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System and methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments

CAFC
  • US 8,005,535 B2
  • Filed: 04/14/2009
  • Issued: 08/23/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of inserting a spinal implant through a trans-psoas operative corridor to an intervertebral disc, comprising:

  • mounting a plurality of EMG electrodes proximate to selected leg muscles;

    activating a control unit operable to provide a stimulation signal and including a graphical user interface to receive user input and to display neuromuscular response information in response to signals from the EMG electrodes;

    inserting an initial dilator cannula in a trans-psoas path through bodily tissue toward a lateral aspect of a spine while an elongate stimulation instrument is disposed within an inner lumen of the initial dilator cannula;

    activating the elongate stimulation instrument to deliver the stimulation signal proximate to a distal end of the initial dilator cannula when the initial dilator cannula is inserted into the trans-psoas path toward the spine;

    monitoring the neuromuscular response information displayed by the control unit in response to delivery of the stimulation signal when the initial dilator cannula is inserted into the trans-psoas path toward the spine;

    advancing two or more sequential dilator cannulas of increasing diameter in the trans-psoas path toward the spine;

    advancing a working corridor instrument over the two or more sequential dilator cannulas in the trans-psoas path toward the spine;

    establishing a trans-psoas operative corridor to an intervertebral disc of the spine using the working corridor instrument; and

    delivering a spinal fusion implant through the trans-psoas operative corridor toward the spine.

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