A system, method and/or apparatus is provided for visualization or imaging
of the transverse carpal ligament and surrounding structures/features of
a hand of a patient, and treatment of the transverse carpal ligament,
particularly, but not necessarily, for performing non-invasive carpal
tunnel release. The subject invention utilizes ultrasound waves
preferably, but not necessarily, in the high frequency range and
cavitations to image the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), record its
location in three-dimensional space, and perform precision treatment on
the transverse carpal ligament. Treatment may range from stretching or
lengthening the TCL to complete tissue ablation or dissection of a
portion or portions of the TCL (as is performed in a standard carpal
tunnel release procedure) in order to release pressure within the carpal
tunnel. Particularly, high temperature conditions are generated at target
tissue of the TCL resulting in elongation or necrosis/dissection. The
subject system, apparatus and/or method provides the surgeon to relieve a
patient of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in a bloodless, efficient, and
accurate manner.