Patent ID: 7892238
Filing Date: 2011-02-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for treating the spine of a patient, the method comprising: advancing a first access device including a first passage into the patient such that a distal end of the first access device is adjacent a first spinal location; advancing a second access device including a second passage into the patient such that a distal end of the second access device is adjacent a second spinal location, wherein the first and second spinal locations are on the same side of a mid-line of the spine; providing a flexible guide member coupled to a spinal fixation element; providing a passing instrument configured to pass the flexible guide member through the first and second passages; inserting the passing instrument holding the flexible guide member into the first passage; using the passing instrument to pass the flexible guide member through the first passage, up into and through the second passage; and moving the spinal fixation element into position adjacent the first and second spinal locations using the flexible guide member.