Endoscopic Heel Release: Plane Finder Probe and Slotted Cannula
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional open procedures for heel pain relief, such as gastrocnemius and plantar fascia release, cause substantial trauma, and endoscopic attempts have been unsuccessful due to the inability to visualize anatomical structures during the release procedure.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising a plane finder probe and a slotted cannula, where the plane finder probe establishes a cutting plane and the slotted cannula positions surgical instruments, including a cutting blade, to resect anatomical structures under endoscopic visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If open procedures are used for gastrocnemius or plantar fascia release, then the anatomical structures can be directly accessed and resected, but substantial trauma is caused to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure is divided into distinct phases: first establishing the cutting plane with the plane finder probe, then using the slotted cannula as a guide for the cutting blade. This segmentation allows each tool to perform its specific function optimally while minimizing overall trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The plane finder probe and slotted cannula serve as intermediary tools that enable precise positioning of the cutting blade without requiring direct open access. The slotted cannula acts as a mediator between the external incision and the internal anatomical structures, guiding the blade along the established cutting plane.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopic procedures are used to minimize trauma, then patient recovery is improved, but the anatomical structures cannot be visualized during the release procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting plane is established in advance using the plane finder probe before the actual cutting is performed. This preliminary action ensures that the anatomical structures are correctly identified and positioned before the cutting blade is introduced, eliminating the need for continuous visualization during the cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the need for direct visual observation with a mechanical guidance system. The slotted cannula mechanically guides the cutting blade along the pre-established cutting plane, substituting visual feedback with mechanical precision.
3Reliability
If traditional open procedures are used, then complete resection of anatomical structures can be achieved, but the procedural trauma and recovery time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted cannula is designed with a specific slot configuration that provides the necessary clearance for complete resection of the anatomical structures at the cutting plane, while the rest of the cannula maintains a minimally invasive profile. This local quality ensures complete resection is achieved only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the procedure by using a minimally invasive approach with precise mechanical guidance, altering the trade-off between resection completeness and recovery time. The plane finder probe and slotted cannula enable complete resection with minimal tissue disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical systems and methods for performing endoscopic release procedures are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a surgical system includes a plane finder probe adapted to establish a cutting plane for resecting an anatomical structure, and a slotted cannula insertable over the plane finder probe to position the slotted cannula along the cutting plane.