Minimal impact access system to disc space

US10758286B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Benvenue Medical, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Joshua M. Ammerman · Bethesda, US
• Laurent Schaller · Los Altos, US
• Douglas M. Lorang · San Jose, US
• Ricardo J. Simmons · San Diego, US
• Timothy J. McGrath · Fremont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 21, 2018
• Grant date: Sep 1, 2020
• Expiry date: Jul 20, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/3407
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.