Access systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery

US7691120B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Zimmer Spine, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Alan E. Shluzas · Redwood City, US
• Gene P. DiPoto · Upton, US
• Gary L. Lowery · Jacksonville, US
• Karl D. Kirk, III · New York, US
• Walter Stoeckmann · Mahopac, US
• Donald Van Royen · New York, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 26, 2004
• Grant date: Apr 6, 2010
• Expiry date: May 4, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2217/007
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A device for provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The device has an elongate body that has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first slot segment, and a second slot segment that is angled relative to said first slot segment. The elongate body defines a passage for accessing the surgical location with surgical instruments. The elongate body has a contracted configuration for insertion into the patient and an expanded configuration for providing access to the surgical location. The cross-sectional area of the passage at a first location of the elongate body is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location of the elongate body. A movable tab is configured to extend into the second slot segment when the elongate body is in the expanded configuration to retain the elongate body in the expanded configuration.