Methods and apparatuses for treating the spine through an access device
US7985247B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0046
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a method of treating the spine of a patient, a fusion device is implanted via an anterior approach in an interbody space between at least two of a first vertebra, a second vertebra and a third vertebra. An access device is inserted into the patient with the access device in a first configuration having a first cross-sectional area at a distal portion thereof. The access device is actuated to a second configuration having an enlarged cross-sectional area at the distal portion thereof such that the distal portion extends across at least a portion of each of the three adjacent vertebrae. A multi-level procedure is performed through the access device across the at least three adjacent vertebrae.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.