Method and Apparatus for Endoscopic Ligament Release

摘要

A method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, cubital tunnel release, and tarsal tunnel release is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide tool for guiding a knife and a scope during surgery which may be employed with a translating knife. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicia viewable to show the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator employable to prevent re-use of the device.

主权项

1. A guide tool for performing anatomical member release surgery comprising:
a longitudinal member having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and a longitudinal surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a first longitudinal channel in the longitudinal surface of the longitudinal member for positioning a knife therein, said longitudinal channel having a bottom surface; said longitudinal channel being open to the proximal end of said longitudinal member and extending toward said distal to an end wall; and a second longitudinal channel formed in said longitudinal surface paralleling said first longitudinal channel and configured for translation of an endoscope therein.