Lateral access system for the lumbar spine

US10687797B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Howmedica Osteonics Corp. · US

Inventors

• Corbett W. Stone · Newtown, US
• Ephraim Akyuz · Logan, US
• Stuart Goble · Logan, US
• Bryan Patrick Howard · Centerville, US
• Daniel J. Triplett · Providence, US
• Andrew R. Fauth · River Heights, US
• Douglas M. Lorang · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 27, 2015
• Grant date: Jun 23, 2020
• Expiry date: Jan 4, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M25/10
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.