Abstract: A more navigable trocar includes an elongated curved shaft having a proximal end adapted for attachment to a drainage tube and a sharpened distal tip, and one or more recess pads closer to the proximal end, facilitating a more predictable grasping and manipulation to steer the trocar through a body. A pair of spaced-apart recess pads may be used, and they may be angled relative to one another to accommodate use of either hand by a surgeon. A different preferred embodiment includes a protective cap for a trocar comprising a polymeric or elastomeric material including a central portion, enabling the sharpened tip of the trocar to pierce and penetrate therethrough with the cap remaining outside the body. This embodiment may be used with or without the recess pad(s). The cap may further include a flattened distal end to stabilize and reduce movement as the tip of the trocar is pushed through the cap.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical screw fixation system and method are used in conjunction with fluoroscopy (i.e., C-arm), for percutaneous fixation of the facet joints of the spine through small incision ports. The approach is generally based on a right-triangle guidance system, positioned via the use of the C-arm and secured to the operative site. This particular configuration allows for percutaneous placement of screws across facet joints via known angles and pathways. The inventive instrumentation allows for the targeting of drill hole and, ultimately, the placement of the screws associated with the procedure.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical instrument is well-suited to fluoroscopic x-ray imaging. In needle-positioning forceps, an instrument according to the invention preferably exhibits a length of 8 inches or greater, and is constructed substantially from a radiolucent material, thereby enabling a user to navigate the article without being exposed to the beam. The radiolucent material may include a plastic such as a thermoplastic polymer or carbon fiber, and may be presterilized and disposable for one-time use. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the instrument is on the order of 12 inches or thereabouts, and is lordotically shaped for better conformance to patient curvature. The distal tip of the instrument, which is sufficiently strong to reliably grip a needle, may include a needle-dimensioned indent and/or a pair of opposing resilient pads. A radiopaque pointer may be provided to indicate the distal tip, and the pointer may be provided in the form of a removable adhesive strip.