Methods for percutaneous surgery
OwnerKevin T. Foley, Maurice M. Smith +2inventors
InventorsKevin T. Foley, Maurice M. Smith, John B. Clayton, Joseph Moctezuma
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Abstract
Methods for performing surgery in a patient through a single cannula are shown. A device is provided which includes an elongated cannula sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula defines a working channel between its ends for access to a location in the patient. A clamp assembly is removably engaged to the cannula. The clamp assembly allows use of an endoscopic viewing system or can be removed to allow use of a microscopic viewing system in order to view the surgical site in the patient through the working channel. Methods are provided for performing spinal surgeries percutaneously, including insertion of vertebral fixation elements and fusion devices.
Claims8
A method of fixing vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site, the method comprising the steps of:
- inserting a cannula into the patient;
- inserting a first fixation element through the cannula and securing the first fixation element to a first vertebra;
- inserting a second fixation element through the cannula and securing the second fixation element to a second vertebra;
- and
- inserting a third fixation element through the cannula and securing the third fixation element to the first and second fixation elements.
A method of fixing vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site, the method comprising the steps of:
- inserting a cannula into the patient;
- moving a fusion device through the cannula and inserting the fusion device between first and second vertebrae of the patient;
- inserting a first fixation element through the cannula and securing the first fixation element to a first vertebra;
- inserting a second fixation element through the cannula and securing the second fixation element to a second vertebra;
- and
- inserting a third fixation element through the cannula and securing the third fixation element to the first and second fixation elements.
The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of inserting a tissue retractor into the cannula and shielding tissue at the surgical site.
A method of fixing vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site, the method comprising the steps of:
- inserting a cannula into the patient;
- expanding the cannula;
- inserting a first fixation element through the cannula and securing the first fixation element to a first vertebra;
- inserting a second fixation element through the cannula and securing the second fixation element to a second vertebra;
- inserting a third fixation element through the cannula and securing the third fixation element to the first and second fixation elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.