Patent ID: 8403841
Filing Date: 2013-03-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for forming an operating corridor to a lumbar spine, comprising: an elongate member deliverable to a spinal disc along a lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine such that a distal tip region of the elongate member engages an annulus of the spinal disc, the distal tip region of the elongate member including a stimulation electrode to deliver electrical stimulation for nerve monitoring when the elongate member is positioned in the lateral, trans-psoas path; a dilator system to create a distraction corridor along the lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine, the dilator system comprising a dilator that slidably engages an exterior of the elongate member, the dilator being deliverable to the spinal disc along the lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine; a three-bladed retractor assembly slidable over the dilator system toward the spinal disc along the lateral, trans-psoas path, the three-bladed retractor assembly including: wherein when the three-bladed retractor assembly is adjusted to the second position to form the operative corridor along the lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine, the first retractor blade is the posterior-most retractor blade of the first, second, and third retractor blades and the operative corridor is dimensioned so as to pass an implant through the operative corridor along the lateral, trans-psoas path to the lumbar spine.