Multi-shield spinal access system

A method of accessing an intervertebral disc in a patient, comprising:

• a) making an incision in a skin of the patient,
• b) percutaneously inserting through the incision an outer shield having longitudinal throughbore, the outer shield having a length adapted to extend from the incision to the spine of the patient,
• c) inserting an inner shield within the longitudinal throughbore of the outer shield so that a distal end portion of the inner shield extends distally past the distal end portion of the outer shield and to the disc,
• d) disposing a video chip in a distal end portion of a channel of the outer shield, wherein the channel opens into the inner surface of the outer shield at least at the distal end portion of the outer shield.

A method of accessing an intervertebral disc in a patient, comprising the steps of:

• a) making an incision in a skin of the patient,
• b) percutaneously inserting through the incision an outer shield having a substantially tubular shape, the outer shield having a length adapted to extend from the incision to the spine of the patient,
• c) stabilizing the outer shield to a pedicle anchor
• d) inserting an outer shield integrated optical visualization instrument,
• f) inserting an inner shield through the outer shield so that a distal end portion of the inner shield extends to the disc, the inner shield having an outer surface,
• g) contacting the outer surface of the inner shield to a nerve root to shield the nerve root,
• h) with the nerve root shielded, conducting a surgical operation through the access tube.