INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVE TISSUE RETRACTION THROUGH A RETRACTOR SLEEVE

摘要

Methods and instruments (10) for performing surgery in a patient are provided that minimize tissue dissection and retraction to access locations within the patient. One specific application concerns devices, instruments (10) and techniques that provide for selective retraction of tissue, neural elements, organs or other anatomical structures at locations distally of the retractor sleeve (20) providing percutaneous access to the locations.