Innovative Spine, LLC.

Morteza M Farr

T Wade Fallin

Joshua Butters

Daniel F Justin

Ephraim Akyuz

E Marlowe Goble

Daniel E Gerbec

Douglas M Lorang

Ciaran Keane

A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. The location may be at the L4-L5 vertebral level, and the curved path may lie in a plane oblique to the transverse, coronal and sagittal planes of the spine, and avoid the iliac crest. A targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to determine the location, and a guide member may be inserted to establish the curved path. A micrometer assembly may adjust a cephalad-caudal displacement between the post and the guide member. One or more intermediate cannulas may be inserted over the guide member to dilate tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted into an intervertebral space through the cannula.

Spinal access systems and methods

A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. A guide member may be first inserted to establish the path between the tissues and fascia, and one or more intermediate cannulas may be temporarily inserted over the guide member to dilate the tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted in an intervertebral space through the cannula. The system may include a guide bar removably coupled to a targeting post. The targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to provide a target, and the guide bar may be removably attached to the guide member, to guide it along the path to the target location. An external support arm may be secured to any other component of the system.

System and method for providing surgical access to a spine

A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. A targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to determine the location. A peritoneal retractor and a guide member may be first inserted to establish the path between the tissues and fascia, and one or more intermediate cannulas may be temporarily inserted over the guide member to dilate the tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted in an intervertebral space through the cannula. An endoscope may be inserted through the targeting post or the cannula. The system may include instruments with shafts which are flexible or are curved to match the curve of the curved cannula, including a rongeur, curette, rasp, distractor, trial implant, probe, tamp, and implant inserter.

Instrumentation and method for providing surgical access to a spine

Accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate to the spine. Positioning of the distal end of a radiolucent curved access cannula may be assisted by use of one or more radio-opaque markers. Markers may be positioned to form a cross hair image in fluoroscopy to assist in cannula placement. Radio-opaque inserts placed in and extended beyond the curved access cannula may have radiolucent windows to allow viewing of the cannula's radio-opaque markers. An appropriately placed curved access cannula may be clamped to prevent subsequent movement. Appropriate tools may be introduced through the curved access cannula and the distal radio-opaque tool heads may be viewed relative to the radio-opaque markers. The curved access cannula may be attached to the spine through one or more screws.

Surgical access with target visualization

Improved implant devices and methods for interspinous distraction distribute the load of interspinous distraction so that the entire load is not bearing on the interspinous surfaces. The implant device has a narrow midsection and two wider, flange-shaped outer sections. The wider, flange-shaped outer sections can be tightened to bear against the thicker bony portions of the spinous processes to support some of the load. Optionally, the wider, flange-shaped outer sections can be configured with pins that will penetrate and engage the thicker bony portions of the spinous processes, which will increase the load bearing potential of the wider, flange-shaped outer sections. Additionally, the wider, flange-shaped outer sections and the pins will help to stabilize the joint. The joint stabilization may help to prevent further dislocation of the vertebra that occurs with spondylolisthesis.

Implant device and method for interspinous distraction

The present invention is a one or two-part sleeve assembly for use during minimally invasive spinal stabilization surgery. An outer sleeve is designed to slide over the coupling between a polyaxial screw and an inner sleeve so as to prevent the screw from becoming disengaged from the inner sleeve during surgery. The outer sleeve includes a lower generally cylindrical wall having a slot, and an upper extension having an outwardly protruding manipulation handle attached to it. The slot in the lower section extends the entire length of the cylindrical wall, giving it a generally 'C' shaped cross section. This slot corresponds with a similar slot on the inner sleeve for receiving a stabilizing rod to be attached to the polyaxial screw during surgery. The interior diameter of the lower section is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the inner sleeve, so that the outer sleeve may slide snugly over the inner sleeve and the screw coupling. In addition, the edges of the cylindrical wall adjacent to the longitudinal slot are flattened so as to conform to the shape of the inner sleeve and the head portion of the polyaxial screw where it couples with the inner sleeve.

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Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America

Morteza M Farr