Minimally invasive access device and method

Abstract

A device that provides access to a surgical location within a patient has an elongate body that has a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a passage that extends through the elongate body. The elongate body is capable of having a configuration when inserted within the patient wherein the cross-sectional area of the passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location. The first location is distal to the second location. The passage is capable of having a generally oval shaped cross section between the second location and the proximal end.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 678,744, filed Oct. 2, 2003, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This application relates to components of surgical systems, including a device for providing minimally invasive access at a surgical site, and to methods that may be performed therethrough. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Spinal surgery presents significant difficulties to the physician attempting to reduce chronic back pain or correct spinal deformities without introducing additional trauma due to the surgical procedure itself. In order to access the vertebrae to perform spinal procedures, the physician is typically required to make large incisions and cut or strip muscle tissue surrounding the spine. In addition, care must be taken not to injure nerve tissue in the area. Consequently, t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Spinal surgery presents significant difficulties to the physician attempting to reduce chronic back pain or correct spinal deformities without introducing additional trauma due to the surgical procedure itself.

Consequently, traditional surgical procedures of this type carry high risks of scarring, pain, significant blood loss, and extended recovery times.

A narrow cannula is typically inconvenient if not insufficient to perform many spinal procedures, some of which require visualization of two or more vertebrae and introduction of various components and tools for applying such components.

Also, such a cannula is ineffective in procedures where the surgical site is an elongate site, extending between two adjacent vertebrae.

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