Patent ID: 7135026
Filing Date: 2006-11-14
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A surgical method for laparoscopically implanting at least two spinal fusion implants into a disk space separating a first vertebra and a second vertebra for stabilization of the spine, said method comprising: (a) placing a cannula for accessing the spine and passing implantation tools through the cannula in alignment with a first location at said disk space; (b) selecting a distraction spacer having a rigid body with diametrically opposite surfaces separated by a distance corresponding to a desired distraction of said vertebrae; (c) passing said distraction spacer through said cannula to said first location; (d) distracting said disk space by urging said distraction spacer completely into said disk space at said first location from said cannula; (e) placing said cannula in alignment with a second location at said disk space after steps (a) through (d); (f) passing a first of said implants through said cannula to said second location; (g) inserting said first implant into said second location; (h) placing said cannula at said first location after steps (e) through (g); (i) removing said spacer through said cannula; (j) passing a second of said implants through said cannula to said first location; and (k) inserting said second implant into said first location.