Patent ID: 8355780
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: A61B,A61N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A system for forming an operating corridor to a lumbar spine, comprising: an elongate member deliverable to a spinal disc along a lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine such that a distal tip region of the elongate member penetrates into an annulus of the spinal disc, the distal tip region of the elongate member including a stimulation electrode to deliver electrical stimulation for nerve monitoring when the stimulation electrode is positioned along the lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine; a dilator system to create a distraction corridor along the lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine, the dilator system comprising at least one dilator cannula that slidably engages an exterior of the elongate member, the at least one dilator being deliverable to the spinal disc along the lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine; a three-bladed retractor assembly slidable over the dilator system toward the spinal disc along the lateral, trans-psoas path, the three-bladed retractor assembly including: wherein when the three-bladed retractor assembly is adjusted to the second position to form the operative corridor along the lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine, the first retractor blade is a posterior-most retractor blade of the first, second, and third retractor blades and the operative corridor is dimensioned so as to pass an implant through the operative corridor and into the lumbar spine.