Method and apparatus for minimally invasive insertion of intervertebral implants

摘要

A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

主权项

1. A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery comprising:
a first dilator tube having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the outer surface of the first dilator tube having a first outer radius centered around a first longitudinal axis, and a first longitudinal lumen having a first inner radius; and a second dilator tube having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the outer surface of the second dilator tube having a second outer radius centered around a second longitudinal axis, a second longitudinal lumen having a second inner radius centered around the first longitudinal axis, the distal portion of the second dilator tube having a generally semi-annular cross-section, the second longitudinal lumen configured for removably receiving the first dilator tube for slidable movement within the second longitudinal lumen, the second dilator tube comprising a cutting surface and a side opposite the cutting surface, wherein the second longitudinal lumen is between the cutting surface and the side opposite the cutting surface, wherein the second dilator tube comprises a cutting surface extending less than the circumference of the second dilator tube, wherein the first longitudinal axis is parallel to and laterally offset from the second longitudinal axis.