Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy and affects approximately 12 million adults.  Over 650,000 carpal tunnel releases (CTR) are performed annually in the United States to treat patients with severe or refractory symptoms. The primary goal of surgical intervention is to transect or divide the transverse carpal ligament to reduce median nerve compression and thereby reduce pain, numbness, and tingling and improve function.  Traditional open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) is relatively safe and effective but can be associated with large and sometimes painful scars, pillar pain, and often a relatively prolonged recovery course.

The Sonex Health patented SX-One MicroKnife was specifically designed to provide a simple, safe and effective tool to perform CTR.  Ultrasound guided CTR using the SX-One MicroKnife can be performed using only local anesthesia and in a variety of clinical settings, including an office procedural room.  The first ultrasound guided CTR using the SX-One MicroKnife® was performed February 17, 2017.  There have since been over 7700 procedures completed including many bilateral simultaneous releases.  

When using US guidance, the SX-One MicroKnife tip is passed through a small incision in the proximal carpal tunnel region and positioned within the carpal tunnel. Once the position of the device is confirmed relative to the transverse carpal ligament and surrounding neurovascular structures, the balloons are deployed to create space in the carpal tunnel. This is achieved by increasing the diameter of the device and the distance between the balloon edges and centrally located cutting knife. The retrograde cutting knife is then activated to divide the ligament using direct ultrasound visualization.  Following ligament transection, the cutting knife is recessed, the balloons deflated, and the ligament probed to ensure a complete release. The fascia and skin are closed with steri-strips only.  

Important benefits include1-3:

• Typically performed using local anesthesia
• Performed in a procedure room or office setting
• Small wrist incision usually closed with an adhesive bandage
• Most patients can return to work and the activities they love within 3-6 days, much more quickly than with traditional surgical release
• Reduces or eliminates need for opioids – most patients use Tylenol® or ibuprofen post procedure
• Immediate motion in the hand for rapid recovery
• Postoperative therapy typically not required – saving time and money

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common problems affecting the hand. It afflicts 4% of adults (12 million Americans) with numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Left untreated, it can cause long-term debilitation.

What is carpal tunnel release?

Carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. CTR relieves pressure on the median nerve by transecting or dividing the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to create more space for the nerve and tendons.

About carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) 

• More than 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with CTS
• 2.6 million are diagnosed with CTS every year.
• 6.12 million are recommended for surgery based on severity and/or failing non-surgical treatment
• About 650,000 CTR procedures are done per year, i.e., millions of people decline or delay surgery

Why do people decline or delay carpal tunnel release surgery?4,5

• Intimidated by surgery: 36%
• Recovery time: 30%
• Economics: 25%

Is this procedure covered by insurance?

CTR is covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies. Physicians and patients should always confirm coverage with the applicable provider prior to treatment.

How long does the procedure take?

We are not able to make specific claims regarding procedure time. However, general descriptions such as “performed in minutes” may be used to describe the time required to perform the procedure.

Dr. Moore is the first physician in the area to perform ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release.

www.sonexhealth.com