Patent ID: 8702725

Claim:
A system for positioning a device for pedicle access comprising: a clip for securing the device for pedicle access, wherein the clip is constructed of a radiolucent material the clip being formed as an integral unit and including: a shaft having a threaded portion, a first jaw extending substantially parallel from the shaft, the first jaw including a first sloped surface that slopes outwardly from a central axis of the shaft, a second jaw opposed to the first jaw and extending substantially parallel from the shaft, the second jaw including a second sloped surface that slopes outwardly from the central axis of the shaft, the first and second jaws forming a gap therebetween, an elongated relief area extending along the central axis of the shaft between the threaded portion of the shaft and the gap, wherein the first and second jaws are biasable from an open position to a closed position, wherein the jaws accept the device for pedicle access in the open position and secure the device for pedicle access in the closed position; a sleeve having a bore, the bore having a threaded portion configured to engage the threaded portion of the shaft, the bore further having a sloped surface configured to engage the first sloped surface and second sloped surface of the first and second jaws, respectively, wherein relative rotation between the sleeve and the clip in a first direction drives the first and second jaws to the closed position, and wherein relative rotation between the sleeve and the clip in a second direction drives the first and second jaws to the open position; and a frame configured for securing the clip, the frame including a plurality of arms joined by joints, wherein the joints are configured to allow the arms to be adjustable with respect to one another when the arms are manipulated by a sufficient outside force and to maintain the arms in position when the arms are not subjected to a sufficient outside force.