James Watt, MD, an orthopedic hand surgeon in Florida, has enrolled the first patient in a U.S. trial comparing ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release to traditional mini-open release.
The trial is the first controlled trial using the new FDA-cleared ultrasound UltraGuideCTR and real-time ultrasound guidance.
"I believe this technique is the biggest game changer in how carpal tunnel will be treated. I look forward to using this minimally invasive approach to help patients recover faster and return to enjoying the activities they couldn't do prior to being treated," Dr. Watt said in an Aug. 9 news release from Sonex Health, which claims the UltraGuideCTR as its first proprietary technology.
The ultrasound technology allows surgeons to operate on patients with carpal tunnel syndrome by making a small incision in their palms. The technology is expected to allow patients to recover within days instead of weeks or months, according to the news release.