Patent ID: 8983567
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for depositing a spinal implant in the lumbosacral region of the spine, comprising the steps of: advancing an initial dilator along an anterolateral path to a targeted site at the anterior column of the lumbosacral region of the spine while monitoring for the presence of vascular tissue proximate to a distal end of the dilator with an optical imaging system in communication with sensors situated at the distal end of the dilator; adjusting the advancement path of the dilator as necessary when vascular tissue is detected proximate the distal end; advancing at least one additional dilator of a sequential dilation system over the initial dilator to the targeted site in the lumbosacral spine; removing all the dilators but the outermost dilator of the sequential dilation system to create an operative corridor to the targeted spinal site; advancing one or more instruments through the outermost dilator to prepare the targeted spinal site to receive the spinal implant; and advancing the spinal implant through the operative corridor and into position at the targeted spinal site.