Slotted clear cannula

Abstract

A slotted cannula for endoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed. The slotted cannula has a tubular body having a distal end, a proximate end, an open slot extending longitudinally from the beginning of the proximate end to the proximity of the distal end, and a pair of wings integrally formed on the proximate end. The tubular body is made from a transparent material and has an inner diameter large enough to accommodate an endoscope.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for performing endoscopic carpal tunnel release, comprising:
 making an incision at a location proximate to a transverse carpal ligament in need of such release to establish an entry portal;   inserting a dissector into the entry portal to form a pathway beneath the transverse carpal ligament;   inserting an elongated cannula having a tubular body with an open proximal end and an open slot extending to the proximity of a distal end into the pathway;   visualizing the transverse carpal ligament with an endoscope;   dividing the transverse carpal ligament with a cutting instrument protruding through the open slot of the elongated cannula; and   withdrawing the elongated cannula through the entry portal.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula has an inner diameter in the range about 1-10 mm. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula has an outer diameter in the range about 2-12 mm. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula has a length in the range about 5-25 cm. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula is made from a transparent plastic material. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of advancing an endoscope into the tubular body of the elongated cannula. 
     
     
         7 . A method for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure, comprising:
 making an incision at a location proximate to an operative site in need of such surgical procedure to establish an entry portal;   inserting a dissector into the entry portal to form a pathway to the operative site;   inserting an elongated cannula having a tubular body with an open proximal end and an open slot extending to the proximity of a distal end into the pathway and advancing the elongate cannula until the distal end of the elongate cannula reaches the operative site;   visualizing a target tissue at the operative site with an endoscope and positioning the cannula at the operative site so as to perform a desired operative procedure on the target tissue;   operatively engaging the target tissue with a cutting instrument protruding through the open slot in the proximity of the distal end of the elongated cannula; and   withdrawing the elongated cannula through the entry portal.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula has an inner diameter in the range about 1-10 mm and a length in the range about 5-25 cm. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of advancing an endoscope into the tubular body of the elongated cannula. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the endoscopic surgical procedure is carpal tunnel release. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the endoscopic surgical procedure is cubital tunnel release. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is plantar fascia release. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is lateral release for patella realignment. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is release of radial tunnel. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is release of pronatar teres. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is release of trigger finger. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is release of lacertous fibrosis. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is release of the extensor tendons for lateral epicondylitis. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is release of medial epicondylitis. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said endoscopic surgical procedure is release of fascial compartments in the upper and lower extremity. 
     
     
         21 . A device for performing endoscopic carpal tunnel release and cubital tunnel release, comprising:
 an elongated cannula having a tubular body with a central lumen, an open proximal end and an open slot extending to the proximity of a distal end; and   a movable blade capable of extending through said open slot to divide a target tissue wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula has a length in the range about 10-15 cm.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising an endoscope. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the endoscope is inserted into said elongated cannula. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula has an inner diameter in the range about 1-10 mm. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula has an outer diameter in the range about 2-12 mm. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula is made from a transparent plastic material. 
     
     
         27 . A device for performing an endoscopic procedure, comprising:
 an elongated cannula having a tubular body with a central lumen, an open proximal end and an open slot extending to the proximity of a distal end; and   a movable blade capable of extending through said open slot to divide a target tissue.   
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 27 , further comprising an endoscope. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 27 , wherein the endoscope is inserted into said elongated cannula. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 27 , wherein the tubular body of the elongated cannula is made from a transparent plastic material.