US6530929B1 — Instruments for stabilization of bony structures

Claim 1

Independent Claim 90 words

A brace installation instrument, comprising: first and second anchor extensions, each having at least one proximal end and at least one distal end for mounting with a corresponding anchor secured to a bony structure; and a pivoting brace inserter having a proximal end and a distal end, and including support arms mounted adjacent the proximal end of said anchor extensions and a pivot arm extending to a brace mounting portion at the distal end of said inserter, said pivoting brace inserter pivotable about a pivot axis relative to said anchors.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 90 words

A brace installation instrument, comprising: first and second anchor extensions, each having at least one proximal end and at least one distal end for mounting with a corresponding anchor secured to a bony structure; and a pivoting brace inserter having a proximal end and a distal end, and including support arms mounted adjacent the proximal end of said anchor extensions and a pivot arm extending to a brace mounting portion at the distal end of said inserter, said pivoting brace inserter pivotable about a pivot axis relative to said anchors.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 33 words

The instrument of claim 1 , wherein each of said anchor extensions are pivotably mountable with a corresponding one of the anchors and said brace inserter is pivotably secured to said support arms.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 23 words

The instrument of claim 1 , wherein each of the support arms is pivotably secured to a corresponding one of the anchor extensions.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 17 words

The instrument of claim 3 , wherein said anchor extensions are coupled together adjacent their proximal ends.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 15 words

The instrument of claim 1 and wherein said inserter is located between said support arms.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 49 words

The instrument of claim 1 and wherein: said brace mounting portion is located at a predetermined radius from said pivot axis; and a brace mounted in said brace mounting portion extends in a curve at a substantially constant radius relative to said pivot axis from said brace mounting portion.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 22 words

The instrument of claim 1 and further comprising a brace coupler operable to selectively couple and release a brace from said inserter.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 13 words

The instrument of claim 7 , wherein said brace is a circular rod.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 50 words

The instrument of claim 7 , wherein said brace has two ends, one end being connectable to said brace coupler and the other end being adapted to puncture soft tissue of an animal body, said brace being curved in one plane and with one radius relative to said pivot axis.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 43 words

The instrument of claim 9 and wherein said brace inserter includes a curved portion that lies in a circle centered on said pivot axis at said radius, and said brace is oriented to lie in said circle when connected with said brace coupler.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 75 words

The instrument of claim 10 and wherein: said brace has a maximum dimension measured in a direction parallel to said pivot axis; and said curved portion tapers to a maximum dimension more than twice said maximum dimension of said brace when measured in a direction parallel to said pivot axis, to facilitate passage of said curved portion through soft tissue while moving behind said brace in said arc about said pivot axis during brace placement.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 24 words

The instrument of claim 9 , wherein the distal end of said brace is pointed to facilitate puncture of animal skin and soft tissue.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 26 words

The instrument of claim 1 , wherein each anchor includes a multi-axial screw and said anchor extensions are pivotably and rotatably mountable on said multi-axial screw.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 74 words

A device for use in a surgical procedure on an animal subject, comprising: a pair of anchors securable to the animal subject; an installation instrument mountable on said pair of anchors, said installation instrument movable in a fixed geometrical relationship with respect to said pair of anchors; and a connecting element coupled to said installation instrument, wherein said installation instrument moves said connecting element into a position more proximate to said pair of anchors.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 74 words

A device for use in a surgical procedure on an animal subject, comprising: a pair of anchors securable to the animal subject; an installation instrument mountable on said pair of anchors, said installation instrument movable in a fixed geometrical relationship with respect to said pair of anchors; and a connecting element coupled to said installation instrument, wherein said installation instrument moves said connecting element into a position more proximate to said pair of anchors.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 16 words

The device of claim 14 , wherein said connecting element is moved percutaneously to said position.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 13 words

The device of claim 14 , wherein said installation instrument is mounted excutaneously.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 14 , wherein said anchors are each engageable to bony structure in the animal subject.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 16 words

The device of claim 17 , wherein said anchors are each engageable to a vertebral body.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 27 words

The device of claim 14 , wherein said installation instrument includes a pair of anchor extensions each mounted on a corresponding one of said pair of anchors.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 19 , wherein said installation instrument includes a pair of support arms each coupled to a corresponding one of said anchor extensions.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 20 , wherein said support arms are pivotably coupled to said anchor extensions.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 27 words

The device of claim 21 , wherein said device includes a clamping bar extending between said support arms releasably clamping said anchor extensions between said support arms.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 20 , wherein said installation instrument includes a pivoting inserter pivotably coupled to said support arms.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 22 words

The device of claim 14 , wherein said anchors each include a passage and said connecting element is moved into said passages.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 25 words

The device of claim 24 , wherein said anchors each include a set screw for securing said connecting element in said passage to said anchor.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 25 , wherein each of said set screws is releasably secured to said installation instrument.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 13 words

The device of claim 14 , wherein said anchors are multi-axial bone screws.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 14 , wherein said installation instrument moves said connecting element along an arc.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 28 , wherein said arc has a center of curvature defined by a pivot axis of said installation instrument.

Claim 32

Independent Claim 87 words

A device for use in a surgical procedure on an animal subject, comprising: a pair of anchors securable to the animal subject; an installation instrument mountable on said pair of anchors, said installation instrument having a pivot axis in a fixed spatial relationship with respect to said pair of anchors when mounted thereto; and a connecting element coupled to said installation instrument, wherein said installation instrument is rotatable about said pivot axis to guide said connecting element into a desired position relative to said pair of anchors.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 87 words

A device for use in a surgical procedure on an animal subject, comprising: a pair of anchors securable to the animal subject; an installation instrument mountable on said pair of anchors, said installation instrument having a pivot axis in a fixed spatial relationship with respect to said pair of anchors when mounted thereto; and a connecting element coupled to said installation instrument, wherein said installation instrument is rotatable about said pivot axis to guide said connecting element into a desired position relative to said pair of anchors.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein said connecting element extends from said installation instrument in a curve at a substantially constant radius relative to said pivot axis.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 27 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein said installation instrument further comprises a coupler operable to selectively couple and release said connecting element from said installation instrument.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 12 words

The device of claim 32 , wherein said connecting element is indexed.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 27 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein said installation instrument includes a pair of anchor extensions each mounted on a corresponding one of said pair of anchors.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 34 , wherein said installation instrument includes a pair of support arms each coupled to a corresponding one of said anchor extensions.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said support arms are pivotably coupled to said anchor extensions.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said installation instrument includes a pivoting inserter pivotably coupled to said support arms.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein said anchors each include a passageway and said connecting element extends through said passageways when in said desired position.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 27 words

The device of claim 38 , wherein each of said anchors include a bone screw pivotably mounted in a connector, said passageway being formed through said connector.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 84 words

A brace installation instrument, comprising: first and second anchor extensions, each having at least one proximal end and at least one distal end for mounting with an anchor securable to a bony structure; a brace inserter having a proximal end and a distal end, said brace inserter mounted to said first and second anchor extensions at said proximal end of said anchor extensions, said brace inserter movable about a pivot axis; and a brace releasably coupled to said distal end of said brace inserter.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 84 words

A brace installation instrument, comprising: first and second anchor extensions, each having at least one proximal end and at least one distal end for mounting with an anchor securable to a bony structure; a brace inserter having a proximal end and a distal end, said brace inserter mounted to said first and second anchor extensions at said proximal end of said anchor extensions, said brace inserter movable about a pivot axis; and a brace releasably coupled to said distal end of said brace inserter.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 25 words

The instrument of claim 40 , wherein said brace inserter includes an arm having a brace mounting portion at said distal end receiving said brace.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 25 words

The instrument of claim 40 , wherein said brace inserter includes a pair of support arms mounted on a corresponding one of said anchor extensions.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 17 words

The instrument of claim 42 , wherein said support arms are pivotably mounted to said anchor extensions.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 20 words

The instrument of claim 42 , wherein said brace inserter includes a pivot arm pivotably mounted on said support arms.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 54 words

A minimally invasive surgical device, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; a connecting element positionable within the body; and an instrument associated with the connecting element, the instrument being operable to percutaneously place the connecting element in a predetermined location relative to the pair of anchors.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 54 words

A minimally invasive surgical device, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; a connecting element positionable within the body; and an instrument associated with the connecting element, the instrument being operable to percutaneously place the connecting element in a predetermined location relative to the pair of anchors.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 22 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the predetermined location aligns the pair of anchors with the connecting element.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 25 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument comprises a mechanical guide for directing the connecting element along a predetermined path.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 20 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 47 , wherein the mechanical guide is positioned substantially external of the body.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 15 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 47 , wherein the predetermined path is curvilinear.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 17 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 47 , wherein the predetermined path has a compound geometry.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 38 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument is fixedly positioned relative to the anchors and the connecting element is moved relative to the instrument to place the connecting element in the predetermined location.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 42 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the pair of anchors have, a predetermined respective orientation within the body, and wherein the connecting element has a desired geometry corresponding to the predetermined respective orientation of the pair of anchors.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 17 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 52 , wherein the connecting clement has a compound geometry.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 17 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the connecting clement comprises a flexible material.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 30 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the connecting element is selected from the group consisting of a rod, a cable, a band, and an artificial ligament.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 25 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the connecting element is flexible in a first state and rigid in a second state.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 21 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the connecting element comprises a material having elastic or super-elastic characteristics.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 86 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein a first anchor of the pair of anchors is affixable to a first bone within the body, wherein a second anchor of the pair of anchors is affixable to a second bone within the body, and wherein the first anchor and the second anchor each have a desired anchor position with respect to each other, and wherein the predetermined location of the connecting element maintains the first anchor and second anchor in the desired anchor position.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 59 words

The minimally invasive surgical device claim 45 , wherein the pair of anchors each have a receiver portion connectable with the connecting element, wherein the receiver portions of the pair of anchors have a predetermined respective orientation within the body, and wherein the connecting element has a desired geometry corresponding to the predetermined respective orientation of the receiver portions.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 19 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument is releasably coupled to the connecting element.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 21 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument is positioned substantially external with respect to the body.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 21 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument is positionable substantially internal with respect to the body.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 18 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument is fixedly connectable to the anchors.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 29 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument, or the connecting, element, and the anchors include position sensing units associated with an image guided system.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 54 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , further comprising an image guided system, and position sensing units associated with the connecting element and the anchors, and wherein the position of the connecting element relative to the anchors is dynamically tracked using a system that identifies the location of the position sensing units.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 24 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument comprises a detachment mechanism for releasing the connecting element from the instrument.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 16 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 66 , wherein the detachment mechanism is remotely operable.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 21 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 66 , wherein the detachment mechanism is externally operable with respect to the body.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 28 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument comprises a coupling mechanism for attaching the connecting element to the instrument in a predetermined orientation.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 15 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 69 , wherein the predetermined orientation is fixed.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 39 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , wherein the instrument is releasably coupled to the connecting element, and wherein the instrument is further operable to guide the connecting element along a predetermined path to the predetermined location.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 76 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 45 , further comprising: at least a pair of receiver members movably connected to a corresponding one of the pair of anchors, each of the pair of receiver members comprising a body having a passageway therethrough; and an alignment mechanism percutaneously extendable within the body and connectable with the pair of receiver members, the alignment mechanism operable for controlling a position of the passageway of each respective receiver member.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 30 words

The minimally invasive surgical device of claim 72 , wherein the connecting element comprises a predetermined geometry, and wherein an aligned position of the pair passageways matches the predetermined geometry.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 110 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; a connecting element having a geometry configured for connection with the pair of anchors, the connecting element movable between a first position corresponding to a percutaneous insertion position of the connecting element with respect to the body, and a second position within the body, the second position having a predetermined relationship with respect to the position of the pair of anchors; and an inserter referenced to the pair of anchors, the inserter being operable to move the connecting element along a predetermined path between the first position and the second position.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 110 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; a connecting element having a geometry configured for connection with the pair of anchors, the connecting element movable between a first position corresponding to a percutaneous insertion position of the connecting element with respect to the body, and a second position within the body, the second position having a predetermined relationship with respect to the position of the pair of anchors; and an inserter referenced to the pair of anchors, the inserter being operable to move the connecting element along a predetermined path between the first position and the second position.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 20 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 74 , wherein the inserter is mechanically referenced to the pair of anchors.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 20 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 74 , wherein the inserter is dynamically referenced to the pair of anchors.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 39 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 74 , further comprising an image guided navigation system associated with the inserter and the anchors, the image guided navigation system operable for dynamically referencing the inserter with the pair of anchors.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 170 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: a connecting element having a predetermined geometry comprising at least a first connector point and a second connector point; an instrument having a coupling mechanism for holding the connecting element in a predetermined relationship with the instrument, and wherein the instrument is operable to guide the connecting element along a predetermined path, the predetermined path comprising at least a first path point, a second path point and a third path point, the first path point and the second path point respectively positionable in a predetermined orientation within a body of a patient, the third path point positionable external to the body, wherein the predetermined path comprises a percutaneous insertion path; and at least a first anchor and a second anchor, the first anchor at a first position corresponding to the first path point and affixable to a first structure within the body, the second anchor at a second position corresponding to the second path point and affixable to a second structure within the body.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 170 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: a connecting element having a predetermined geometry comprising at least a first connector point and a second connector point; an instrument having a coupling mechanism for holding the connecting element in a predetermined relationship with the instrument, and wherein the instrument is operable to guide the connecting element along a predetermined path, the predetermined path comprising at least a first path point, a second path point and a third path point, the first path point and the second path point respectively positionable in a predetermined orientation within a body of a patient, the third path point positionable external to the body, wherein the predetermined path comprises a percutaneous insertion path; and at least a first anchor and a second anchor, the first anchor at a first position corresponding to the first path point and affixable to a first structure within the body, the second anchor at a second position corresponding to the second path point and affixable to a second structure within the body.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 36 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 78 , further comprising a securing element affixing the connecting element to the first and second anchors to maintain the first and second structures relative to the predetermined orientation.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 66 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; a connecting element, the connecting element being positionable within the body to a predetermined location relative to the pair of anchors; and an instrument coupled to the connecting element, the instrument being operable to percutaneously guide the connecting element along a predetermined path to the predetermined location.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 66 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; a connecting element, the connecting element being positionable within the body to a predetermined location relative to the pair of anchors; and an instrument coupled to the connecting element, the instrument being operable to percutaneously guide the connecting element along a predetermined path to the predetermined location.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 23 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 80 , wherein the instrument has a known relationship with respect to the pair of anchors.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 17 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 80 , wherein the known relationship comprises a fixed relationship.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 17 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 80 , wherein the known relationship comprises a variable relationship.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 52 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 80 , further comprising an image guided navigation system in communication with the pair of anchors and at least one of the instrument and the connecting element, the image guided navigation system operable from referencing the pair of anchors with respect to the connecting element.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 31 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 80 , wherein the connecting element comprises a longitudinal axis, and wherein the instrument is coupled to the connecting element along the longitudinal axis.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 69 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; a connecting element positionable within the body at a predetermined location relative to the pair of anchors, the connecting element having a longitudinal axis; and an inserter in contact with the connecting element along the longitudinal axis, the inserter operable to percutaneously position the connecting element at the predetermined location.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 69 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; a connecting element positionable within the body at a predetermined location relative to the pair of anchors, the connecting element having a longitudinal axis; and an inserter in contact with the connecting element along the longitudinal axis, the inserter operable to percutaneously position the connecting element at the predetermined location.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 52 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 86 , wherein the inserter further comprises a contact portion in contact with the connecting element, and wherein the contact portion is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the connecting element during at least a portion of the percutaneous positioning of the connecting element.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 19 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 87 , wherein the contact portion is affixed to the connecting element.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 26 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 86 , wherein the connecting element and the inserter are positioned in a predetermined orientation relative to one another.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 15 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 89 , wherein the predetermined orientation is fixed.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 32 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 86 , further comprising a releasable attachment mechanism for connecting a portion of the inserter with the connecting element in alignment with the longitudinal axis.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 33 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 86 , further comprising a guide mechanism operable to control relative movement of the connecting element along a predetermined path relative to the pair of anchors.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 86 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 86 , wherein the connecting element comprises a first contact portion and the inserter comprises a second contact portion, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are aligned with the longitudinal axis, and further comprising: an attachment mechanism connected to the first contact portion and the second contact portion; and a release mechanism connected to the attachment mechanism the release mechanism being operable to release the connection between the attachment mechanism and the first contact portion.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 59 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 86 , wherein the connecting element comprises a first contact portion and the inserter comprises a second contact portion, wherein a connection between the first contact portion and the second contact portion defines an external geometry, and further comprising a release mechanism operable to release the connection without expanding the external geometry.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 66 words

A minimally invasive surgical system for spinal stabilization, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within at least a corresponding pair of vertebral bone portions; a connecting element, the connecting element being positionable to a predetermined location relative to the pair of anchors; and an instrument associated with the connecting element, the instrument being operable to percutaneously place the connecting element in the predetermined location.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 66 words

A minimally invasive surgical system for spinal stabilization, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within at least a corresponding pair of vertebral bone portions; a connecting element, the connecting element being positionable to a predetermined location relative to the pair of anchors; and an instrument associated with the connecting element, the instrument being operable to percutaneously place the connecting element in the predetermined location.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 119 words

A minimally invasive surgical system for spinal stabilization, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within at least a corresponding pair of vertebral bone portions within a body; a connecting element having a geometry configured for connection with the pair of anchors, the connecting element having a first position corresponding to a percutaneous insertion position of the connecting element with respect to the body, and a second position within the body, the second position having a predetermined relationship with respect to the position of the pair of anchors; and an inserter referenced to the pair of anchors, the inserter being operable to move the connecting element along a predetermined path between the first position and the second position.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 119 words

A minimally invasive surgical system for spinal stabilization, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within at least a corresponding pair of vertebral bone portions within a body; a connecting element having a geometry configured for connection with the pair of anchors, the connecting element having a first position corresponding to a percutaneous insertion position of the connecting element with respect to the body, and a second position within the body, the second position having a predetermined relationship with respect to the position of the pair of anchors; and an inserter referenced to the pair of anchors, the inserter being operable to move the connecting element along a predetermined path between the first position and the second position.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 84 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; at least a pair of receiver members movably connectable to a corresponding one of the pair of anchors, each of the pair of receiver members comprising a body having a passageway therethrough; and an alignment mechanism percutaneously extendable within the body and connectable with the pair of receiver members, the alignment mechanism operable for controlling a position of the passageway of each respective receiver member.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 84 words

A minimally invasive surgical system, comprising: at least a pair of anchors positionable within a body of a patient; at least a pair of receiver members movably connectable to a corresponding one of the pair of anchors, each of the pair of receiver members comprising a body having a passageway therethrough; and an alignment mechanism percutaneously extendable within the body and connectable with the pair of receiver members, the alignment mechanism operable for controlling a position of the passageway of each respective receiver member.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 50 words

The minimally invasive surgical system of claim 97 , further comprising: a connecting element positionable within the body to a predetermined location relative to each of the passageways; and an instrument associated with the connecting element, the instrument being operable to percutaneously place the connecting element in the predetermined location.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2006-03-10	2006-09-09	2007-03-11	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2010-03-10	2010-09-09	2011-03-11	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2014-03-10	2014-09-09	2015-03-11	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Instruments for stabilization of bony structures

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