Patent ID: 8489170
Filing Date: 2013-07-16
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of performing spine surgery, comprising: minimally invasively advancing a nerve surveillance instrument and an expandable structure towards a spinal site, wherein the expandable structure has a first circumference and a passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the nerve surveillance instrument fitting within the passageway of the expandable structure and having at least one nerve stimulation electrode disposed proximate a distal end thereof; energizing the at least one nerve stimulation electrode disposed proximate a distal end of the nerve surveillance instrument while advancing the nerve surveillance instrument towards the spinal target site to detect the presence of nerves adjacent said nerve surveillance instrument; manipulating the expandable structure to increase the circumference of the expandable structure to a second circumference larger than the first circumference; advancing an access instrument over the expandable structure to the surgical target site, the access instrument having a second passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the second passageway having a third circumference fitting around the second circumference of the expandable structure; removing said nerve surveillance instrument and said expandable structure from said second passageway after said access instrument has been advanced to said spinal target site; and introducing an implant into said spinal target site through said second passageway.