摘要 |
There is disclosed a method of gaining access to a lateral side of a spinal column for a spinal fusion procedure at a surgical site. In an embodiment, the method includes inserting a distal end of a shaft through skin at an entry point into a patient; steering the shaft toward a surgical site using a visualization device to avoid damage to structures between the entry point and the surgical site; and retracting tissue between the entry point and the surgical site to define a pathway for access to the lateral side of the spinal column for a spinal fusion procedure. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
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