The InnerVue™ Diagnostic Scope System is designed for use in a diagnostic environment (such as an office or outpatient service) to evaluate conditions within the joint. This system can be used in addition to MRI or alone to determine the next plan of action for each patient. This scope is primarily being used in the knee and shoulder. However, the wrist, elbow, ankle and other small joints are presently being investigated.
The InnerVue™ System utilizes:
The system hardware, software and handpiece
A disposable scope
Reusable instrumentation (cannula, trocar, blunt obturator and cannula plug)
A procedural kit is also available that includes many sterile items such as tubing, skin prep, drapes (including the incise drape, stand drape, etc.), scalpel, 3-way valve, syringe, etc.
The InnerVue™ diagnostic scope has an outside diameter of 1.2mm (18 gauge needle) and requires one portal.
Some of the potential benefits of the InnerVue™ system include:
Provides a dynamic and active diagnostic test in the hands of the physician.
More accurate than MRI, particularly with diagnosis of cartilage damage, articular surface damage and assessing arthritis severity.
The ability to view the injection location for cortisone or hyaluronic acid injections (JBJS, Sept. 2002).
The ability to acquire an immediate diagnosis.
Diagnosis consists of one needle poke (excluding local anesthetic) and the patient may walk out of the office immediately after the procedure.
The ability to determine the type of implant to provide the best treatment for a patient (e.g. a unicompartmental or total knee).
The patient remains in the doctor’s office, eliminating the need of an offsite MRI.
Can be a less invasive alternative to exploratory surgery for patients that have had metal implanted.
