Patent ID: 8608651
Filing Date: 2013-12-17
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of stabilizing one or more vertebral levels of a spine, the method comprising performing the following steps i-iv during a single, continuous procedure: i. forming a posterior incision lateral to a spinous process of the spine; ii. inserting an access device into the incision, the access device having an open inner area sized and shaped to provide simultaneous access to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a pedicle of an adjacent second vertebra, and having a long axis aligned with an axis extending between the pedicles; iii. attaching a first fastener to the pedicle of the first vertebra through the access device and attaching a second fastener to the pedicle of the second vertebra through the access device without repositioning the access device between attaching the first fastener and attaching the second fastener; and iv. implanting a dynamic spinal stabilization device onto the previously attached first and second fasteners through the open inner area of the access device.