Proconcept’s Canaletto finds light at end of carpal tunnel

Proconcept of France has developed Canaletto, a new surgical implant for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. The unique Canaletto implant promotes better recovery of grip in patients fitted with the device. Nearly 5,000 of these implants have been fitted across France and the rest of Europe over the past four years. The company is looking for international distributors or sales representatives.

Canaletto, which was developed in association with two surgeons at the Fontvert clinic in Avignon (south-east France), is a semi-rigid, silicone and polyethylene implant. It fits between the two edges of the ligamentum carpi transversum, or retinaculum, just behind the wrist flexion point. It has an upper surface to be retrained and a perfectly smooth lower surface, with no risk of developing adhesions on the median nerve or flexor tendons.

Canaletto is used to rebuild the anatomical functions of the retinaculum, which links the edges of the carpal tunnel, channelling the median nerve, which sensitises the thumb, index and middle fingers and the radial part of the ring finger. Reconstruction of the retinaculum restores the ‘pulley effect’ in the hand’s flexor tendons.

After four years of using the Canaletto, an objective analysis of post-operative results shows that, in 80% of cases, there is an improvement compared with what surgeons obtain in a simple open procedure with no reconstruction of the retinaculum. These improvements may affect strength, pain, sensitivity and post-operative comfort.

Canaletto is available in four sizes. The ancillary used to insert the implant consists of two templates and a gripping tool. The product has been awarded CE marking, meaning it can be marketed throughout the Europe Union and Switzerland.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common pathology, caused by repetitive movement of the wrist, such as prolonged use of a computer keyboard and mouse, for example. Other anatomical, hormonal or rheumatic factors may contribute to the development of this pathology.