Patent ID: 8070751

Claim:
A system for minimally invasive surgical procedures in a patient, comprising: a number of anchor extensions each including an elongated body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, said body having a length wherein when said distal end is mounted to at least one anchor engageable to bony structure of the patient said proximal end is located outside the patient; an installation instrument including first and second support arms each including an outer engaging end, said first and second support arms each extending from said engaging end to a common junction portion, said installation instrument further including an inserter arm extending from said junction portion transversely to said first and second support arms, wherein at least one of said first and second support arms includes a pivot end pivotally coupled with a coupling portion of said installation instrument located adjacent to said junction portion and said at least one of said first and second support arms is pivotable about said pivot end at said coupling portion while the other of said first and second support arms remains fixed in position to adjust a spacing between said engaging ends of said support arms to receive and rotatably engage opposing sides of said number of anchor extensions adjacent said proximal end so that said installation instrument is pivotal around said proximal end of said number of anchor extensions, and further comprising a clamping mechanism engaged between said support arms, said clamping mechanism including a clamping arm extending between a first end coupled to said first support arm and a second end coupled to said second support arm, said first end including a lever coupled thereto movable from an open position extending away from said first support arm to space said engaging ends of said first and second support arms to receive said number of anchor extensions between said engaging ends to a closed position flush against said first support arm to clamp said anchor extensions between said engaging ends, said clamping arm biasing said lever to maintain said closed position; and a connecting element for implantation in the body of the patient engaged to said inserter arm.