A dilation system and method for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a dilation assembly and an actuating mechanism. The dilation assembly comprises plurality of dilator segments. The actuating mechanism is operably associated with the dilator segments so as to cause the dilator segments to move from a collapsed state to an expanded state.

A dilation system and method for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a dilation assembly and an actuating mechanism. The dilation assembly comprises plurality of dilator segments. The actuating mechanism is operably associated with the dilator segments so as to cause the dilator segments to move from a collapsed state to an expanded state.

A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is provided. The method comprises inserting a delivery tool containing the therapeutic agent through an anterior portion, a lateral portion, or an anterolateral portion of an annulus fibrosus and into the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc; and delivering the therapeutic agent to the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Devices and kits are also provided.

A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is provided. The method comprises inserting a delivery tool containing the therapeutic agent through an anterior portion, a lateral portion, or an anterolateral portion of an annulus fibrosus and into the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc; and delivering the therapeutic agent to the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Devices and kits are also provided.

A serial dilation system includes a plurality of serial dilators that can be advanced over each other so as to dilate anatomical soft tissue along a trajectory toward a target anatomical site. An access cannula can then be introduced over the serial dilators. The serial dilators can be coupled to each other, such that once the access cannula is in place, removal of one of the serial dilators from the access cannula causes all of the serial dilators to be removed from the access cannula.

A serial dilation system includes a plurality of serial dilators that can be advanced over each other so as to dilate anatomical soft tissue along a trajectory toward a target anatomical site. An access cannula can then be introduced over the serial dilators. The serial dilators can be coupled to each other, such that once the access cannula is in place, removal of one of the serial dilators from the access cannula causes all of the serial dilators to be removed from the access cannula.

An expandable inter-vivos tube that allows for the use in medical procedures while limiting known complications arising from conventional inter-vivos tubes is presented, wherein the expandable inter-vivos tube comprises a slit formed longitudinally within a tube and a plurality of nipples extending from an outer surface of the tube that are insertable within a corresponding one of a plurality of slides within an outer slidable element that is slidable within the slit. A position of the nipples within the slots causes a distance between the edges of the to increase; thus, increasing a circumference of the inter-vivos tube as the outer element is slide from a proximal end of the tube element to a distal end of the tube.

A multi-stage dilator and cannula assembly for use in surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, to provide tissue dilation and opening of a portal to enable the surgeon to access and provide treatment to anatomical feature of interest.

An introducer sheath is provided for inserting at least one medical instrument directly toward a target patient tissue site. A plurality of lumens extend longitudinally between sheath proximal and distal ends of the introducer sheath. A septum extends between the sheath proximal and distal ends and selectively laterally separates each of the sheath lumens from one another. The septum is at least partially formed from a deformable and elastomeric material. The septum has a biased condition in which the plurality of sheath lumens are at least partially isolated from one another. The septum is selectively deflectable from the biased condition to at least partially place at least one of the plurality of sheath lumens in fluid communication with at least one other of the plurality of sheath lumens.

An introducer sheath is provided for inserting at least one medical instrument directly toward a target patient tissue site. A plurality of lumens extend longitudinally between sheath proximal and distal ends of the introducer sheath. A septum extends between the sheath proximal and distal ends and selectively laterally separates each of the sheath lumens from one another. The septum is at least partially formed from a deformable and elastomeric material. The septum has a biased condition in which the plurality of sheath lumens are at least partially isolated from one another. The septum is selectively deflectable from the biased condition to at least partially place at least one of the plurality of sheath lumens in fluid communication with at least one other of the plurality of sheath lumens.