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Methods and apparatuses for treating the spine through an access device

  • US 20050090899A1
  • Filed: 10/24/2003
  • Published: 04/28/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2003
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. A method of replacing a portion of a disc of a patient, the disc having an annulus and a nucleus, comprising:

  • inserting an access device through an incision in the skin of the patient generally postero-laterally and advancing the access device until a distal portion thereof is located adjacent-the spine, said access device being inserted in a first configuration having a first cross-sectional area at the distal portion thereof;

    configuring said access device such that the distal portion thereof is enlarged from the first configuration to a second configuration wherein the distal portion extends across at least a portion of the disc;

    advancing an annulotomy tool through the access device to the intervertebral space;

    forming an aperture in the annulus;

    advancing a disc evacuation tool through the access device and through the aperture;

    removing at least a portion of the nucleus through the access device to at least partially evacuate the intervertebral space; and

    delivering a replacement disc nucleus into the partially evacuated intervertebral space through the access device.

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