Carpal Tunnel Release Tip Using Tactile Feedback Without Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carpal tunnel release procedures require general anesthesia, a tourniquet, and are typically performed in an operating room, which can be inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a distal tip that provides tactile feedback for safe and effective carpal tunnel release without visualization, allowing the procedure to be performed in an office setting under local anesthesia and without a tourniquet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional endoscopic procedure is used with camera and deployable blade, then visualization is improved, but device complexity and procedure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the camera and visualization system from the surgical device, extracting only the essential cutting function. The surgeon performs the procedure using tactile feedback alone, eliminating complex imaging equipment while maintaining surgical effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument provides tactile feedback directly to the surgeon's hand, allowing the body itself to serve as the detection mechanism. The surgeon's own senses are utilized to navigate and perform the carpal tunnel release without external imaging assistance.
2Strength
If open procedure with blade incision is used, then cutting capability is improved, but healing time and patient comfort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making a large incision and opening the carpal tunnel from the top (conventional open approach), the patent inverts the approach by inserting a needle through a small puncture and deploying the blade from the underside of the carpal tunnel. This minimizes tissue disruption and accelerates healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface incision to a three-dimensional approach where the blade is deployed perpendicular to the carpal tunnel floor, cutting through the ligament from below rather than through a surface incision. This dimensional change reduces soft tissue damage.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional procedure with tourniquet is used, then visibility is improved, but patient comfort and procedure setting worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tourniquet system with a needle-based delivery mechanism. The needle can be inserted through a small puncture without requiring the complex mechanical application and inflation of a tourniquet, improving patient comfort while maintaining surgical visibility through tactile feedback.
4Ease of operation
If office setting without general anesthesia is used, then ease of operation is improved, but surgical precision and safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements tactile feedback as the primary guidance system for the procedure. The surgeon feels the needle and blade interacting with the carpal tunnel structures through direct contact, providing real-time positional and structural information without visual assistance. This feedback mechanism enables precise surgery under local anesthesia in an office setting.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include coupling mechanisms (e.g., bodies, attachments) that couple differently shaped and/or sized endoscopic system portions (e.g., cable, housing) to cutting systems configured to cut tissue (e.g., carpal tunnel release devices).