MicroAire
Providing the Leading System for Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most prevalent nerve disorders, with over a million adults being diagnosed annually in the United Statesⁱ . It is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the hand and can result in numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and arm. Fortunately, the disorder has many treatment options. While conservative nonsurgical treatments may relieve symptoms, some cases must be treated with surgery. This procedure, in which a surgeon incises the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve, is called carpal tunnel release and is among the most common procedures performed by hand surgeons.

Traditionally, a surgeon has gained access to the transverse carpal ligament through an open incision in the patient’s palm. The palmar skin is sensitive and takes time to heal, meaning the patient may be unable to use their hand for all daily activities for at least one month after surgery. There is an alternative method of incising the transverse carpal ligament using an endoscopic device. With this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon can perform endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) with a small incision in the crease of the wrist, instead of an open incision through the palm. Numerous academic studies have shown that ECTR typically results in minimal scarring, less post-operative pain, and less recovery time for patients to get back to daily activitiesⁱⁱ .

The leading system (based on procedure volume) for ECTR isSmartRelease^® by MicroAireⁱⁱⁱ . First introduced in 1991, the system includes three parts: a pistol-grip aluminum alloy handpiece; a proprietary endoscope; and a disposable blade assembly. To perform surgery using SmartRelease^®, the surgeon first makes a small, 0.5–0.75 inch incision in the wrist crease.

The next step is creating a path into the carpal tunnel with the included synovium elevator and dilator. Once the path has been cleared, the surgeon inserts the blade assembly and incises the transverse carpal ligament, visualizing the incision using the endoscope. After the blade has been removed, the patient’s wound is closed and dressed. The procedure is completed within minutes and can be performed using local anesthesia^iv .

MicroAire^® attributes the system’s continued success to its easy-to-learn design and the company’s investment in surgeon education. “We are committed to surgeon success. And this commitment has enabled SmartRelease^® to become the #1 system for minimally invasive carpal tunnel release,” states David Kraus, MicroAire’s Director of Marketing.

SmartRelease^® training labs are held across the country to teach practicingsurgeons, along with residents and fellows still in training, the proper technique when using the system. At these labs, experienced hand surgeons give an overview of the relevant anatomy and then lab attendees practice the technique themselves using an arm cadaver. Once attendees successfully complete the procedure, the training surgeon can provide tips and pointers for success with live patients. “We’re dedicated to ensuring any surgeon who attends our labs can be confident using SmartRelease^® for ECTR,” says Connor Mills, who leads MicroAire’s Clinical Education program.

We are committed to surgeon success. This commitment has enabled SmartRelease^® by MicroAire to become the #1 system for minimally invasive carpal tunnel release

More than two million procedures have been performed using SmartRelease^® by MicroAire over the past 30 yearsv . But while the benefits of minimally invasive surgery are increasingly recognized, less than onethird of all carpal tunnel releases are performed endoscopically. MicroAire^® aims to continue educating surgeons and patients alike on the benefits of SmartRelease^®, so that millions more patients can get back to doing what they love quickly – with a smaller scar, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery time^vi.