Use of an Expandable Stent as an Implant Conduit in the Lateral Approach to the Spine

摘要

The use of a memory metal mesh stent as a retractor in a lateral approach to the spine. The expanded stent is used as a conduit through which an implant can pass. This advance is predicated upon the appreciation that modern stent implants have diameters that are large enough to accommodate passage of an intervertebral spinal implant therethrough.

主权项

1. A spinal surgery device, comprising:
a) an electrified probe having an outer surface, an electrically conductive distal end portion and an electrically conductive proximal end portion; b) a mesh stent having an inner surface defining a bore, the inner surface having a receiver, an outer surface, an unexpanded condition and an expanded condition,wherein the electrically conductive distal end portion of the electrified probe extends through the receiver of the inner surface of the stent.