APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR TREATING THE SPINE THROUGH AN ACCESS DEVICE

摘要

In one embodiment, a surgical access device (20) is provided. The surgical access device (20) comprises a passage and a distal portion (24). The access device (20) is actuatable between a first configuration wherein the passage has a first cross-sectional area at the distal portion (24) suitable for insertion into the patient. The access device (20) has a second configuration wherein the passage has an enlarged cross-sectional area at said distal portion (24). The access device (20) is capable of simultaneously providing access to at least a portion of each of four adjacent vertebrae through the passage.