Minimally invasive access device and method

Abstract

A device that provides access to a surgical location within a patient has an elongate body that has a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a passage that extends through the elongate body. The elongate body is capable of having a configuration when inserted within the patient wherein the cross-sectional area of the passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location. The first location is distal to the second location. The passage is capable of having a generally oval shaped cross section between the second location and the proximal end.

1 - 49 . (canceled)  
     
     
         50 . A device for providing access to a surgical location within a patient, said device comprising: 
 an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface, said inner surface defining a passage extending through the elongate body and through which surgical instruments can be inserted to the surgical location, said elongate body capable of having a configuration when located within the patient wherein the cross-sectional area of said passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location; and    a lighting element coupled with said elongate body to provide light to the surgical location.    
     
     
         51 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein said passage is capable of having an oblong shaped cross section between the second location and the proximal end.  
     
     
         52 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein the configuration of the elongate body between the first location and the second location is generally conical when the elongate body is located within the patient.  
     
     
         53 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein the elongate body is configured to be inserted through the skin of the patient and is sized to provide access to a spinal location.  
     
     
         54 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein the elongate body is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration when located within the patient, the second configuration providing the cross-sectional area of said passage at a first location greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location.  
     
     
         55 . The device of  claim 54 , wherein the elongate body is expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration.  
     
     
         56 . The device of  claim 54 , wherein the elongate body has an oblong shaped cross section at its proximal end at least when the elongate body is in the second configuration.  
     
     
         57 . The device of  claim 54 , wherein the lighting element has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled with a light source.  
     
     
         58 . The device of  claim 54 , wherein the lighting element has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled with a mechanical arm.  
     
     
         59 . The device of  claim 54 , wherein the lighting element is coupled with a support member, wherein the support member extends generally perpendicular to the lighting element.  
     
     
         60 . An illuminated surgical cannula, comprising: 
 a surgical cannula that has an outer diameter, an inner diameter, a distal end, and a proximal end, wherein an interior area is defined by the inner diameter, the distal end, and the proximal end; and    an interface ring attached to the proximal end, wherein the interface ring includes a light source interface in photonic communication with an array of fiber optic wire, wherein the array is arranged to direct light towards the distal end of the cannula.