Patent ID: 7300440
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for performing a spinal procedure, comprising: making an incision in a patient's skin adjacent a vertebral disc space; providing a laparoscope having a sleeve with oppositely disposed fingers extending from one end of the sleeve and a laparoscopic port positioned adjacent an opposite end of the sleeve, the fingers configured to maintain distraction of the vertebrae adjacent the vertebral disc space, the laparoscopic port including a number of seals; providing an insertion member including a distal tip portion; inserting the insertion member into the laparoscopic port and through the number of seals to provide sealing engagement between the insertion member and the sleeve with the distal tip portion extending beyond the distal end of the sleeve; advancing the sleeve through the incision with the port positioned outside the patient; engaging the distal tip portion of the insertion member with the vertebrae; inserting the fingers into the vertebral disc space to define a protected channel between the vertebral disc space and the laparoscopic port; inserting a surgical cutting instrument through the seals of the laparoscopic port and through the sleeve; and cutting into at least one of the vertebral disc material and one or both of the adjacent vertebrae with the surgical cutting instrument adjacent the vertebral disc space.