Patent ID: 7108705
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for providing treatment at or near the spine of patient, the method comprising: providing an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface defining a passage extending through the elongate body and through which surgical instruments can be inserted to a surgical location proximate the spine; inserting said distal end of said elongate body into the patient such that the distal end resides proximate the surgical location, the proximal end remaining outside the patient; configuring said elongate body so that the cross-sectional area of said passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location; and inserting a first surgical instrument into the passage to a surgical location at or near the spine.