METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL FIXATION ELEMENT PLACEMENT
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A minimally invasive surgical method, comprising:
- forming an incision through tissue located adjacent to a vertebra in a patient'"'"'s spinal column;
identifying a muscle plane;
inserting a substantially planar blunt tip of a tool through the incision while manipulating the blunt tip along the muscle plane extending between the incision and the vertebra to separate the muscles.
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Abstract
Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient'"'"'s spinal column are provided. In one embodiment, a dissection tool is provided for separating muscles along a muscle plane without causing damage to the muscles. The dissection tool can also include a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a guide wire. The tool allows the guide wire to be positioned relative to a vertebra, and once properly positioned, the tool can be removed to allow a spinal anchor to be delivered along the guide wire and implanted into the vertebra.
174 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A minimally invasive surgical method, comprising:
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forming an incision through tissue located adjacent to a vertebra in a patient'"'"'s spinal column; identifying a muscle plane; inserting a substantially planar blunt tip of a tool through the incision while manipulating the blunt tip along the muscle plane extending between the incision and the vertebra to separate the muscles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A minimally invasive surgical method, comprising:
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making a first incision in a patient; inserting a blunt tip of a tool through the first incision and manipulating the blunt tip to create a first pathway from the first incision, between a muscle plane, to a first site on a first vertebral body; advancing a guide wire through the tool to position a distal end of the guide wire adjacent the first site. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification