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Semenza.es

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Surgical Technique
Table of Contents
Indications and Contraindications
• Indications: The MicroAire Carpal Tunnel Release System is for
Indications / Contraindications . i
use in patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome that is not associated with, or secondary to, any other known pathology Warnings / Definitions . i
(i.e., "idiopathic" carpal tunnel syndrome). Preoperative x-rays of the wrist, including a carpal tunnel view, are recommended to aid in the diagnosis of associated pathology (i.e., calcific tendonitis, fracture of the hook of the hamate). This device is indicated solely for releasing the transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum).
• Contraindications: The MicroAire Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel
Release System is not intended for use in patients with known Troubleshooting Guide for Fogging .3
abnormalities of their wrist (carpal tunnel), including distal radial deformities, rheumatoid and other synovitis.
Surgical Setup .4-5
Anesthesia .5
* The MicroAire Carpal Tunnel Release System uses a dry procedure. No fluid or gas should be introduced into the carpal tunnel during this procedure.
Operative Technique . 6-13
• The surgeon is specifically advised not to use the instrument to Making the incision and creating a flap .6 explore and/or treat any structure other than the transverse carpal ligament within, or outside of, the carpal tunnel. Failure to heed this warning can lead to damage to the median or ulnar nerve, Elevating the U-shaped flap .7 flexor tendons or superficial palmar arterial arch.
• If the surgeon is unable to clearly visualize an ulnar "strip" of the transverse carpal ligament with a definite distal margin (which is Preparing a path .7 typically characterized by a transition from ligament to fat), the blade assembly should be withdrawn and the procedure should be converted to another carpal tunnel release procedure.
Introducing the blade assembly .8 • If the surgeon has any questions or concerns regarding patient anatomy, the surgical approach or instrument function—or if the view is less than adequate—the instrument should be withdrawn Defining the distal end of the ligament .9 and the procedure converted to another carpal tunnel release Step 6 Incising the transverse carpal ligament. 9-11 • Failure to follow the proper training and surgical technique can result in permanent injury to the patient. Endoscopic release of the carpal tunnel using the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR should not be attempted until the surgeon has been trained at a Inspecting the incised ligament . 12 MicroAire-sponsored workshop. This training requires thorough familiarity with this Surgical Technique, the Instructions for Use and gaining hands-on experience with a trained surgeon who is Releasing the forearm fascia. 13 experienced with the device. The procedure should be performed on cadaveric specimens before initial use. Operating room staff should thoroughly review the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR® Instructions for Use (REF: IM-SMARTRELEASE) prior to set up Closing and dressing the wound and wrist . 13 References . 13
Definitions
• NOTE: Indicates the easiest means of carrying out techniques.
• CAUTION: Indicates special procedures or precautions that must
MicroAire Surgical Instruments. be followed to avoid damaging the system instrumentation.
This document is protected from any form of unauthorized reproduction, duplication • WARNING: Indicates that the safety of the patient and hospital
or distribution.
personnel could be involved.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Traditionally, a patient treated surgically for carpal tunnel syndrome could expect significant recovery time away from work due to the surgical wound in the palm and heel of the hand. When the carpal tunnel is released endoscopically with the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR, clinical results indicate that postoperative morbidity is improved and time away from normal activities and full employment are reduced by as much as 46 percent.1 The safety of this device has also been documented in a large clinical study involving over 1,000 cases in a multi- center study.2 The results of this study showed minimal complications.
Comprised of an endoscope and a handpiece that holds an elongated, disposable blade assembly, the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR connects to any standard video camera and light source. The surgeon introduces the blade assembly into the carpal tunnel through a limited incision in the wrist flexor crease.* Viewing the deep side of the transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum) through a window at the tip of the instrument, the surgeon elevates the blade to cut the ligament as the instrument is withdrawn.
This Surgical Technique is provided as an educational tool and clinical aid to assist medical professionals in the proper protocol for the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR endoscopic carpal tunnel release instrumentation. For safe and effective use, surgeons must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of wrist anatomy and the endoscopic technique using the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR System. Instructional videotapes and cadaver workshops are available through MicroAire Surgical Instruments. Those considering using the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR System should only do so after successfully completing MicroAire's required surgical training as well as the relevant training mandated in the professional guidelines of any pertinent hospital, institution or society. For training dates and locations, visit www.microaire.com Failure to follow the Surgical Technique may result in permanent injury to the patient. If, while performing this technique, any problems should arise, such as anatomical anomalies, inadequate visualization, inability to identify anatomy or questions concerning technique or instrumentation, the surgeon should abandon the endoscopic carpal tunnel release and convert to another carpal tunnel release procedure. These pages are not intended to provide medical advice or physician instruction on the appropriate use of products produced or supplied by MicroAire Surgical Instruments, its affiliates, related companies, or its licensors or other partners. * The MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR uses a dry procedure. No fluid or gas should be introduced into the carpal tunnel during this procedure.
MICROAIRE SMARTRELEASE® ECTR 1

SmartRelease® ECTR Instruments and Accessories
A) SmartRelease® Aluminum Handpiece B) ECTR Disposable Standard Blade Assembly REF 81010-1 or 81010-6 C) 2.9mm Eyepiece Autoclavable Endoscope D) Endoscope Light Post Adapter, Wolf® E) Endoscope Light Post Adapter. Stortz® F) Synovium Elevator G) Hamate Finder – Small H) Hamate Finder – Medium I) Hamate Finder – Standard Coequal to 81010 Blade Assembly J) Instrument Sterilization Tray For additional information, consult the MicroAire Instructions for Use 2 SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR FOGGING
In order to quickly identify the source of the fogging problem and formulate the appropriate solution, you should: 1. Assemble the system before the surgeon makes the skin incision to start the procedure.
2. Turn on the camera, light source and monitor. White balance using a white sponge and then lay a blue or green towel on the window using the fabric of the towel to set the light intensity and to focus on the mid and distant portion of the window. 3. Observe for any sign of fogging.
Fogging appeared Moisture inside camera Disassemble and dry 1. EtO or stream sterilize before inserting endoscope and camera instead of soaking.
in to carpal tunnel lenses with alcohol or 2. Using anti-fogging agents to dry before assembling.
3. Soak scope with camera attached.
4. Keep system warm by turning on light source.
Water trapped between Use a sterile cotton swab to Thoroughly dry the plastic eyepiece and soak up water around the gap scope-camera coupler between the scope lens and interface with a cotton plastic eyepiece.
swab after soaking.
Fogging after inserting Condensation due to 1. Leave inside tunnel until 1. Connect to light source into the carpal tunnel temperature difference scope warms to body temp.
to pre-warm.
between the scope and 2. Dip scope tip in to warm 2. Rinse scope with warm patient's tissue.
saline and wipe dry.
saline after soaking.
Excess fluid inside the Soak up excess fluid with Avoide injecting anesthetics sterile cotton swab.
in to the carpal tunnel.
Fuzzy or leave persisting Always protect the scope MicroAire Service when not in use.
Beware of contamination caused by disassembling the camera and the scope in the same sterile field if they have been attached together during soaking.
For additional information, consult the MicroAire Instructions for Use (REF: IM-SMARTRELEASE) MICROAIRE SMARTRELEASE® ECTR 3

Two physical considerations dictate the best surgical setup: the surgeon's orientation with respect to the video monitor and the patient's operative hand. The surgical suite should be set up to offer the surgeon the best view of the video monitor. The surgeon should be able to easily shift his/her view upward from the surgical field to the video image.
The patient is positioned supine on the operating room table with the arm abducted 75-80 degrees. A tourniquet should be used in this procedure. Care should be taken to avoid pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Sterile draping leaves the arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand distal to the tourniquet fully exposed to permit exsanguination of the forearm and hand. The hand, wrist, forearm and the arm proximal to the elbow should be completely exsanguinated using an Esmark bandage; venous blood trapped distal to the tourniquet will cause a locally anesthetized patient premature pain. The surgeon's hand, when holding the instrument, should naturally align the blade assembly so that it points from the ulnar side of the carpal tunnel to the base of the ring finger. This course is anatomically optimal for avoiding injury to the median nerve. Surgeons who are ambidextrous using the endoscope generally take the axillary position when performing either a left or right carpal tunnel release (holding the instrument in their right hand for a right carpal tunnel and in their left hand for a left carpal tunnel). Those favoring right-handed use will usually prefer a position in the axilla for a right carpal tunnel release and cephalic position for a left release.
The patient's hand is positioned, palm up, on a hand table equidistant between the surgical assistant and the surgeon. The surgeon should be able to easily view the monitor over the assistant's right or left shoulder. If desired, a scrub nurse can sit at the end of the hand table. A movable cart, which holds the monitor, the light source and camera electronics, is placed behind and with the monitor slightly to one side of the surgical assistant. The fiber-optic cable is clipped to a drape at the patient's shoulder. [Figure II] To conduct a carpal tunnel release procedure using the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR, the sterile field should include: • 2 double-pronged skin hooks • 2 Senn rake retractors • 2 Ragnell right angle retractors • 1 Adson tissue forceps with serrated tips • 1 pair of tenotomy scissors • 1 scalpel, #15 blade • 1 Sterile skin marking pen • 1 standard hamate finder* • 1 small hamate finder* • 1 Blade-shaped coequal hamate finder (optional)* • 1 synovium elevator * *(Included with MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR) In the surgical suite—before the patient is brought into surgery with the intention of FIGURE II
performing the procedure endoscopically — the MicroAire® SmartRelease® ECTR should be fully assembled and checked for correct operation, which includes blade elevation and retraction and a clear video image. The equipment, including the instruments and video monitor, should be positioned relative to the operating table and surgeon's position after the extremity is prepped and draped. 4 SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
SURGICAL SETUP CONTINUED
FIGURE III
B - Proximal wrist crease (incision line) A - Flexor carpi radialis A - Hook of hamate A - Flexor carpi ulnaris C - Construction line Before elevation of the tourniquet, it is recommended that the surgeon mark key anatomical landmarks on the patient's hand using a sterile skin marking pen: the tendons of the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi radialis, pisiform bone and hook of the hamate. [Figure III]
In addition, the surgeon should select and mark the intended incision line at a wrist flexion crease. Finally, the surgeon should draw a construction line from the middle of the wrist flexion crease to the palmar base of the ring finger. This line should pass radial to the mark over the hook of the hamate. A general or regional anesthetic is strongly recommended. Local anesthetic increases tissue fluid, which can obscure endoscopic viewing and cause lens fogging. Only when the surgeon has gained experience with the
surgical approach and instrumentation should the procedure be performed using local anesthesia.
When local anesthesia is used, the tourniquet is elevated and a volume of one percent Lidocaine without epinephrine is injected intracutaneously/subcutaneously in the wrist flexion crease, extending from the flexor carpi ulnaris to the flexor carpi radialis. Use the least amount of local anesthesia possible. Avoid injecting/adding local anesthesia deep to the forearm fascia as it will extend into the carpal tunnel, compromising the endoscopic view of the transverse carpal ligament.
When beginning the local anesthesia, it is important that the patient receive minimal or no sedation. A sedated patient may move abruptly in response to discomfort when instrumentation is being introduced into the tunnel. Frequently, local anesthesia requires support with other anesthetic agents as prescribed by the anesthetist or surgeon. To help minimize the opportunity for patient injury under local anesthesia, it is very important that:
(1) The surgeon and assistant be prepared to manually restrain any sudden movements by the patient; and (2) The instruments (i.e. synovium elevator, hamate finders and blade assembly) should be passed down the carpal tunnel in a manner that will help avoid injury to the median nerve (and other carpal tunnel structures) if the patient moves suddenly. MICROAIRE SMARTRELEASE® ECTR 5
Flexor carpi ulnaris Making the incision in a wrist flexion crease.
Palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve Choose a wrist flexion crease that is just proximal Flexor carpi radialis to the crease that separates the glabrous skin of the palmar surface of the hand and the "mobile" skin of the forearm. Make a 2 - 3cm transverse incision between the tendons of the flexor carpi radialis and the flexor carpi ulnaris. Take care to stop short of the subcutaneous tissues and their cutaneous nerves. Use a spreading longitudinal dissection to protect these nerves and expose the forearm fascia. [Figure I] Palmar cutaneous branchof ulnar nerve Note
• If faced with choosing between two otherwise
suitable wrist flexion creases, the more proximal crease is technically easier to use because of less subcutaneous fat. If necessary, skin incision • With experience, surgeons may choose to use a may be extended using smaller incision, centered at the middle of the wrist, between the flexor carpi ulnaris and the flexor carpi radialis. • If necessary, the transverse incision across the wrist can be extended proximally and distally, perpendicular to the transverse incision to convert to an open release procedure (refer to inset). OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE • The transverse incision may overlie the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. If the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve is visualized in the radial side of the wound, it can be gently isolated and retracted. FIGURE 1-A
Making the incision, continued.
Location of fascia incision Make a U-shaped incision in the forearm fascia, Avoid excessive traction creating a rectangular flap distally based on the transverse carpal ligament. Preparing and elevating this U-shaped flap from the underlying finger flexor synovium (ulnar bursa) allows the surgeon to develop a plane between the synovium and the deep side of the transverse carpal ligament. Palmar cutaneous branch The median nerve is immediately beneath this Avoid excessive traction on the ulnar neurovascular bundle, which may result in ulnar nerve neuropraxia. 6 SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE CONTINUED
Elevating the U-shaped flap of forearm fascia
Fascia and distal edge of and creating a path into the carpal tunnel.
wound being elevated While vertically elevating the flap of forearm fascia in a palmar direction, use tenotomy scissors to gently spread and separate the forearm fascia from the synovium of the ulnar bursae. Position the synovium elevator in line with the base of the ring finger, radial to the hook of the hamate. Using the synovium elevator, feel the roughness ("washboard effect") of the transverse fibers of the transverse carpal ligament. Continue to separate the ulnar bursa (synovium) distally until its tip is palpable at the distal end of the carpal tunnel. [Figure 2] To optimally orient the synovium elevator with the deep side of the transverse carpal ligament, it is recommended that the surgeon hold the patient's hand with the opposite (non-instrument) hand. The position of the patient's wrist in the flexion-extension plane can then be adjusted.
Recurrent motor branchof median nerve Preparing a path for the instrument.
Transverse carpal Use the small hamate finder to create a path for the blade assembly. While aiming at the base of the ring finger and holding the wrist in slight extension, gently pass the hamate finder distally down the ulnar side of the tunnel, hugging the hook of the hamate until the finder's curved tip can be palpated subcutaneously as it exits the carpal tunnel. One or two passes is sufficient to create a path. Use the standard or blade shaped hamate finder for larger hands. [Figure 3] Superficial palmar arch MICROAIRE SMARTRELEASE® ECTR 7
OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE CONTINUED
Introducing the blade assembly into the
carpal tunnel.
Blade extension and retraction should be checked before insertion into the patient's hand.
Holding the patient's wrist in slight extension, insert the blade assembly into the carpal tunnel, pressing the viewing window snugly against the deep side of the ligament. While aiming at the base of the ring finger, advance the instrument distally, hugging the hook of the hamate to assure an ulnar course. [Figure 4] Note
To optimally orient the window of the endoscope with the deep side of the transverse carpal ligament, it is recommended
that the surgeon hold the patient's hand with the opposite (non-device) hand. The position of the patient's wrist in the flexion-extension plane can then be adjusted as needed to view the entire length of the transverse carpal ligament. Using the thumb of the non-device hand, the surgeon can palpate the tip of the blade assembly and hold the overlying tissues against the viewing window such that it is snugly apposed to the deep side of the ligament prior to, and during, blade elevation and subsequent cutting. The disposable blade assembly is marked with a centimeter scale for surgeons who wish to integrate their knowledge of surface anatomy with the actual endoscopic view. This scale serves as a relative guide of the blade assembly's depth of insertion so that the surgeon can determine by direct measurement where the elevated blade will cut into the transverse carpal ligament. To avoid injury to the median nerve and flexor tendons, during the cutting stroke it is imperative that the flat surface of the blade assembly be pressed and held snugly against the deep side of the transverse carpal ligament. FIGURE 4-A
Flexor carpi radialis Introducing the blade assembly, continued
Blade assembly crosses over and superficial to the median nerve at the level of the skin incision.
Note
Be sure to positively identify the proximal end of the
carpal tunnel (differentiating it from Guyon's canal) before inserting the blade assembly. Guyon's canal is superficial to the ulnar side of the carpal tunnel. A good double check: When inserting the blade assembly, be sure the space (canal) contains synovium. To check, move the patient's fingers passively for Transverse carpal ligament confirmation as the synovium, and to a lesser extent the median nerve, moves proximal and distal with the finger flexor tendons. [Figure 4-A] Do not attempt to use this device to explore the carpal tunnel. This device is designed exclusively for viewing the deep side of the transverse carpal ligament. Using the blade assembly as a probe or lever may cause severe injury to the patient and can damage the scope's optical train or break the blade assembly. Note that the proximal extent of Guyon's canal (just distal to the skin incision) is variable in its radial extent.
In an occasional patient, the radial extension of the "roof" of Guyon's canal (the volar carpal ligament) may be confused with the antebrachial fascia or the transverse carpal ligament. Correct entry occurs under a fascial plane that covers finger flexor synovium. 8 SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE CONTINUED
Transverse carpal ligament Defining the distal end of the transverse
carpal ligament.
Use a sufficient number of proximal-to-distal passes
to accurately define an ulnar "strip" of the transverse carpal ligament. Transverse fibers of the ligament should be visible within this strip. Palpating with the thumb, define the distal margin of the ligament at its junction with a pad of fat and align the point of entry markers at this junction. [Figure 5] Note
The fat typically overlaps the deep side of the ligament's distal margin by a couple of millimeters.3 This contrasts with the
occasional patient that lacks a clear distal margin of this ligament as defined by its junction with a pad of fat. If this or other anatomic details fail to provide orientation to critical anatomy, abandon the endoscopic approach and convert to an open carpal tunnel release procedure. Do not insert the tip of the blade assembly beyond the end of the transverse carpal ligament. This avoids a stretch injury to the small nerve that sends communicating fibers between the ulnar nerve and the median nerve just distal to the carpal tunnel. Applying excessive pressure to the endoscope and blade assembly may damage the endoscope's optics. An unclear image may indicate fogging. Please refer to the Troubleshooting section on page 11. Incising the transverse carpal ligament.
Please study all steps (6, 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D) before proceeding. Assure continued correct positioning, hugging the hook of the hamate and tracking the course of the blade assembly while maintaining ring finger aim. [Figure 6]
Note
The surgeon may choose to release the entire ligament in a single pass; however, there are advantages to releasing the ligament in two stages (distal half then proximal half). 1 Aim at ring finger.
2 Hug hook of hamate.
3 Apply upward pressure on blade assembly to keep window snug against transverse carpal ligament.
4 Elevate blade and withdraw instrument to divide the distal one half of the transverse ligament while
maintaining steps 1-3. [Figure 6]
MICROAIRE SMARTRELEASE® ECTR 9
OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE CONTINUED
FIGURE 6-A
Transverse carpal ligament Incising the distal half of the transverse carpal
Elevate the blade so that it engages the distal margin of the ligament. Firmly but gently withdraw the blade assembly to divide the distal one half of the transverse ligament. Release the trigger to retract the blade. [Figure 6-A]
Communicating branch of Note
A fat pad lays superficial to the proximal portion of the
carpal ligament. Leaving the proximal portion of the ligament intact on the first pass prevents this fat from Proximal "superficial" fat pad prolapsing onto the viewing window. This prolapsed fat can compromise the path available for reinserting the blade assembly and can interfere with visualizing the completeness of the ligament release. Note that blade is being elevated in both pictures
to touch the distal margin of the ligament. Partial
elevation is the best way to determine where the
blade will engage the ligament.
INCISING DISTAL HALF FIGURE 6-B
Incising the distal half, continued.
Reposition the blade assembly window to check for a complete release of the distal half of the transverse carpal ligament. Use partial or complete elevation of the blade to selectively divide the remaining collagen fibers with interposed fat and/or muscle. Complete release is indicated by the retraction of the two halves of the ligament in radial and ulnar directions. [Figure 6-B]
Transverse carpal ligament Note: Distal one-halfof ligament is completely released Note: Proximalone-half of ligamentintact to be releasedin Step 6-D Cut edge of transversecarpal ligament DISTAL RELEASE FIRST 10 SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE CONTINUED
FIGURE 6-C
Incomplete release of distal margin of ligament where ligament is Incomplete release of the distal margin.
overlapped by distal fat pad.
In a typical patient, the distal margin of the Cut edge of ligament ligament is defined by its junction with a pad Undivided proximal of fat. This fat usually overlaps the deep side one-half of ligament of the free margin of the ligament by a couple of millimeters.3 [Figure 6-A]
Incompletedistal release Occasionally a few fibers of the carpal ligament hidden by this fat will remain undivided after the first pass of the blade. These very distal fibers of ligament overlapped by fat can be visualized and must be divided using partial blade elevations with subsequent passes of Note: Distal fat pad the blade assembly. [Figure 6-C]
typically overliesdistal ligament bya couple of millimeters FIGURE 6-D
Releasing the proximal portion of the ligament.
Releasing the proximal half of the transverse
Proximal one-half When the distal half of the ligament has been completely released, reposition the viewing window at the proximal extent of the previous cut, elevate the blade into the apex of the "V" and withdraw the device to divide the remaining proximal portion of the ligament. Follow the same precaution: Aim at the ring finger, hug the hook of the hamate and hold the blade assembly snugly against the deep side of the ligament while withdrawing the blade assembly. [Figure 6-D]
in to apex of "V" Caution
Blade extension and retraction should be checked following assembly of the device—before use on the patient.
When fully extended, the blade forms an approximate 80-degree angle to the flat surface of the blade assembly and measures approximately 3.5mm in height. If the blade does not extend and retract properly during system checkout, the device should not be used. Warning
To avoid injury to the median nerve and flexor tendons, it is imperative that the viewing window of the blade
assembly be held snugly against the deep side of the transverse carpal ligament. If the blade fails to retract after the trigger is released, follow these steps for safe removal:
1. Release the blade lock screw while supporting the handpiece. Use the scope to view the blade to ensure blade retraction.
2. If the blade remains elevated, carefully separate the blade assembly from the handpiece, leaving the blade assembly in
the carpal tunnel. Use the endoscope to view the blade position as the handpiece is removed from the blade assembly. The blade assembly is left in the carpal tunnel.
3. If the blade has not returned to a retracted position, do not remove the blade assembly from the carpal tunnel through the endoscopic portal. Convert to an open procedure to remove the blade assembly. Inspect the blade assembly to make sure no parts are missing. If a part is missing, take an x-ray of the patient's hand. MICROAIRE SMARTRELEASE® ECTR 11
OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE CONTINUED
FIGURE 7-A
Remaining transverse Inspecting the incised transverse
bundles of collagen fibers (superficial to TCL) Release the trigger to retract the blade. Reinsert the blade assembly to inspect the completeness of the ligament division. [Figure 7-A]
With the blade retracted, the assembly may be rotated after a complete release to allow the sur- geon to inspect the cut edges of ligament. Complete release - The blade assembly has
been reinserted between the two cut edges of the ligament, which have retracted beyond the width of the blade assembly. Note the fat and transverse fibers of the palmar fascia which remain superficial FIGURE 7-B
(palmar) to the divided ligament. [Figure 7-A]
Complete release - After complete release
and blade assembly rotation, each separate cut edge of the ligament will "flop." [Figure 7-B,
Viewed with blade assembly rotated 20-degrees]
Cut edge of transverse carpal When additional cuts are necessary, be sure to FIGURE 7-C
position the window of the blade assembly in, and/or between, the cut edges of the ligament to avoid injuring the median nerve. Partial blade Undivided portion elevation is frequently useful in completing the ligament division to avoid dividing tissues palmar (superficial) to the ligament.
Incomplete release - A "V" shaped defect
is created when the palmar (superficial) fibers of the transverse carpal ligament remain intact. [Figure 7-C]
In addition to the video monitor image, assess completeness of ligament division by several means:
• sensing the reduced "pressure" upon the instrument when it is reinserted in a decompressed carpal tunnel.
• noting the more subcutaneous course of the blade assembly after division.
• palpating the divided ligament with the hamate finders.
• inserting a small right-angle retractor and looking directly inside of the released carpal tunnel at the cut edges of the ligament.
12 SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE CONTINUED
Releasing the forearm fascia.
Release forearm fascia Using tenotomy scissors, release the forearm fascia using tenotomy scissors proximal to the skin incision, taking care to protect the median nerve. This prevents the forearm fascia from acting as a constricting band that could continue to compromise median nerve function.
Before lowering the tourniquet, insert the blade assembly (blade retracted), positioning the viewing window at the distal end of the tunnel to inspect for potentially troublesome arterial bleeders. Release the tourniquet and slowly withdraw the instrument. Closing and dressing the wound and wrist.
The use of an intracuticular suture to close the skin gives the best cosmetic result. Following wound closure, dress the wrist and hand by a method that allows full thumb use and opposition post-operatively.
1 Agee, JM et al. Endoscopic Release of the Carpal Tunnel: A Randomized Prospective Multicenter Study. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1992; 17(6):987-995.
2 Agee, JM et al. Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A Prospective Study of Complications and Surgical Experience. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1995; 20A(2):165-171.
3 Rotman, MB, Manske, PR. Anatomic Relationships of an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Device to Surrounding Structures. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1993; 18A(3):442-450.
MICROAIRE SMARTRELEASE® ECTR 13
Additional Material Available from MicroAire
SmartRelease® ECTR
Surgeon Training Binder
Surgical skills training guidelines for surgeons learning to perform the MicroAire endoscopic procedure (Order: LIT-ECTR_SurgeonBinder) SmartRelease® ECTR
Instructions for Use
Assembly, operation SmartRelease® ECTR SmartRelease® ECTR
Cleaning and sterilization wall chart for the MicroAire SmartRelease® ECTR® System My Carpal Tunnel
Patient-information brochure about options for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (Order: LIT-CTRS_Patient) Web-based patient information about options for the treatment of carpal Phone 800.722.0822 MicroAire Surgical Instruments 3590 Grand Forks BoulevardCharlottesville, VA 22911 2015 MicroAire Surgical Instruments. All rights reserved. LIT-ECTR_Tech REV C

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