VORRICHTUNG ZUR INTERVERTEBRALEN FUSION

摘要

A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope (170) is provided having an outer sleeve (171) with distraction fingers (173) at one end to distract the disc space (D). The laparoscope (170) includes a laparoscopic port (180) at its opposite end through which instruments and implants are inserted. The laparoscope (170) provides a sealed working channel to the disc space through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. The laparoscope (170) is alternately engaged within bilateral locations in the disc space for insertion of a pair of fusion implants (10). A switching sleeve (191) extends through the laparoscope (170) to protect the tissue at the surgical site as the laparoscope (170) is moved between the bilateral fusion loctions.