Abstract: This invention relates to a technique for performing laminar osteotomy (dividing of the spinal lamina, a posterior structure of vertebra). The term osteotomy is derived from os (bone), tomy (to cut or remove), and laminoplasty (the reshaping of the lamina). This technique can be performed with or without visual assistance such as cameras used with endoscopy, or image guidance such as fluoroscopy, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Abstract: A Surgical device for invasive surgery, having a cannula with a wall for surrounding at least one lumen extending from an access end to a tissue tip. One or more instruments are slidably receivable and guidable in the lumen of the cannula, where in the surgical device is configured to be used with a medical imaging system for image guidance of the device. The cannula wall is configured to allow partial transparency with respect to a scanning signal of the medical imaging system such that at least portions of the instrument received in the cannula are visible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a technique for performing laminar osteotomy (dividing of the spinal lamina, a posterior structure of vertebra). The term osteotomy is derived from os (bone), tomy (to cut or remove), and laminoplasty (the reshaping of the lamina). This technique can be performed with or without visual assistance such as cameras used with endoscopy, or image guidance such as fluoroscopy, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).