Instruments and Methods for Non-Parallel Disc Space Preparation

Abstract

Flexible shavers and curved access ports that reduce access and trajectory problems associated with conventional lateral approaches to the lower spine. These devices and methods allow for preparing a disc space in the lower spine at an angle that is parallel to the disc space. Consequently, these devices and methods allow for preparing with less endplate damage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The lateral access approach is frequently utilized to deliver interbody fusion cages to the lumbar spine. In comparison to conventional anterior or posterior approaches to the lumbar spine, the lateral approach is thought to minimize posterior and/or anterior tissue damage as well as reduce surgery time, associated blood loss, and infection risk.

When multi-level access to the spine is provided through a single minimal access port, the insertion trajectory to the superior and inferior levels is not parallel to those levels. In addition, direct lateral access parallel to the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels is prevented by the presence of the iliac crest.

Accordingly, the angled trajectory required for lateral access to these lower levels requires the cages to be implanted at a “malpositioned” angle that prevents balanced loading across the vertebral endplates and spine. See FIG. 1. This “malpositioned” access, associated endplate damage and device placement can initiate subsidence and spinal instability.

Current spreader and shaver technology includes varying paddle shapes and cutting geometries with rigid drive shafts. US Patent Publication No. 2008-00445966 discloses a chisel cutting guide for excising a portion of a vertebral body.

Conventional dilation systems used in intervertebral fusion procedures are typically rigid and non-steerable. Accordingly, they require a line of sight insertion towards the target disc.

US Patent Publication No. US 2007-0225815 (Annulex) discloses a curved stylet for steering within a disc space Annulex does not disclose an assembly comprising a curved guide wire and a flexible dilator tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have developed flexible shavers and curved access ports that reduce the above-mentioned access and trajectory problems associated with conventional lateral approaches to the lower spine. The devices and methods of the present invention allow the surgeon to present disc preparation instruments to a disc space in the lower spine in a manner that is parallel to the disc space. Consequently, these devices and methods allow for preparing with less endplate damage and higher preparation symmetry.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a flexible shaver for preparing a vertebral endplate, comprising:

• • a) a shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion,
  • b) a handle attached to the proximal end portion of the shaft, and
  • c) a shaving head attached to the distal end portion of the shaft, the head comprising:
    • i) an body portion;
    • ii) a first face forming a first cutting edge, andwherein the shaft and head comprise a universal joint.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of intervertebral disc space preparation, comprising the steps of:

• • a) selecting a shaver having a flexible shaft;
  • b) inserting the shaver into an intervertebral disc space bounded by opposed vertebral endplates, and
  • c) contacting the shaver to a vertebral endplate.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of preparing an intervertebral disc space between opposing vertebral endplates, comprising the steps of:

a) inserting a curved (preferably flexible) port into a lateral aspect of the disc space, the curved port having a bore.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a assembly comprising:

a) a curved port having a bore having a transverse cross-section; and

b) a vertebral endplate shaver having a transverse cross-section,

wherein the shaver is disposed within the bore of the curved port,

wherein the transverse cross-section of the bore substantially corresponds to the transverse cross-section of the shaver so as to determine the orientation of the shaver within the bore.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, comprising:

a) an outer cannula having a bore, and

b) an inner cannula having a bore having a non-circular transverse cross-section,

wherein the inner cannula is disposed within the bore of the outer cannula.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, the port comprising a longitudinal bore therethrough, the bore having a proximal end portion having a transverse cross-section and a distal end portion having a transverse cross-section, wherein the transverse cross-section of the proximal end portion of the bore is greater than that transverse cross-section of the distal end portion of the bore.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, comprising:

a) an outer cannula having a bore having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion,

b) an upper insert disposed at least in the distal end portion of the bore, and

c) a lower insert disposed at least in the distal end portion of the bore.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a assembly for providing access to an intervertebral disc, comprising;

• • a) a catheter having a steerable tip,
  • b) a first flexible dilator tube having a first bore defining a first longitudinal axis,
  • c) a second flexible dilator tube having a second bore defining a second longitudinal axis,wherein the first flexible dilator tube is received with the bore of the second flexible dilator tube, andwherein the steerable tip is received within the bore of the first flexible dilator tube.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of accessing a target intervertebral disc, comprising the steps of:

• • a) advancing a steerable catheter having a tip through an incision and towards the target disc,
  • b) imparting a first curve in the tip of the steerable catheter,
  • c) docking the curved tip upon the target disc,
  • d) advancing a first flexible dilator tube over the curved tip to impart a first curve in the first flexible dilator tube.

The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a steerable, curvable guide wire and a set of flexible dilator tubes having sequentially increasing bore diameters. When a flexible dilator tube is passed over the curved guide wire, the flexible dilator tube curves in an arc substantially similar to that of the curved guide wire. Thus, the set of curved dilator tubes can open up a curved access path to the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels that previously could not be directly accessed due to the presence of the iliac crest.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a flexible shaver for preparing a vertebral endplate, comprising:

a) a shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion,

b) a handle attached to the proximal end portion of the shaft, and

c) a shaving head attached to the distal end portion of the shaft, the head comprising:

• • i) an body portion;
  • ii) a first face forming a first cutting edge, andwherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion.

Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of performing a procedure on a spine, comprising the step of:

a) advancing an instrument along a curved path, the path being substantially in a coronal plane, towards a lateral aspect of an intervertebral disc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 discloses a coronal view of a human spine in which a a conventional method of laterally implanting cages in the lower spine is used, producing malpositioned cages.

FIG. 2 a-c discloses various shavers of the present invention having a universal joint, wherein the shavers are presented in varying degrees of angulation.

FIG. 2 d discloses a universal jointed shaver of the present invention preparing an endplate in the lower spine through a port of the present invention.

FIG. 3 a-b discloses various shavers of the present invention having a bendable shaft, wherein the shavers are presented in varying degrees of angulation.

FIG. 3 c-d disclose a flexible port in its straight and curved configuration.

FIGS. 4 a-4b disclose a reinforced flexible port in its straight and curved configuration.

FIGS. 4 c-4d disclose a slotted port in its straight and curved configuration.

FIGS. 5 a and b present a perspective view of a port of the present invention, wherein the securement feature is respectively retracted and advanced.

FIG. 6 a presented an exploded version of a port of the present invention comprising an outer cannula and an upper insert.

FIG. 6 b presented an assembled version of a port of the present invention comprising an outer cannula and an upper and lower insert.

FIG. 6 c presents the port of FIG. 6b laterally docked onto the lower spine.

FIGS. 7 a-c disclose advancing a shaver through the docked port of FIG. 6c.

FIG. 7 d discloses a handled port of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 a-b disclose cross-sectional views of the port of FIG. 7d.

FIG. 9 a discloses a steerable catheter having a guide wire extending therefrom.

FIG. 9 b discloses the steerable catheter of FIG. 9a docked onto a spine.

FIG. 9 c discloses a steerable catheter displaying various degrees of curved tips.

FIG. 10 a discloses three flexible dilation tubes and a steerable catheter.

FIG. 10 b discloses an assembly of three flexible dilation tubes and a steerable catheter.

FIGS. 10 c-e disclose telescoping dilation tubes.

FIG. 11 discloses a flexible dilation tube with a bore for holding an endoscopic instrument.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to flexible spreaders and shaver devices and methods for parallel preparation of an intervertebral disc space in the context of a non-parallel access trajectory. The flexible shavers utilize curved guide tubes to enable their placement, insertion, flexing, bending and/or pivoting in the disc space.

In some embodiments, the flexible shaft can have a flexibility-imparting geometry that includes use of at least one of a) a spring (available from SS White of Piscataway, N.J.), b) a slotted tube (available from Necomed of Hicksville, Ohio), and c) a standard universal joint. Now referring to FIGS. 2a-d, in some embodiments, the flexible shaver 11 of this embodiment also includes a proximal handle 15, an intermediate shaft 19 comprising a universal joint 20, and a distal shaver head 23.

Therefore, now referring to FIGS. 2a-d, there is provided a flexible shaver 11 for preparing a vertebral endplate, comprising:

a) a shaft 19 having a proximal end portion 21 and a distal end portion 22,

b) a handle 15 attached to the proximal end portion of the shaft, and

c) a shaving head 23 attached to the distal end portion of the shaft, the head comprising:

• • i) an body portion 24;
  • ii) a first face 25 forming a first cutting edge, andwherein the shaft comprises a universal joint 20.

FIG. 2 d shows flexible shavers 11 of this embodiment disposed within respective disc spaces, wherein the shaving heads are disposed parallel to the disc space. Therefore, use of the shaver results in shaved endplates that are substantially parallel to the natural endplates, and so will easily accommodate a lateral fusion cage without causing asymmetry.

The flexible spreader/shaver comprises a distal rigid or non-rigid shaver head having a blade. This shaver head is attached to a partially flexible drive shaft that is in turn connected to a proximal handle. The handle is rotated to turn the drive shaft and the shaving head. The flexible shaft allows variable angulations of the handle relative to the shaver blade, thereby allowing the surgeon to use an angled approach to prepare the disc space in a manner that nonetheless keeps the shaving head substantially parallel to the disc space. Typically, the shaver angulation angle α relative to the drive shaft can be up to 90 degrees, but is preferably between 10 and 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the shaving head of the flexible shaver has a bullet tip 26 for ease of entry into the disc space.

Now referring to FIGS. 3a-c, in some embodiments, the flexible shaver 1 of the present invention includes a proximal handle 3, an intermediate flexible shaft 5, and a distal shaver head 7. The flexible shaft can be a solid shaft made from a flexible material, or can be aa spring (available from SS White of Piscataway, N.J.), or a slotted tube (available from Necomed of Hicksville, Ohio). Such flexible materials include metals such as nitinol, and polymers such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, and polyethylene. Stainless steels, titanium alloys, cobalt chromium alloys or combinations, mixtures and/or blends thereof. The flexible shaft may be the flexible material itself or the shaft may be constructed of strands which are wound or shafts which are slotted to impart flexibility. FIGS. 3a-b show a flexible shaver having a shaft made of a flexible material in its straight and curved configurations, respectively. FIG. 3c shows two flexible shavers 1 of this embodiment disposed at least partially within respective disc spaces, wherein each shaving head is disposed parallel to the disc space.

Therefore, now referring to FIG. 3a-c, there is provided a method of intervertebral disc space preparation, comprising the steps of:

• • a) selecting a shaver having a flexible shaft;
  • b) inserting the shaver into an intervertebral disc space bounded by opposed vertebral endplates, and
  • c) contacting the shaver to a vertebral endplate to cut the endplate.As shown in FIG. 3c, the use of the flexible shaver allows the shaving head to be essentially parallel to the opposed vertebral endplates. Thus, when the shaver is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the shaving head cuts in a manner parallel to the endplates, thereby preserving symmetry about the disc space.

The flexible shaft can be made flexible in many different ways. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible shaft is made of a flexible material. In other embodiments, the geometry of the shaft imparts flexibility thereto. In some embodiments thereof, the flexible shaft has a universal joint. In other such embodiments, the flexible shaft is slotted to impart flexibility. In other such embodiments, the flexible shaft comprises a spring.

FIGS. 3 c-d disclose a flexible port 2 in its straight and curved configuration.FIGS. 4a-4b disclose a flexible port 4 having reinforcements 6, the port being in its straight and curved configuration.FIGS. 4c-4d disclose a port having slots 8 in its straight and curved configuration.

In some embodiments, a flexible port is used to dock onto a bone adjacent the disc space and thereby guide disc space preparation instruments into the disc space in a minimally invasive manner. The flexibility allows the port to curve at its distal end portion to produce a curve having an angle of, for example, 20 degrees. This curve allows a shaver to enter the port at a downward trajectory (which occurs when using a single spinal access site for multiple levels) and then orient parallel to the endplates (in order to best prepare the endplates). In some embodiments, the angle of the shaver is between 10 and 45 degrees.

Now referring to FIGS. 5a-b, in some embodiments, the port may include one or more fixed or actuatable securement features 35, including a spike or teeth, extending from its distal end portion 33. These securement features fix to the bone and thereby insure secure docking of the port adjacent the target disc space. FIGS. 5a and b present a perspective view of a port of the present invention, wherein the securement feature 35 is respectively retracted and advanced.

Now referring to FIG. 6a-c, in some embodiments, the port 31 may comprise an outer cannula 34 and inserts 37 and 39. These inserts may, when installed, form an inner cannula that helps fix the orientation of the shaver when the shaver passes therethrough. Therefore, in some embodiments thereof, there is provided a port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, which comprises:

a) an outer cannula 34 having a bore, and

b) an inner cannula having a bore having a non-circular transverse cross-section,

wherein the inner cannula is disposed within the bore of the outer cannula.

Preferably, the port further has features that allow it to securely dock onto the vertebral bone adjacent the disc space. Preferably, this comprises a securement feature disposed upon a distal end portion of at least one of the outer cannula and inner cannula.

In some embodiments, the port having the inner and outer cannulae has a distal end portion that is curved. In some embodiments thereof, the curve in the distal end portion is between 10 and 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the cannulae are made of flexible materials, while in others each cannula has a geometry that imparts flexibility. Because the shaver typically has a much smaller cross-section than the typical lateral cage implant, it is expected that the areal-cross section of the bore of the inner cannula will be much smaller than the areal cross-section of the bore of the outer cannula. For example, in some embodiments, the bores of the cannulae each have an areal cross section, wherein the areal cross section of the bore of the inner cannula is less than 50% of the areal cross section of the bore of the outer cannula. More preferably, the areal cross section of the bore of the inner cannula is less than 25% of the areal cross section of the bore of the outer cannula. Preferably, the inner cannula is modular in order to customize for various angles of approach and inner geometry to guide various instruments. Thus, in some such embodiments, the inner cannula comprises upper 37 and lower 39 inserts having opposing faces 38,40. Preferably, the opposing faces each comprise a longitudinal groove 45,46 therein. These opposing grooves may help form the bore through which the shaver passes. Therefore, these grooves dictate the orientation of the shaver passing therethrough. Preferably, the lower insert is disposed only in a curved distal end portion of the port. This allows for easier access to the disc space in the portion of the port in which shaver head orientation is not critical.

In one particular embodiment thereof, the port comprises an outer cannula having a bore, and an inner cannula (disposed within the bore of the outer cannula) having internal guiding features. In these embodiments, these internal guiding features (such as grooves 45,46 and ridges) only allow the shaver is to be inserted into the disc space in such an orientation that the cutting surface of the shaver is parallel to the disc space.

The port can have variable distal angulations β within its distal end portion to ensure “snug” docking and control shaver angulations. The internal geometry of inserted or assembled port directs shaver into the disc space and maintains the axis of rotation.

Still referring to FIG. 6a-c, in some embodiments, there is provided a port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, which comprises a longitudinal bore 51 therethrough, the bore having a proximal end portion 53 having a transverse cross-section and a distal end portion 55 having a transverse cross-section, wherein the transverse cross-section of the proximal end portion of the bore is greater than that transverse cross-section of the distal end portion of the bore. The requirement that the transverse cross-section of the proximal end portion of the bore is greater than that transverse cross-section of the distal end portion of the bore provides the surgeon with greater room in the proximal section of the bore to maneuver the instruments, while insuring that the instrument is still properly oriented by the time it passes through the distal end of the port.

Preferably, the port having the larger proximal bore has a distal end portion that is curved in order to insure proper orientation of the instruments passing therethrough. Preferably, the curve in the distal end portion is between 10 and 45 degrees.

In some embodiments, the transverse cross-section of the proximal end portion of the bore is defined by an upper insert, and the transverse cross-section of the distal end portion of the bore is defined by a lower insert and an upper insert. These embodiments possess larger proximal bores whose advantages are discussed above. The inserts may be tailored to specifically and particularly accommodate and orient the different instruments that enter the port.

Thus, now referring to FIGS. 6a-c and 7a-c, in some embodiments, there is provided a port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, comprising:

• • a) an outer cannula 34 having a bore 36 having a proximal end portion 65 and a distal end portion 67,
  • b) an upper insert 37 disposed at least in the distal end portion of the bore, and
  • c) a lower insert 35 disposed at least in the distal end portion of the bore.

Preferably, the lower insert is disposed only in the distal end portion of the bore. Its absence in the proximal portion provides room for the surgeon to maneuver the shaver in the proximal portion of the port. Preferably, the upper insert is disposed in both the proximal and distal end portions of the bore. This is advantageous because it improves the ease and insertion along the entire length and provides the superior internal geometry to control insertion angle and axis of rotation. Preferably, the proximal end portion of the bore is straight, and the distal end portion of the bore is curved. The straight proximal end portion of the bore allows for accurate placement of the distal end portion of the port near the target disc space. Preferably, the distal end portion of the upper insert has a face 38, and the lower insert has a face 40, and the faces oppose each other, thereby forming a bore therebetween that dictates the orientation of the shaver passing therethrough.

Thus, and now referring to FIG. 7a-c, there is provided an assembly comprising:

a) a curved port 91 having a bore having a transverse cross-section; and

b) a vertebral endplate shaver 95 having a transverse cross-section,

wherein the shaver is disposed within the bore of the curved port,wherein the transverse cross-section of the bore substantially corresponds to the transverse cross-section of the shaver so as to determine the orientation of the shaver within the bore.

In some embodiments, the curved port has a distal end portion 33 having a securement feature 35 for securing the curved port to vertebral bone adjacent the target disc space. Preferably, the shaver is bendable so that it can pass through the curved portion of the port. In some embodiments thereof, the bendable shaver has a shaft 96 made of a flexible material, while in others the bendable shaver has a shaft having a universal joint.

In one prophetic method of practicing the present invention, the curved port enters the patient through an incision made in the skin. It then proceeds towards the target disc by manual advancement. Once in the general area of the target disc, the distal portion 33 of the port is then bent by advancing it over a steerable catheter that has itself been bent (as explained below). This leaves the distal end portion of the port adjacent the target disc. The securement tooth is advanced into a neighboring vertebral body to stabilize port placement. After the disc space is cleared, the flexible shaver is then advanced through the curved port and into the disc space. The inner features of the curved port guide the shaver's angulation with respect to the disc space. Once the shaver has been suitably placed, the handle and drive shaft of the shaver are rotated to scrape disc tissue and endplates in a plane that is parallel to the disc space.

Therefore, in some embodiments, there is provided a method of preparing an intervertebral disc space between opposing vertebral endplates, comprising the steps of:

a) inserting a curved port into a lateral aspect of the disc space, the curved port having a bore.

FIG. 7 d discloses a port 91 and shaver 95 of the present invention.FIGS. 8a-b disclose cross-sectional views of the port-shaver assembly of FIG. 7d.

Preferably, the insertion is in a substantially coronal plane, as is generally the case for lateral implants. Preferably, the curved port has a substantially straight proximal end portion and a curved distal end portion. Preferably, the curved distal end portion of the curved port is docked to a vertebral body and is oriented substantially parallel to the opposing vertebral endplates in order to dictate endplate preparation that is parallel to the endplates. Preferably, the curved port has a distal end portion having a securement feature, through which docking of the port to a vertebral body occurs. This provides secure attachment of the port to a neighboring vertebral body.

In other embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of:

• • b) inserting a substantially straight, bendable shaver into the curved port;
  • c) advancing the shaver through the port and into an intervertebral disc space bounded by a vertebral endplate so that the shaver bends in the port, and
  • d) contacting the shaver to the vertebral endplate.Preferably, the bore of the port has a shape corresponding to a cross-section of the shaver so as to determine the orientation of the shaver within the bore. Preferably, the bendable shaver has a shaft made of a flexible material, or has a shaft having a universal joint. Preferably, the target disc space is the L5/S1 or L4/L5 disc space. It is currently very problematic to access these two disc spaces with conventional lateral cage insertion techniques. Preferably, the curved port approaches the disc space during insertion from an upper end of the spine, as is the case with conventional lateral cage insertion techniques.

Now referring to FIGS. 9a-c, a catheter 101 with a steerable tip 103 is used to laterally access the caudal disc space. It is typically advanced through an incision in the skin of the patient and directed in a straight line towards the target disc. The steering mechanism in the catheter is then actuated to impart a curve in the tip of the catheter. This curve allows the surgeon to steer the tip directly towards the disc. The tip is then advanced until it contacts the target disc.

In some embodiments, a distal end portion 105 of the catheter includes a neuro-monitoring sensor or electrode 141. This sensor connects to an external neuro-monitor as the catheter is advanced into the abdomen under fluoroscopic imaging. The function of this sensor is to detect the presence of nerves as the catheter tip is directed towards the target disc.

Once the tip is safely placed against a lateral portion of a disc, a guide wire 139 is advanced through the steerable tip and into the disc. In some embodiments, the electrode 141 can be a neuromonitoring band for sensing adjacent neural tissue. The function of this guide wire is to anchor the initial catheter in the disc and set the trajectory for the subsequent advance of dilation tubes.

In some embodiments, the steerable catheter and guidewire system is the VASCOCATH™, available from Polydiagnost of Pfaffenhofen, Germany.

Now referring to FIGS. 10a-c, the flexible dilation tubes 111,113,115 provide a minimally invasive access path for the subsequent advance of instruments or implants. Sequential flexible dilation tubes are advanced over the steerable catheter 101 and against the disc, thereby sequentially removing more and more tissue from the access path.

The flexible nature of these dilation tubes allows them to curve and thereby provide a parallel trajectory for instruments and implants laterally approaching the L4/L5 or L5/S1 disc spaces.

Therefore, and now referring to FIGS. 10a-c, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an assembly for providing access to an intervertebral disc, comprising;

• • a) a catheter 101 having a steerable tip 103,
  • b) a first flexible dilator tube 111 having a first bore 112 defining a first longitudinal axis,
  • c) a second flexible dilator tube 113 having a second bore 114 defining a second longitudinal axis,wherein the first flexible dilator tube is received with the bore of the second flexible dilator tube, andwherein the steerable tip is received within the bore of the first flexible dilator tube.

Preferably, the steerable tip is curved, thereby imparting a curve upon the longitudinal axis of each of the first and second flexible dilator tubes. Preferably, each of the first and second dilator tubes has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and wherein the curve upon the longitudinal axis of each of the first and second flexible dilator tubes is located in the distal end portion of each tube.

In some embodiments, the catheter further comprises a guide wire.

In some embodiments, and now referring to FIGS. 10a-b, at least one of the flexible dilation tubes comprises a reinforcement member 131, preferably a fiber which is preferably metallic.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second flexible dilator tubes has a frustoconical distal end.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an assembly for providing access to an intervertebral disc, comprising;

• • d) a catheter having a steerable tip,
  • e) a first flexible dilator tube having a first bore defining a first longitudinal axis,
  • f) a second flexible dilator tube having a second bore defining a second longitudinal axis,wherein the first flexible dilator tube is received with the bore of the second flexible dilator tube, andwherein the steerable tip is received within the bore of the first flexible dilator tube.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of accessing a target intervertebral disc, comprising the steps of:

• • a) advancing a steerable catheter having a tip through an incision and towards the target disc,
  • b) imparting a first curve in the tip of the steerable catheter,
  • c) docking the curved tip upon the target disc,
  • d) advancing a first flexible dilator tube over the curved tip to impart a first curve in the first flexible dilator tube.

FIGS. 10 c-e disclose telescoping dilation tubes. In FIG. 10c, each tube has helical reinforcement members 131 that are electrically connected to a neuromonitoring band 136. Thus, the ports may be used for neuromonitoring during approach. In FIG. 10d, each tube has vertical reinforcement members 131 that are electrically connected to a neuromonitoring band 136. In FIG. 10e, each tube has helical and vertical members 131 that are electrically connected to a neuromonitoring band 136. It also has slots 132 that provide additional flexibility.

Now referring to FIG. 11, the flexible dilation tubes comprise elastically deformable materials includes metallics and polymers. The flexible dilation tubes may further comprise axial reinforcing members (such as wires, fibers or struts) in order to provide improved column strength. The wall 121 of the flexible dilation tube 120 can have a secondary bore 123 to accept an endoscope for visualization of the disc and adjacent structures. Once dilation to the desired diameter is accomplished, the smaller dilation tubes may be removed. Inserts may be placed within the final dilation (or “port”) in order to provide internal guiding surfaces for guiding instruments such as flexible shavers.

Claims

1. A flexible shaver for preparing a vertebral endplate, comprising: a) a shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion,b) a handle attached to the proximal end portion of the shaft, andc) a shaving head attached to the distal end portion of the shaft, the head comprising: i) an body portion;ii) a first face forming a first cutting edge, and

2. A method of intervertebral disc space preparation, comprising the steps of: a) selecting a shaver having a flexible shaft;b) inserting the shaver into an intervertebral disc space bounded by opposed vertebral endplates, andc) contacting the shaver to a vertebral endplate.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the flexible shaft is made of a flexible material.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the flexible shaft has a universal joint.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the flexible shaft is slotted to impart flexibility.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the flexible shaft comprises a spring.

7. A method of preparing an intervertebral disc space between opposing vertebral endplates, comprising the steps of: a) inserting a curved port into a lateral aspect of the disc space, the curved port having a bore.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the insertion is in a substantially coronal plane.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the curved port has a substantially straight proximal end portion and a curved distal end portion.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the curved distal end portion of the curved port is docked to a vertebral body and is oriented substantially parallel to the opposing vertebral endplates.

11. The method of claim 7 wherein the curved port has a distal end portion having a securement feature, and further comprising the step of: b) docking the port to a vertebral body via the securement feature.

12. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of: b) inserting a substantially straight, bendable shaver into the curved port;c) advancing the shaver through the port and into an intervertebral disc space bounded by a vertebral endplate so that the shaver bends in the port, andd) contacting the shaver to the vertebral endplate.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the bore of the port has a shape corresponding to a cross-section of the shaver so as to determine the orientation of the shaver within the bore.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the bendable shaver has a shaft made of a flexible material.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the bendable shaver has a shaft having a universal joint.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the disc space is the L5/S1 disc space.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein the disc space is the L4/L5 disc space.

18. The method of claim 7 wherein the curved port approaches the disc space during insertion from an upper end of the spine.

19. An assembly comprising: a) a curved port having a bore having a transverse cross-section; andb) a vertebral endplate shaver having a tranverse cross-section,

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the curved port has a distal end portion having a securement feature for securing the curved port to bone.

21. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the shaver is bendable.

22. The assembly of claim 21 wherein the bendable shaver has a shaft made of a flexible material.

23. The assembly of claim 21 wherein the bendable shaver has a shaft having a universal joint.

24. A port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, comprising: a) an outer cannula having a bore, andb) an inner cannula having a bore having a non-circular transverse cross-section,wherein the inner cannula is disposed within the bore of the outer cannula.

25. The port of claim 24 further comprising: c) a securement feature disposed upon a distal end portion of at least one of the outer cannula and inner cannula.

26. The port of claim 24 having a distal end portion that is curved.

27. The port of claim 26 wherein the curve in the distal end portion is between 10 and 45 degrees.

27. The port of claim 26 wherein the cannulae are made of flexible materials.

28. The port of claim 26 wherein each cannulae has a geometry that imparts flexibility.

29. The port of claim 24 wherein the bores of the cannulae each has an areal cross-section, wherein the areal cross-section of the bore of the inner cannula is less than 50% of the areal cross-section of the bore of the outer cannula.

30. The port of claim 29 wherein the areal cross-section of the bore of the inner cannula is less than 25% of the areal cross-section of the bore of the outer cannula.

31. The port of claim 24 wherein the inner cannula comprises upper and lower inserts having opposing faces.

32. The port of claim 31 wherein the opposing faces each comprise a longitudinal groove therein.

33. The port of claim 31 wherein the lower insert is disposed only in a curved distal end portion of the port.

34. A port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, the port comprising a longitudinal bore therethrough, the bore having a proximal end portion having a transverse cross-section and a distal end portion having a transverse cross-section, wherein the transverse cross-section of the proximal end portion of the bore is greater than that transverse cross-section of the distal end portion of the bore.

35. The port of claim 34 having a distal end portion that is curved.

36. The port of claim 35 wherein the curve in the distal end portion is between 10 and 45 degrees.

37. The port of claim 34 wherein the transverse cross-section of the proximal end portion of the bore is defined by an upper insert, and the transverse cross-section of the distal end portion of the bore. Is defined by an upper and lower insert.

38. A port for use in preparing an intervertebral disc space, comprising: a) an outer cannula having a bore having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion,b) an upper insert disposed at least in the distal end portion of the bore, andc) a lower insert disposed at least in the distal end portion of the bore.

39. The port of claim 38 wherein the lower insert is disposed only in the distal end portion of the bore.

40. The port of claim 39 wherein the upper insert is disposed in both the proximal and distal end portions of the bore.

41. The port of claim 38 wherein the proximal end portion of the bore is straight, and the distal end portion of the bore is curved.

42. The port of claim 38 wherein a distal end portion of the upper insert has a face, and the lower insert has a face, wherein the faces oppose each other.

43. An assembly for providing access to an intervertebral disc, comprising; a) a catheter having a steerable tip,b) a first flexible dilator tube having a first bore defining a first longitudinal axis,c) a second flexible dilator tube having a second bore defining a second longitudinal axis,

44. The assembly of claim 43 wherein the steerable tip is curved, thereby imparting a curve upon the longitudinal axis of each of the first and second flexible dilator tubes.

45. The assembly of claim 44, wherein each of the first and second dilator tubes has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and wherein the curve upon the longitudinal axis of each of the first and second flexible dilator tubes is located in the distal end portion of each tube.

46. The assembly of claim 43 wherein the catheter further comprises a guide wire.

47. The assembly of claim 46 wherein the catheter further comprises a distal end portion having a neuromonitoring electrode.

48. The assembly of claim 43 wherein at least one of the flexible dilation tubes comprises a reinforcement member.

49. The assembly of claim 48 wherein the reinforcement member is a fiber.

50. The assembly of claim 48 wherein the fiber is metallic.

51. A method of accessing a target intervertebral disc, comprising the steps of: a) advancing a steerable catheter having a tip through an incision and towards the target disc,b) imparting a first curve in the tip of the steerable catheter,c) docking the curved tip upon the target disc,d) advancing a first flexible dilator tube over the curved tip to impart a first curve in the first flexible dilator tube.

52. The method of claim 51 further comprising the step of: e) advancing a second flexible dilator tube over the curved first dilator tube to impart a second curve in the second flexible dilator tube.

53. The method of claim 52 further comprising the step of: f) advancing a flexible port having a bore over the curved second dilator tube to impart a third curve in the port.

54. The method of claim 53 further comprising the step of: g) advancing an instrument through the bore of the curved port.

55. The method of claim 53 further comprising the step of: g) advancing a spinal implant through the bore of the curved port.

56. The method of claim 53 further comprising the step of: g) inserting an insert into the bore of the port to produce a guided path for advancing an instrument or implant in a desired orientation.

57. The method of claim 53 wherein the curved port has a wall that houses an endoscope.

58. The method of claim 51 wherein the docking step is accomplished by passing a guide wire through the catheter and into the target disc.

59. A flexible shaver for preparing a vertebral endplate, comprising: a) a shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion,b) a handle attached to the proximal end portion of the shaft, andc) a shaving head attached to the distal end portion of the shaft, the head comprising: i) an body portion;ii) first face forming a first cutting edge, and

60. A method of performing a procedure on a spine, comprising the step of: a) advancing an instrument along a curved path, the path being substantially in a coronal plane, towards a lateral aspect of an intervertebral disc.