US 12,279,791 B2
Method of performing a minimially invasive carpal tunnel release using an interventional radiology procedure
Robert McFarland, Wichita, KS (US)
Filed by Robert McFarland, Wichita, KS (US)
Filed on Nov. 19, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/455,837.
Application 17/455,837 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US2020/035894, filed on Jun. 3, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/856,616, filed on Jun. 3, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2022/0096117 A1, Mar. 31, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 17/34 (2006.01); A61B 17/32 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/3403 (2013.01) [A61B 17/320036 (2013.01); A61B 2017/3413 (2013.01); A61B 2017/3454 (2013.01)] 24 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of performing an interventional radiology procedure on a patient exhibiting symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in an affected wrist, the method comprising:
orienting the affected wrist of the patient in a palmar position;
guiding a hypodermic needle through a wrist crease of the affected wrist to a position immediately superficial of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), the hypodermic needle having a hypodermic needle bore and a sharpened distal tip, wherein fluid is at least intermittently injected through the hypodermic needle bore while the hypodermic needle is guided to the position immediately superficial of the TCL;
piercing the sharpened distal tip of the hypodermic needle through the TCL while injecting fluid, the fluid pushing the median nerve away from the TCL and providing a fluid pocket, the fluid pocket isolating the median nerve;
orienting the hypodermic needle such that at least a portion of the sharpened distal tip is in contact with the TCL; and
dissecting the TCL with the sharpened distal tip by moving the hypodermic needle in a reciprocating motion, the reciprocating motion causing the sharpened distal tip to wear against the TCL until said TCL is dissected;
wherein the interventional radiology procedure is performed under continuous imaging, thereby enabling anatomic structures of the affected wrist to be visualized throughout the procedure.