What is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release with SafeView™ Technology?
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) with SafeView™ technology is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This pressure, caused by the compression of the median nerve, leads to carpal tunnel syndrome, which manifests as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers. SafeView™ Technology is an advanced visualization and safety enhancement used in endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedures. It combines high-resolution imaging with real-time guidance tools to improve precision and safety during the surgery.
Anatomy of the Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. Small wrist bones known as carpals form the bottom and sides of the carpal tunnel and a strong band of connecting tissue, known as the transverse carpal ligament, covers the top of the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel houses the flexor tendons that allow you to bend your fingers, and the median nerve, which provides sensation to most of your fingers and hand. Special tissues known as synovium surround and lubricate the flexor tendons in your wrist, allowing smooth movement of the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the synovium swells, narrowing the limited space within the tunnel, and pinches the median nerve over time. The transverse carpal ligament can also become tight causing narrowing of the carpal tunnel space and pressure on the median nerve.
What is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release with SafeView™ Technology?
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release with SafeView™ technology is typically indicated to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in the following scenarios:
- Persistent symptoms despite non-surgical management, such as splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or physical therapy.
- A desire for a minimally invasive procedure with quicker recovery and smaller scars compared to open techniques.
Procedure for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release with SafeView™ Technology
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release with SafeView™ technology is typically performed under local anesthesia (numbing the hand and wrist) or regional anesthesia (numbing the arm) and involves the following steps:
- A small incision (approximately 1–2 cm) is made in the wrist area, just proximal to the carpal tunnel.
- The SafeView™ system, which includes an endoscope and specialized instruments, is inserted into the incision.
- The advanced visualization technology provides a magnified, clear view of the carpal tunnel anatomy, minimizing the risk of damaging surrounding structures like nerves or tendons.
- Using blunt dissection, the endoscope is advanced into the carpal tunnel.
- Structures within the carpal tunnel are carefully visualized, ensuring accurate identification of the transverse carpal ligament.
- A specialized cutting tool is used under endoscopic guidance to incise the transverse carpal ligament.
- The SafeView™ system ensures the surgeon can monitor and verify a complete and safe release without injuring the median nerve or nearby tendons.
- The endoscope is used to confirm the ligament is fully divided and adequate decompression of the median nerve is achieved.
- The incision is closed with a few sutures or adhesive strips, and a dressing is applied.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
Postoperative care for endoscopic carpal tunnel release with SafeView™ technology focuses on promoting healing, minimizing discomfort, and restoring wrist and hand function. After the procedure, the wrist is typically wrapped in a soft bandage, and a splint may be used for a few days to provide support and protect the incision sites. Mild pain, swelling, or stiffness is common and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. Patients are encouraged to start gentle finger and hand exercises within a few days to prevent stiffness and improve mobility. Sutures, if used, are usually removed in 1-2 weeks, and follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing progress. Most patients can resume light activities within a week, with a gradual return to more strenuous tasks over the following weeks. Adherence to hand therapy and avoiding excessive strain are key to achieving optimal recovery.
Benefits of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release with SafeView™ Technology
Advantages of endoscopic carpal tunnel release using SafeView™ technology include:
- Enhanced visualization and safety enhancements ensure precise ligament release and reduce the risk of complications such as nerve or tendon injury.
- Smaller incisions lead to faster recovery, less postoperative pain, minimal scarring, and reduced tissue disruption.
- SafeView™ Technology’s intuitive, lightweight instrumentation provide the surgeon with better control and precision during the procedure.
Risks and Complications
Although endoscopic carpal tunnel release with SafeView™ technology is considered a safe and effective procedure, like any surgical intervention, it carries potential risks and complications, such as:
- Incomplete release
- Nerve injury
- Tendon or vessel injury
- Scar tissue formation
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Persistent or recurring symptoms