Patent ID: 8673013
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for delivery of an orthopedic implant onto a target intervertebral disc space of a subject, the method comprising: approaching the target intervertebral disc space through a posterior skin incision and a surgical corridor; performing at least a partial discectomy through a posterior window immediately lateral to nerve elements adjacent to the target intervertebral disc space; positioning a segment of an implant insertion member in proximity to a site of the discectomy, the implant insertion member comprising an elongated body extending along a curvilinear trajectory, the elongated body comprising an internal bore configured to permit advancement of the orthopedic implant therethrough; attaching a first end of a fixation member to a proximal segment of the implant insertion member, the fixation member comprising a locking feature configured to reversibly immobilize the first end of the fixation member and at least a portion of the implant insertion member; attaching a second end of the fixation member rigidly onto a coupling apparatus having a defined spatial relationship to the target intervertebral disc space, attachment thereof limiting movement of the implant insertion member relative to the target intervertebral disc space in at least one plane; rotating the implant insertion member relative to the fixation member from a location outside the subject to a lateral side aspect of the target intervertebral disc space; and advancing the orthopedic implant through the internal bore of the implant insertion member and onto the target intervertebral disc space.