Patent ID: 6800084
Filing Date: 2004-10-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of performing a surgical procedure on a body comprising:providing a cannula having a tubular structure with first and second tubular portions defining first and second passages for receiving surgical instruments, the second passage being a continuation of the first passage, the first and second tubular portions having an exterior surface comprising a continuous surface; inserting the cannula through an incision in the body made near the spinal region of the body; inserting the second tubular portion inside the body such that the second tubular portion is adjacent at least one vertebra such that the exterior surface of the second tubular portion engages the tissue of the body surrounding the vertebra; inserting the first tubular portion of the cannula into the incision so that the first tubular portion extends from an exterior of the body to inside the body such that the exterior surface of the cannula engages the body when being inserted; expanding the second tubular portion of the cannula to increase the cross-sectional area of the second passage in the second tubular portion while the second tubular portion is inside the body such that the exterior surface of the second tubular portion retracts the tissue surrounding the vertebra to provide a complete passage from exterior the body to the region of the vertebra; and inserting a plurality of instruments through the passage to perform a procedure in the region of the vertebrae.