Patent ID: 7824410

Claim:
A minimally invasive surgical method comprising: making a first incision in a patient; positioning a first port in the first incision, the first port defining a first pathway from the first incision to a first vertebra; advancing a first anchor through the first pathway to a first anchor site on the first vertebra; making a second incision in the patient; positioning a second port in the second incision, the second port defining a second pathway from the second incision to a second vertebra; advancing a second anchor through the second pathway to a second anchor site on the second vertebra; positioning a first instrument in the first port, positioning a second instrument in the second port, manipulating the second instrument in cooperation with the first instrument to create a subcutaneous pathway between the first port and the second port to facilitate advancement of a fixation element to the second anchor, positioning a first end of the fixation element in the first port; advancing the first end of the fixation element subcutaneously through an opening in the first port, through the subcutaneous pathway between the first port and the second port, and through an opening in second port to the second anchor; and coupling the fixation element to the first anchor and the second anchor.