Patent ID: 7666188
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A percutaneous access system for introducing a spinal fixation element into a patient's body, comprising: a plurality of spinal anchors that are adapted to be implanted in bone; a plurality of elongate, generally cylindrical hollow tubes, each tube having a proximal end, a distal end that is mated to one of the plurality of spinal anchors, and at least one sidewall opening extending from the distal end of the hollow tube and terminating at a position distal to the proximal end; a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve being disposable over one of the plurality of tubes to prevent disengagement of the tube from the spinal anchor, and a spinal fixation element that is adapted to be positioned in relation to at least two of the plurality of spinal anchors when the anchors are disposed within adjacent vertebra.