Abstract: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads.

Abstract: An expandable access device for providing access to a surgical site and incorporating a mobility member. The expandable access device may have an access portion, an expandable portion, a mobility member connecting the access portion and the expandable portion, and a passageway extending therethrough. The mobility member may connect the access portion and the expandable portion so that the access portion may be translated and/or rotated relative to the expandable portion using a surgical or diagnostic instrument/device and/or a finger. The access portion may have a fixed cross-section or may be expandable. Moreover, the expandable portion of the expandable access device may have an unexpanded and expanded position. One or more tools may be inserted through the passageway and may be used to move the expandable portion between the expanded and unexpanded position. The expandable access device may be inserted into the body down towards a surgical site, with the expandable portion in the unexpanded position.