Patent ID: 9014776
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of performing spine surgery, comprising: advancing a stimulation instrument and an expandable structure along a path towards a spinal target site, wherein the expandable structure includes a passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the stimulation instrument fitting within the passageway of the expandable structure; delivering a stimulation signal from a stimulation electrode disposed proximate a distal end of the stimulation instrument while the stimulation instrument is positioned along the path to detect the presence of nerves adjacent the stimulation instrument; manipulating the expandable structure to increase a circumference of the expandable structure from a first circumference to a larger second circumference; advancing an access instrument over the expandable structure to the surgical target site, the access instrument having a second passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the second passageway having a third circumference fitting around the second circumference of the expandable structure; removing the stimulation instrument and the expandable structure from the second passageway after the access instrument has been advanced to the spinal target site; and introducing an implant into the spinal target site through the access instrument.