Patent ID: 7905840
Filing Date: 2011-03-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method included in providing surgical access to a spinal target site in a human patient through a substantially lateral, retroperitoneal approach, the method comprising: inserting at least a portion of a finger of a surgeon through a first, posteriolateral incision and into a retroperitoneal space; sweeping at least a portion of the finger in the retroperitoneal space; inserting a distal tip of a dilation member through a second, substantially lateral incision and into the retroperitoneal space; using at least a portion of the finger to guide the distal tip of the dilation member within the retroperitoneal space toward a psoas muscle; and advancing the distal tip of the dilation member in a substantially lateral direction through the psoas muscle toward a spinal target site while using a stimulation electrode on the dilation member to monitor for the presence of nerves in the vicinity of the dilation member.