Patent ID: 7179261

Claim:
A percutaneous access device comprising: an inner tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the inner tube having a first slot formed therein, the first slot opening at the distal end of the inner tube and extending a first slot length toward the proximal end of the inner tube; and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube, the outer tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the outer tube being sized to span from at least a skin incision in a patient to a predetermined site proximate the spine of the patient, the outer tube having a second slot formed therein, the second slot opening at the distal end of the outer tube and extending a second slot length toward the proximal end of the outer tube, the distal end of the outer tube being adapted to releasably engage a bone anchor, the inner tube being adjustable relative to the outer tube along the longitudinal axis of the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor.