Patent ID: 8298138
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of performing surgery, comprising: providing a first and a second retractor assembly, each retractor assembly including: inserting the first retractor assembly into a first incision within a first tissue portion; securing the screw of the first retractor assembly to a portion of a first vertebral body; retracting the first tissue portion by transitioning the elongate members of the first retractor assembly from the first state to the second state; inserting the second retractor assembly into a second incision within the second tissue portion; securing the screw of the second retractor assembly to a portion of a second vertebral body; retracting the second tissue portion by transitioning the elongate members of the second retractor assembly from the first state to the second state; securing a rod to the first and second screws; and removing the first and second retractors from the first and second incisions.