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Cannula for receiving surgical instruments

  • US 7,766,930 B2
  • Filed: 10/15/2003
  • Issued: 08/03/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for retracting tissue adjacent a spinal location, comprising:

  • making an incision in a patient over a spinal surgical location;

    inserting a retractor into the incision in the patient;

    advancing the retractor to a position adjacent the spinal location, the retractor having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an access path therethrough, the distal end being positioned adjacent the spinal location and the proximal end extending through the incision and outside of the patient;

    expanding at least a portion of the retractor adjacent the spinal location by moving a plurality of discrete segments of the retractor away from each other to retract tissue adjacent the spinal location, wherein the discrete segments at least partially surround said access path in the expanded configuration; and

    performing a surgical procedure on the spine, wherein the surgical procedure is performed through the retractor.

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