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Balloon Carpal Tunnelplasty is a technique that uses a minimally invasive balloon device to access the carpal tunnel. The inflatable balloon protects the median nerve and contents of the carpal tunnel. Like a traditional tissue elevator/expander with Balloon Carpal Tunnelplasty, the carpal ligament is elevated increasing the space in the carpal tunnel. The Balloon Carpal Tunnelplasty technique is performed through a one centimeter incision at the distal wrist crease. It is monitored and the expansion confirmed by direct or endoscopic visualization. The purpose of Balloon Carpal Tunnelplasty is to avoid an incision in the palm of the hand and to protect, expand and decompress the structures in the carpal tunnel to assist in relieving carpal tunnel syndrome.
Ref: Berger, L. “Balloon Carpal Tunnelplasty, First Comparative Clinical Study”; The University of Pittsburgh Journal Vol 17, pg 80; 2006
Balloon Carpal Tunnelplasty provides balloon access to the carpal tunnel in order to elevate and expand the transverse carpal ligament.
This procedure assists in increasing the spatial diameter of the carpal tunnel to improve direct and endoscopic visualization of the carpal tunnel. With the transverse carpal ligament elevated, the surgeon can weaken or incise the ligament in order to permanently deform it.
The procedure is performed with the L.B. Medical Inflatable Tissue Elevator Expander System. This device provides access and increases the size of the carpal tunnel in a minimally invasive fashion, which improves visualization and efficiency of endoscopic release procedures in the carpal tunnel of the hand.
Minimally Invasive Technique