Patent ID: 8734452
Filing Date: 2014-05-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An angular guidance system used to attach first and second spine fixation elements at a predetermined angle relative to each other to first and second locations of a vertebra, respectively, comprising: first and second guide arms pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point and configured to pivot around a pivot axis passing through said first pivot point so as to be set at said predetermined angle relative to each other; first and second guide tubes passing through first and second elongated through-bore openings formed in said first and second guide arms, respectively, and forming an X-structure as they exit said first and second through-bore openings; first and second guide wires configured to be inserted through said first and second guide tube into said first and second vertebral locations; a facet access assembly for dilating tissue surrounding said guide wires and inserting first and second cannulas into said first and second vertebral locations, respectively; and wherein said facet access assembly comprises a cannula, an obturator, an obturator release trigger and a handle and wherein said obturator passes through said cannula and comprises a guide wire channel for inserting the obturator over said guide wires and wherein releasing said obturator release trigger advances said obturator forward and causes dilation of tissue surrounding said guide wires.