Patent ID: 8685066
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for delivering a spinal fixation element to a surgical site, comprising: engaging a plurality of percutaneous access devices to a corresponding number of spinal locations, each access device being delivered to the respective spinal location via a respective incision such that at least a first access device is delivered via a first incision, each percutaneous access device extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end disposed adjacent to a spinal anchor and a proximal end positioned outside a patient's body; releasably engaging a proximal end of a spinal fixation element to a manipulation instrument; delivering a distal portion of the spinal fixation element through the first incision in an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first percutaneous access device; manipulating the distal portion of the spinal fixation element through opposed distal sidewall openings of the first percutaneous access device; guiding the distal portion of the spinal fixation element through opposed distal sidewall openings of each remaining percutaneous access device; placing the spinal fixation element within the plurality of spinal anchors such that at least a portion of the spinal fixation element resides within each of the plurality of spinal anchors, the spinal fixation element maintaining a fixed orientation relative to a handle of the manipulation instrument during the delivering, manipulating, guiding, and placing steps; and releasing the spinal fixation element from the manipulation instrument following the placing step.