Image-Guided Needle Carpal Tunnel Release via Fluid Nerve Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing open carpal tunnel release surgeries are invasive, costly, and require multiple specialists, leading to increased scarring, infection risk, and prolonged recovery times.

Innovation Solution

A minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure using a hypodermic needle to dissect the transverse carpal ligament under ultrasound guidance, creating a fluid pocket to isolate the median nerve and perform the dissection with a sharpened needle tip, followed by steroid injection to prevent scarring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If open surgery is used to section the TCL, then the median nerve compression is effectively relieved, but the procedure becomes invasive with large incisions increasing scarring, infection risk, and recovery time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedian nerve compression reliefVSAvoidscarring and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of TCL sectioning while removing the harmful elements of open surgery. By using a percutaneous approach with a needle to section the TCL, the procedure eliminates the need for large incisions while still achieving effective median nerve compression relief, thus reducing scarring and infection risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical open surgical system with a minimally invasive percutaneous system. Instead of using surgical instruments through a large incision, the procedure uses a needle and guidewire system that allows TCL sectioning through a small puncture, substituting the mechanical open approach with a minimally invasive alternative

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If open carpal tunnel release is performed in an operating room with multiple specialists, then the procedure can be performed with full expertise, but medical costs dramatically increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure expertiseVSAvoidmedical costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the interventional radiologist multi-functional by enabling them to perform carpal tunnel release procedures that traditionally required orthopedic surgeons. This universality allows a single specialist to provide both diagnostic and treatment services, eliminating the need for multiple specialists and reducing overall medical costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the interventional radiology department to perform the procedure independently without requiring orthopedic surgical expertise. The radiologist uses their existing skills in image guidance and minimally invasive techniques to autonomously perform the carpal tunnel release, making the system self-sufficient and reducing costs associated with multiple specialists

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a minimally invasive percutaneous approach is used to section the TCL, then scarring and infection risk are reduced, but the procedure requires precise image guidance and control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescarring and infection riskVSAvoidimage guidance system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image guidance as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between minimally invasive approach and surgical precision. The imaging system provides real-time visualization and control, allowing the radiologist to accurately navigate and section the TCL through the small puncture while maintaining safety and precision without requiring complex surgical infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces scarring, infection risk, and recovery time while lowering medical costs by enabling the procedure to be performed in an outpatient setting with minimal incision and direct visualization.

Implementation Method 1

The sharpened distal tip of the hypodermic needle is pieced through the TCL

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Fluid is at least intermittently injected through the hypodermic needle bore... The fluid pushes the median nerve away from the TCL and provides a fluid pocket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic Pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

The reciprocating motion causes the sharpened distal tip to wear against the TCL until said TCL is dissected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS20250213271A1Method of performing a minimally invasive carpal tunnel release using an interventional radiology procedure

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 GREAT PLAINS IMAGING LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method of performing an image guided carpal tunnel release procedure. The method includes directing fluid through a hypodermic needle toward a median nerve of a patient to move the median nerve away from a deep surface of a transverse carpal ligament (TCL) of the patient. The method further includes dissecting the TCL with the hypodermic needle by sliding a cutting edge associated with the hypodermic needle along the TCL.