BALLOON ASSISTED APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING AN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC

摘要

An apparatus includes a projection having a sharpened end portion configured to be inserted through an annulus of an intervertebral disc to define a distracted volume in the annulus. An expandable member is coupled to the projection and defines a longitudinal axis. The expandable member is configured to be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when at least a portion of the expandable member is disposed within the distracted volume of the annulus of the intervertebral disc. When the expandable member expands, it defines an expanded volume and defines a cross-sectional perimeter while in the expanded configuration. A cannula is configured to be at least partially inserted into the expanded volume. The cannula defines a cross-sectional outer perimeter having no portion extending outside of the cross-sectional perimeter of the expandable member while in its expanded configuration.