Endoscopic carpal tunnel release · SmartRelease® ECTR by MicroAire
Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery — SmartRelease® ECTR.
Minimally invasive carpal tunnel release with HD endoscope and a 1.3–1.9 cm incision. The most-used ECTR system among fellowship-trained hand surgeons worldwide — over 2M procedures, 46% shorter downtime, 95% success rate.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release · SmartRelease® ECTR by MicroAire
Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery — SmartRelease® ECTR.
Minimally invasive carpal tunnel release with HD endoscope and a 1.3–1.9 cm incision. The most-used ECTR system among fellowship-trained hand surgeons worldwide — over 2M procedures, 46% shorter downtime, 95% success rate.
"The SmartRelease system is a simple and effective method to open the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the median nerve."— Nathan Lesley, MD, orthopedic surgeon, hand and upper extremity specialist
SmartRelease ECTR (Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release) by MicroAire is a world-leading system for the endoscopic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Unlike conventional open surgery, SmartRelease works through a single small 1.3–1.9 cm incision — hidden in the wrist crease. A 2.9 mm HD endoscope enables full visualization of the ligament before the precision blade cuts.
Further information on endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery in Switzerland with the MicroAire SmartRelease® system – benefits and recovery – at karpaltunnel.ch.
- Exclusive distribution Switzerland & Liechtenstein: ALBIN GROUP AG
- FDA 510(k) cleared, CE marked, Swissmedic approved
- Part of the MicroAire ecosystem (PAL + SmartRelease)
- 5 clinical indications — more than just carpal tunnel
SmartRelease ECTR by MicroAire — the 4 key data points
The most-used ECTR system among fellowship-trained hand surgeons worldwide — over 30 years of clinical use with extensive long-term safety data.
Source: MicroAire Surgical Instruments; Trumble et al., J Bone Joint Surg 2002; clinical series of 2,675 procedures.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome of the upper extremity worldwide — and at the same time one of the most common surgical procedures overall. It affects about 3–4% of the adult population.
"Carpal tunnel release surgery is one of the few operations where patients feel tangible relief immediately after the procedure. SmartRelease ECTR makes that experience even faster and less taxing."
How SmartRelease ECTR works
See before you cut. The distal-to-proximal approach.
The distal-to-proximal principle: "see before you cut"
The surgeon sees through the endoscope what is about to be cut before the blade is activated. That eliminates the "blind cut" — the biggest risk factor in carpal tunnel surgery.
- 1Local or general anesthesia — as the patient prefers
- 2Small 1.3–1.9 cm incision in the wrist crease
- 3Insertion of the SmartRelease handpiece with HD endoscope
- 4Distal-to-proximal advancement under video visualization
- 5Visualization of the underside of the transverse carpal ligament
- 6Precise positioning of the disposable blade under the ligament
- 7Activation via pistol grip — the blade moves vertically
- 8Ligament transection in controlled movements
- 9Endoscopic inspection of the complete release
- 10Wound closure — patient leaves the OR with a bandage, NO cast
Why SmartRelease ECTR?
Most-used in fellowship programs
The most-used ECTR system among fellowship-trained hand surgeons worldwide.
2 million+ procedures
Over 30 years of clinical use with extensive long-term safety data.
46% shorter downtime
Clinically proven: 46% less time away from work and normal activities vs. OCTR.
Distal-to-proximal approach
See what is being cut before it is cut — safety visualization through HD endoscopy.
5 indications
Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, trigger finger, plantar fascia, gastrocnemius recession.
Outpatient under local anesthesia
No general-anesthesia risk, no inpatient stay — outpatient in minutes.
Single-portal access
One incision, hidden in the wrist crease — a barely visible scar location.
Exclusive Switzerland & Liechtenstein
Distribution in CH and FL through ALBIN GROUP AG — including training and consumables from one source.
The instrument system in detail
Three main components — designed for maximum precision and usability.
SmartRelease® Components and Part Numbers
SmartRelease® Aluminum Handpiece
(S)C14 – reusable design
2.9 mm Eyepiece Autoclavable Endoscope
(S)1030 – reusable and autoclavable
Disposable Blade Assemblies
Low Profile: 8000-1 / 8000-4
Standard: 8100-1 / 8100-4
5 indications — more than just carpal tunnel
SmartRelease ECTR covers five clinical indications.
Carpal tunnel release (ECTR)
Primary indication — endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament to decompress the median nerve. The most common nerve compression syndrome of the upper extremity.
Cubital tunnel release
Endoscopic decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow — the second most common nerve compression pathology. Tingling/numbness in the little finger and ring finger.
Trigger finger release
Endoscopic release of the A1 pulley for trigger finger. Release without a large palmar incision, rapid rehabilitation.
Plantar fascia release
Endoscopic treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel spur). Partial release through small heel portals with the Lower Extremity System.
Gastrocnemius recession
Endoscopic lengthening of the gastrocnemius muscle for equinus deformity or chronic Achilles tendon pathology.
SmartRelease ECTR vs. open carpal tunnel surgery
SmartRelease ECTR vs. open carpal tunnel surgery
Both methods are safe and effective. ECTR offers clear advantages in recovery time, scarring and patient satisfaction.
| Feature | SmartRelease ECTR | Open CTR (OCTR) |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | 1.3–1.9 cm (wrist crease) | 4–6 cm (palm + wrist) |
| Scar location | In wrist crease — hidden | Visible in palm |
| Pillar pain | Significantly less | More frequent and longer-lasting in studies |
| Downtime | 46% shorter — clinically proven | Baseline downtime |
| Return to work | 62% higher likelihood of returning quickly | Reference |
| Scar sensitivity | Substantially less | Common after healing |
| Pain medication | 30% fewer opioid prescriptions | Higher analgesic rate |
| Grip / pinch strength | Earlier recovery | Slower recovery |
| Visualization | HD endoscope — everything visible | Direct view — no camera |
| Patient satisfaction | Significantly higher (p = 0.0003) | Good, but lower |
| Success rate | 95% (2,675 procedures) | Comparable |
Clinical evidence
J Bone Joint Surg 2002 — Trumble TE, Diao E, Abrams RA, Gilbert-Anderson MM
46% reduction in downtime with ECTR vs. OCTR — the foundational study that proved the ECTR benefit.
BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020 — 28 randomized controlled trials
Significantly higher patient satisfaction (p = 0.0003), greater pinch strength, earlier return to work. Overall complications: no significant difference.
J Hand Surg Am 2021 — Vol. 46, October 2021
OCTR patients: 62% lower likelihood of returning to work early. 30% higher likelihood of opioid analgesics.
ScienceDirect — 13-year series — 2,675 procedures, 1,886 patients
95% success rate, 0.5% recurrence rate, 1.1% complication rate — no serious complications. 90% back to work within 4 weeks.
SmartRelease as part of the MicroAire portfolio
ALBIN GROUP AG is the only authorized MicroAire distributor in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Anyone using MicroAire PAL liposuction gets SmartRelease ECTR from the same trusted contact.
MicroAire PAL: power-assisted liposuction — >70% market share in Switzerland
SmartRelease ECTR: endoscopic carpal tunnel release — exclusive to ALBIN GROUP AG
Same contacts — no new supplier relationship required
Combined training offering: PAL + SmartRelease in one training
Consumables always in stock — fast delivery guaranteed
258 FMH-certified plastic surgeons are among our customers — part of more than 400 FMH-certified physicians across all specialties
Economic advantages for the clinic
– Procedure possible under local anesthesia — no general-anesthesia infrastructure required
– Outpatient procedure — no inpatient stay
– Short OR time — higher patient throughput per day
– Single-use blade cartridge — no re-sharpening or sterilization costs
Economic advantages for the patient
– 46% shorter downtime = significantly less lost income
– 30% less pain medication = lower medication costs
– Outpatient = no additional costs for a hospital stay
Your partner for endoscopic nerve decompression
Most-used in fellowship programs
High acceptance among fellowship-trained hand surgeons worldwide
2M procedures
Extensive long-term safety data from over 30 years of clinical use
Complete indication spectrum
Carpal tunnel + cubital tunnel + trigger finger + plantar fascia + gastrocnemius
Training & technical support
ALBIN GROUP AG supports surgeons with ECTR onboarding training and technical support
Key messages for surgeons
- SmartRelease ECTR is one of the most-used systems among fellowship-trained hand surgeons worldwide.
- 2 million procedures: extensive clinical experience and long-term safety data.
- 46% shorter downtime for your patients — measurable, communicable, competitively relevant.
- Single portal: one incision, one scar in the wrist crease — barely visible.
- ALBIN GROUP AG delivers: PAL + SmartRelease — from a single source.
Quickly back to everyday life.
Instead of waiting for weeks — 46% faster back to work.
Quickly back to everyday life.
Instead of waiting for weeks — 46% faster back to work.
46% faster back to work than after classic carpal tunnel surgery.
Only a small scar — hidden in the wrist crease, barely visible.
No bandage on the palm. No cast. No weeks-long dressing.
Performed over 2 million times — across more than 30 years of clinical use.
Done in minutes — possible on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
30% less pain medication than after open surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
SmartRelease® ECTR — request a demo
Request a demo, book surgical training, download the technical data sheet or get a surgeon recommendation. ALBIN GROUP AG — your exclusive partner for MicroAire SmartRelease ECTR in Switzerland.
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