Patent ID: 7674273

Claim:
A method for providing minimally invasive access to a spinal location of a patient, said method comprising: inserting an access device through the skin of a patient, the access device having a first access portion having a first outer surface and a first inner surface at least partially defining a passage for receiving a plurality of surgical instruments, the access device having a second access portion attached to said first access portion, the second access portion having a second outer surface and a second inner surface at least partially defining the passage for receiving at least one surgical instrument; positioning the access device in the patient such that a proximal portion thereof is outside the patient and a distal portion is near the spine; inserting an expander device into the access device; actuating the expander device to cause opposing portions of the distal portion of the access device to move in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the passage, thereby moving the access device from a contracted condition to an expanded condition, causing the outer surface of the distal portion to retract the tissue surrounding the spine to provide a surgical field for the spinal surgical procedure; pivoting the proximal portion of the access device from a first position to a second position adapted to enhance the visibility and access of the surgical field; and inserting an instrument through the passage to perform a procedure on the spine.