An endoscopic surgical blade is disclosed. The blade is of a low-profile design, having a downward angled cutting surface that is radiused at its upper end. The blade is part of an endoscopic knife assembly which also contains a knife tube. The endoscopic knife assembly is for use in endoscopic surgery by insertion of the assembly through a slotted cannula. The knife tube is hollow and allows the insertion of an endoscope for viewing of the surgical procedure. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using an endoscopic knife assembly having a low-profile, downward angled blade is also described.

This instrument for surgical treatment, in particular for tenolysis, tenotomy or neurolysis, comprises a main body and a distal part. The distal part has a curved portion forming a hook and is provided with a cutting blade on the inner side of the hook. The main body has a longitudinal lumen for passage of fluid from a proximal end to a distal end of the main body, as well as an elbow with concavity facing the same side as the hook such that the main body has, in the vicinity of its distal end, an injection channel which is in fluidic connection with the lumen via an over-pressure chamber.

This invention relates to an endoscopic-release surgical retractor (1) comprising a blade (2) having an arch-shaped cross section and a handle (3) extending upwardly from the proximal end of the blade. The handle (3) is adapted to removably receive an L-shaped endoscope-retainer (5). The vertical arm (52) of the endoscope-retainer is adapted to receive an endoscope such that in use the endoscope is retained at the apex of the arch of the blade.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to a device for cutting soft tissue, such as transverse carpal ligaments and annular ligaments of the finger, and methods of using the soft tissue cutting device. A soft tissue cutting device includes an inner tubular member extending between a distal end and a proximal end of the inner tube, an outer tubular member disposed over at least a portion of the inner tubular member and movable between an initial position and an extended position, an outer tubular member movement controller that controls movement of the outer tubular member between the initial position and the extended position, and an attachment mechanism for removably coupling the proximal end of the inner tubular member to a dispensing member. A distal end of the outer tubular member includes a cutting member.

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.

A medical instrument for cutting soft tissue during an interventional radiology procedure includes a hypodermic needle and a stylet at least partially located within the needle bore. The portion of the stylet located within the needle bore and the needle collectively form at least one fluid passageway. The stylet is movable relative to the hypodermic needle along the needle axis. The stylet is adjustable between a retracted configuration and a protracted configuration. The stylet head is located within the needle bore when the medical instrument is in the retracted configuration. The stylet head is located external to the needle bore when the medical instrument is in the protracted configuration. The fluid passageway enables fluid to flow from the proximal needle end to the distal needle end when the stylet is in the retracted configuration and in the protracted configuration.

The present invention relates to a combination surgical kit. The surgical kit can include a plurality of tools for a medical procedure, the plurality of tools including a first set of tools and a second set of tools. The surgical kit can also include a hand/wrist positioning tray device, including a bottom tray configured to hold the first set of tools, a middle tray configured to hold the second set of tools; and a top tray including a recess configured to receive a patients hand for the medical procedure.

A device for dividing a fibrous structure comprising a catheter; an expandable member positioned near a distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter; and a cutting element situated on an outer surface of the expandable member. A method for dividing a fibrous structure comprising positioning, proximate the fibrous structure, an expandable member having a cutting element situated thereon; expanding the expandable member outwards to tension the fibrous structure across the cutting element; and activating the cutting element to weaken or cut the fibrous structure. A method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome comprising inserting a needle into the carpal tunnel; directing a guidewire to a position proximate the transverse carpal ligament; advancing, along the guidewire, a device having an expandable member and a cutting element; positioning the cutting element; tensioning the ligament across the cutting element; and weakening or cutting the ligament.

A method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, and cubital and tarsal tunnel release. 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.

A device for dividing a fibrous structure comprising a catheter; an expandable member positioned near a distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter; and a cutting element situated on an outer surface of the expandable member. A method for dividing a fibrous structure comprising positioning, proximate the fibrous structure, an expandable member having a cutting element situated thereon; expanding the expandable member outwards to tension the fibrous structure across the cutting element; and activating the cutting element to weaken or cut the fibrous structure. A method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome comprising inserting a needle into the carpal tunnel; directing a guidewire to a position proximate the transverse carpal ligament; advancing, along the guidewire, a device having an expandable member and a cutting element; positioning the cutting element; tensioning the ligament across the cutting element; and weakening or cutting the ligament.