Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a tensioner having a first end and a second end. A tension member extends from the first end of the tensioner. A mounting member is connected to the second end of the tensioner. An arm extends from the first end of the tensioner and includes a series of relatively moveable links that define an axial bore configured for disposal of the tension member. Each link defines a first mating surface and a second mating surface disposed in a configuration such that tensioning of the tension member interlocks the first mating surface with the second mating surface of an adjacent link in the series to selectively fix the links in a selected orientation.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a tensioner having a first end and a second end. A tension member extends from the first end of the tensioner. A mounting member is connected to the second end of the tensioner. An arm extends from the first end of the tensioner and includes a series of relatively moveable links that define an axial bore configured for disposal of the tension member. Each link defines a first mating surface and a second mating surface disposed in a configuration such that tensioning of the tension member interlocks the first mating surface with the second mating surface of an adjacent link in the series to selectively fix the links in a selected orientation.

Abstract: A device, system and method for dilating a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member sized to be movably received within an inside diameter of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a vertical slot running through a side of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The retractor has a proximal end including at least one mounting member protruding outwardly from a side surface of the retractor and a distal end including at least one fanned blade protruding outwardly from the side surface.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dilating tissue of a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an elongated, non-cannulated cylindrical body extending between a first end and an opposite second end. The first end includes a first beveled configuration and the second end includes a second, different beveled configuration. The beveled ends can include surface features to provide tissue removal and to enhance engagement with bony tissue.

Abstract: A device, system and method for dilating a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member sized to be movably received within an inside diameter of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a vertical slot running through a side of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The retractor has a proximal end including at least one mounting member protruding outwardly from a side surface of the retractor and a distal end including at least one fanned blade protruding outwardly from the side surface.

Abstract: A device, system and method for dilating a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member sized to be movably received within an inside diameter of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a vertical slot running through a side of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The retractor has a proximal end including at least one mounting member protruding outwardly from a side surface of the retractor and a distal end including at least one fanned blade protruding outwardly from the side surface.

Abstract: A dilator includes a first portion and a second portion movable between a first position and a second position. The first portion includes a first wall that defines a first cross section and a first cavity. The second portion includes a second wall that defines a second cross section, which is less than the first cross section, and a second cavity. The second portion dilates and/or dissects tissue adjacent a surgical site. In the first position, the second cavity provides direct visualization of the surgical site and the first cavity supports an instrument. In the second position, the second cavity is expandable such that the instrument is movable along the longitudinal axis in the second cavity. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes an actuator. A linking member is connected to and extending from the actuator. The linking member includes a series of at least two interconnected inner links that are relatively movable such that the linking member is disposable between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. An arm extends from the actuator and includes a series of relatively moveable outer links that define an axial bore configured for disposal of the linking member. Each outer link defines a first mating surface and a second mating surface disposed in a configuration such that the actuator is engageable to move the linking member from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration to selectively fix the arm in a selected orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dilating tissue of a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an elongated, non-cannulated cylindrical body extending between a first end and an opposite second end. The first end includes a first beveled configuration and the second end includes a second, different beveled configuration. The beveled ends can include surface features to provide tissue removal and to enhance engagement with bony tissue.

Abstract: An assembly for tissue retraction in surgery includes a pair of arm members removably positioned on and movable along an elongate support member. The arm members each include an external housing, a locking member positioned within the external housing and a passageway extending through the external housing and the locking member. The elongate support member extends through the passageways and the locking members are releasably biased into engagement with the elongate support member to allow the arm members to move in opposite directions along the elongate support member and prevent the arm members from moving toward one another. Each arm member further includes a rotatable engagement portion engageable with a respective retractor portion and a locking element releasably biased into engagement with the engagement portion to limit rotation of the engagement portion to a first direction relative to the arm member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods for providing surgical access to a surgical site. Some embodiments include a flexible arm that adjustably holds a retractor blade to enable access to the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical dilator capable of dilating an incision in a patient is disclosed. The surgical dilator includes a main body having a distal end and a proximal end. A locking cap is connected with the proximal end of the main body that is operable to lock the surgical dilator in a closed state for insertion into an incision and to unlock the surgical dilator to an open state after being inserted into the incision. A plurality of blades having a second proximal end is pivotally connected with the distal end of the main body and extends downwardly toward a second distal end. When the surgical dilator is in the closed state the blades taper downwardly and inwardly from the second proximal end toward the second distal end to form an insertion tip and when the surgical dilator is in the open state the blades are operable to laterally expand.

Abstract: A surgical dilator and method of dilating an incision in a patient is disclosed. The surgical dilator includes a first dilation member having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end includes an aperture having a first retaining pin positioned therein that is exposed on an outside surface of the proximal end of the first dilation member. A second dilation member is included that has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior. The distal end is sized to receive the proximal end of the first dilation member. The second dilation member includes a first compression slot sized to receive the retaining pin of the first dilation member. The first and second dilation members are configured to be oriented in an expanded state and a compressed state in which the second dilation member is compressed down onto the first dilation member such that the first dilation member is received in the hollow interior of the second dilation member.

Abstract: A device, system and method for dilating a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member sized to be movably received within an inside diameter of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a vertical slot running through a side of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The retractor has a proximal end including at least one mounting member protruding outwardly from a side surface of the retractor and a distal end including at least one fanned blade protruding outwardly from the side surface.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a tensioner having a first end and a second end. A tension member extends from the first end of the tensioner. A mounting member is connected to the second end of the tensioner. An arm extends from the first end of the tensioner and includes a series of relatively moveable links that define an axial bore configured for disposal of the tension member. Each link defines a first mating surface and a second mating surface disposed in a configuration such that tensioning of the tension member interlocks the first mating surface with the second mating surface of an adjacent link in the series to selectively fix the links in a selected orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods for providing surgical access to a surgical site. Some embodiments include a flexible arm that adjustably holds a retractor blade to enable access to the surgical site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods for providing surgical access to a surgical site. Some embodiments include a flexible arm that adjustably holds a retractor blade to enable access to the surgical site.

Abstract: An assembly for tissue retraction in surgery includes a pair of arm members removably positioned on and movable along an elongate support member. The arm members each include an external housing, a locking member positioned within the external housing and a passageway extending through the external housing and the locking member. The elongate support member extends through the passageways and the locking members are releasably biased into engagement with the elongate support member to allow the arm members to move in opposite directions along the elongate support member and prevent the arm members from moving toward one another. Each arm member further includes a rotatable engagement portion engageable with a respective retractor portion and a locking element releasably biased into engagement with the engagement portion to limit rotation of the engagement portion to a first direction relative to the arm member.