Patent ID: 7722613

Claim:
A method for removing intervertebral disc material, comprising the steps of: creating a working channel from a patient's skin to an intervertebral disc space; providing a protector, said protector having a longitudinal axis and including retractor having first and second generally rectangular, planar blade members fixed in position relative to one another to form a generally V-shaped construct for establishing a barrier, said construct having a longitudinal axis extending in a generally parallel orientation relative to said longitudinal axis of said protector; positioning said protector near an entrance into said intervertebral disc space between said working channel and at least two of neural tissue, dura tissue, and vasculature adjacent to said entrance such that said first blade member prevents neural tissue from migrating into said working channel, and said second blade member prevents at least one of dura tissue and vasculature from migrating into said channel; inserting a brush member through the working channel into said intervertebral disc space, said brush member having a length ranging from 0.25 to 4.0 inches, a diameter ranging from 0.082 to 1.225 inches, and a plurality of bristle members disposed in a helical configuration defining a capacity for carrying intervertebral disc material wherein said protector prevents contact between said brush member, said neural tissue and said at least one of dura tissue and vasculature; manipulating said brush member within said intervertebral disc space to receive intervertebral disc material within said brush member; and removing said brush member from said intervertebral disc space.