Patent ID: 7666189

Claim:
A system for implanting an elongated fixation device into a channel formed in one or more spinal fixation devices through an opening in a patient, the system comprising: a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, a passageway from the proximal end to the distal end and at least one slot intersecting the passageway, wherein the at least one slot is sized and configured to receive the elongated fixation device; wherein the cannula includes: an outer cannulated shaft having a bore therethrough; and an inner cannulated shaft having a bore therethrough, the bore of the inner cannulated shaft defining the passageway, the inner cannulated shaft slidably receivable within the bore of the outer cannulated shaft, the inner cannulated shaft includes diametrically opposed flexible members, each flexible member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion is operably connected to the inner cannulated shaft and the second end portion is moveable with respect to the inner cannulated shaft, the outer cannulated shaft is slidable on the inner cannulated shaft to and between a first position and a second position, the flexible members positioned in engagement with an outer periphery of the spinal fixation device when the outer cannulated shaft is positioned in the second position, the inner cannulated shaft further includes an arm diametrically opposed to the slot, the arm having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion is operably connected to the inner cannulated shaft and the second end portion is moveable with respect to the inner cannulated shaft such that when the outer cannulated shaft moves from the first position to the second position, the second end portion of the arm moves into the channel formed in thespinal fixation device.