Patent ID: 7695475
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A system for minimally invasive surgical procedures in a patient, comprising: a number of anchor extensions each including an elongated body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, said body having a length wherein when said distal end is mounted to at least one anchor for engagement to bony structure of the patient and said proximal end is located outside the patient; a connecting element for implantation in the body of the patient; and an installation instrument including a mounting portion engageable to said number of anchor extensions and an inserter arm extending from said mounting portion along an axis oriented transversely to said mounting portion, said inserter arm including a bore with an elongated securing member therein, said securing member extending between a securing end adjacent a distal end of said inserter arm and an opposite end coupled to an actuating member adjacent a proximal end of said inserter arm, said actuating member being pivotally mounted to said installation instrument for movement between an unlocked positioned wherein said securing end projects from said distal end of said inserter arm to receive said connecting element to a locked position wherein said actuating member moves said securing end into said bore of said inserter arm, said inserter arm engaging said securing member as said securing member is moved therein to engage said connecting element to said securing end, wherein said actuating member is coupled to a latch mechanism, said latch mechanism being releasably engaged to said opposite end of said securing member, wherein when said actuating member is in said unlocked position said latch mechanism is movable between an unlatched position for receiving and removing said opposite end of said securing member therein and a latched position for engaging said opposite end of said securing member therein and said latch mechanism includes a housing mounted to said actuating member and a latch member coupled to said housing, said latch member being movable relative to said housing between said latched and unlatched position.