. The protective sleeve body 10 has an opening above the position of the blade 3, and the protective cover 11 is located inside the opening. The protective sleeve body 10 has protrusions on both sides of the protective cover 11 to form grooves. The protective sleeve body 10 is inserted and fitted with the edge of the protective cover 11 through the grooves.
[0041] The insert 8 has a spring 9 at both ends. The upper and lower ends of the spring 9 abut against the bottom of the insert 8 and the inner side of the bottom of the protective cover 11, respectively. The spring 9 is 2.5mm long in its natural state. When the blade 3 is fully placed inside the protective sleeve 2, the spring 9 is compressed to 0.5mm. The insert 8 is 3.5mm high, the blade 3 is 8mm long, the endoscope camera 4 is 5mm in diameter, the blade 3 is 3mm high, and the distance between the highest and lowest points of the protective sleeve 2 is 12mm. The tip of the blade 3 is about 0mm from the highest point of the protective sleeve 2, and the height difference between the highest point of the protective sleeve 2 and the highest point of the working sleeve 1 is 0mm.
[0042] The protective sleeve 2 consists of a main body 10 and a protective cover 11. An opening is provided above the location of the blade 3, and the protective cover 11 is fitted therein. This ensures that the blade 3 is effectively protected before reaching the surgical site during surgery, preventing accidental damage to non-target tissues. Once inserted into the carpal tunnel to the appropriate position, the protective cover 11 is removed, and the blade 3 is springed up by the spring 9, protruding 2mm from the surface of the protective sleeve 2. At this point, pulling the insert 8 allows the blade 3 to cut the transverse carpal ligament, achieving the purpose of releasing the carpal tunnel.
[0043] This embodiment allows the blade 3 to automatically spring up during surgery using the elastic force of the spring 9, maintaining a suitable protruding length. This provides surgeons with a more convenient and precise cutting method, further improving the flexibility and safety of the surgery and helping to achieve more precise and effective cutting and release of the transverse carpal ligament.
[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device, characterized in that, It includes a working sleeve (1), the working sleeve (1) is recessed in the middle and is provided with a protective sleeve (2), the protective sleeve (2) is provided with a chamber for accommodating a blade (8), the blade (8) is provided with a blade (3) and an endoscope camera (4), the blade (3) is located at the end of the blade (8), and the endoscope camera (4) is spaced apart from the blade (3).
2. The visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (2) has an opening above the position of the blade (3), and a protective cover (11) is detachably connected to the opening. The insert (8) has springs (9) abutting below the beginning and end ends. When the protective sleeve (2) is removed, the blade (3) can protrude from the protective sleeve (2).
3. A visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (2) can move within the working sleeve (1) to adjust the exposure level of the blade (3) and the endoscope camera (4).
4. The visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The endoscope camera (4) is connected to a USB plug via a data cable, and the USB plug is used to connect the endoscope camera display (7).
5. The visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The endoscope camera display (7) is used to display real-time images captured by the endoscope camera (4) in order to control the cutting depth and direction of the blade (3).
6. The visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the tip of the blade (3) and the top of the protective sleeve (2) is 1 mm.
7. The visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The diameter of the protective sleeve (2) is 11 mm, and the distance between the protective sleeve (2) and the top of the working sleeve (1) is 1 mm.
8. The visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (2) has protrusions on the inner sides of both openings to form slots that can be inserted and fitted with the protective cover (11).
9. A visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the protective cover (11) is not removed, the spring (9) is compressed from 2.5 mm to 0.5 mm.
10. A visual minimally invasive carpal tunnel release device according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the protective cover (11) is removed, the blade (3) is lifted by the spring (9) and protrudes 2 mm from the surface of the protective sleeve (2).