Abstract: The present invention provides endoscopic instrumentation and surgical techniques especially useful for accessing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc. Vertebrae spreading instruments are provided for spreading adjacent vertebrae to facilitate access to the intervertebral disc are. The disclosed surgical method uses an anterior approach to access the intervertebral disc and spreads adjacent vertebrae utilizing an endoscopic vertebrae spreading instrument.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 5, 1995
Date of Patent:
December 16, 1997
Assignees:
Gus J. Slotman, Sherman Stein, United States Surgical Corporation
Inventors:
Gus J. Slotman, Sherman Stein, David T. Green, Salvatore Castro, Carlo A. Mililli, Keith Ratcliff
Abstract: The present invention provides endoscopic instrumentation and surgical techniques especially useful for accessing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc. Vertebrae spreading instruments are provided for spreading adjacent vertebrae to facilitate access to the intervertebral disc are. The disclosed surgical method uses an anterior approach to access the intervertebral disc and spreads adjacent vertebrae utilizing an endoscopic vertebrae spreading instrument.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 29, 1996
Date of Patent:
February 4, 1997
Assignees:
Gus J. Slotman, Sherman Stein, United States Surgical Corporation
Inventors:
Gus J. Slotman, Sherman Stein, David T. Green, Salvatore Castro, Carlo A. Mililli, Keith Ratcliff