Sonex Health Successfully Completes First-in-Man Surgery For Micro-Invasive Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

ROCHESTER, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sonex Health has announced the successful completion of the first ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release procedure in the United States using the SX-One MicroKnife^™. The SX-One MicroKnife^™ is an ultra-low profile surgical device that allows physicians to perform carpal tunnel release surgery through a single micro-incision (4-5 mm) using ultrasound guidance. In addition, the device is designed to protect sensitive anatomy when the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) is cut during the procedure.

“We’re always looking for new ways to help our patients and the SX-One MicroKnife™ offers an innovative way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome by promoting rapid recovery so patients can get back to their jobs and lives faster.”

Performed by Harvard and Mayo Clinic-trained plastic surgeon Craig Johnson, MD, at the Aurora Health Care Clinic in Sheboygan, WI, the Micro-invasive Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) procedure is a new treatment option for patients who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. “In my experience, the SX-One MicroKnife^™ addresses unmet needs in minimally invasive carpal tunnel release surgery,” said Dr. Johnson. “We’re always looking for new ways to help our patients and the SX-One MicroKnife^™ offers an innovative way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome by promoting rapid recovery so patients can get back to their jobs and lives faster.”

The SX-One MicroKnife^™ enables Micro-invasive CTR through a micro-incision that’s up to five times smaller than the incision made during traditional CTR surgery¹—an incision so small, it can be closed with a small adhesive bandage or strip. The SX-One MicroKnife^™ features Meerkat Technology^™ that performs two critical functions: it stores key safety and cutting elements inside the device to enable entry and exit through a micro-incision and once inside the wrist, the safety and cutting components are deployed to enhance the protection of nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and other sensitive anatomy during the procedure. The combination results in a low-trauma surgical environment that has been associated with faster pain relief and recovery in patients.^2,3

“Our first-in-man surgery represents Sonex Health’s commitment to providing physicians with a minimally invasive solution for performing CTR,” said Dr. Darryl Barnes, CEO of Sonex Health and co-inventor of the SX-One MicroKnife^™. “We look forward to helping physicians offer their carpal tunnel syndrome patients an option that helps people get out of pain and back to work and normal activities quickly.”

For more information about Micro-invasive CTR with the SX-One MicroKnife™ please contact info@sonexhealth.com or visit www.SonexHealth.com.

About The SX-One MicroKnife^™

The ultra-low profile SX-One MicroKnife^™ was developed by physicians and leading ultrasound imaging experts at the Mayo Clinic. The patent pending surgical device is designed for physicians who perform CTR surgery under ultrasound guidance or with a traditional mini-open incision technique. Micro-invasive CTR with the SX-One MicroKnife^™ is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in an office setting or a surgery center.

Studies referencing Micro-invasive Carpal Tunnel Release, have shown:

• Better patient outcomes with ultrasound-guided CTR compared to traditional surgery^2,3
  • 5 times faster pain relief
  • Promotes rapid patient recovery
  • 5 times faster return to normal daily activities
  • Significantly less pain medication utilized
• The consistent safe zone made possible by Meerkat Technology^™ enhances the protection of sensitive anatomy during ligament cutting^2,3

About Sonex Health

Sonex Health is a medical device company created by physicians at Mayo Clinic with expertise in ultrasound imaging. The company is at the leading edge of minimally or micro-invasive percutaneous surgical procedures that can be performed cost-effectively in an office or surgery center setting. Sonex Health is focused on the safe, rapid treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that affects 12 million Americans each year and is one of the leading causes of lost productivity in the economy.

Sonex Health is located in the Minnesota BioBusiness Center in Rochester, MN. The company’s website is www.SonexHealth.com.

References:

1. Papatheodorou LK, Sotereanos DG. Treatment recommendations for carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral nerve repair. Instr Course Lect. 2015;64:273-280.
2. Nakamichi K, Tachibana S, Ida M. Percutaneous carpal tunnel release compared with mini-open release using ultrasonographic guidance for both techniques. J Hand Surg. 2010;35A:437-445.
3. Rojo-Manaute JM, Capa-Grasa A, et al. Ultra-minimally invasive sonographically guided carpal tunnel release: a randomized clinical trial. J Ultrasound Med. 2016;37:e37-45.