Patent ID: 8444678
Filing Date: 2013-05-21
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A system for minimally invasive spine surgery comprising: a first dilator having a first diameter; a surgical access port comprising a proximal end; a distal end spaced apart a distance from the proximal end; and a sidewall defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the lumen having a length sufficient to at least span from a skin incision to proximate a vertebra and a diameter greater than the first diameter; and a first opening formed in the sidewall, the first opening defining a passageway for medical hardware from the lumen to external to the port; a first instrument for creating a subcutaneous pathway from the opening in the port, the first instrument comprising a proximal handle, a shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being sized to fit through the lumen of the port, and a distal tip oriented at angle to the shaft; and a second instrument having a proximal handle, a shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being sized to fit through a lumen of a second surgical access port, and a distal tip oriented at angle to the shaft, the distal tip being sized to receive at least a portion of the distal tip of the first instrument.