Sling blade transection of the transverse carpal ligament

摘要

A sling blade apparatus allows percutaneous transaction of fascia or ligaments and in particular for use in transaction of the human transverse carpal ligament. A flexible sling guide is deployed percutaneously beneath the transverse carpal ligament and when drawn taut interfaces intimately with the transverse carpal ligament. The sling in turn serves as a guide along which cutting instruments can be passed to transect the ligament while simultaneously serving as a protective shield for the adjacent median nerve.

主权项

1. An apparatus for transecting a fascia or a ligament percutaneously, said apparatus comprising:
a flexible guide comprising a spatula having a flat surface and sufficient tensile strength such that the flexible guide can be drawn taut beneath the fascia or ligament, and a cutting element having a blade for partially or fully transecting the fascia or ligament, said cutting element comprising a flat base slidably supported by the flat surface of the guide, and a cutting blade extending perpendicularly from said flat base, through a slot extending lengthwise of the guide, wherein the spatula has a detachable distal tip, said distal tip having wires or strings secured to said distal tip, such that said distal tip serves as an anchor at a distal skin portal thereby permitting the wires or strings to be drawn taut when tensile force is applied to them by pulling on the distal tip.