Rod contouring apparatus and method for percutaneous pedicle screw extension

A method for configuring or selecting one or more implants and percutaneously implanting the implants in a body of a patient, the method comprising:

• positioning a distal end of a first cannula proximate a first anatomic point within the body, through which the one or more implants are to pass, the first cannula having a proximal end and a central axis, the first cannula defining a first passageway therealong, and the first cannula having a first slot and a second slot in a side wall thereof;
• attaching a first simulation member to the first cannula, such that a proximal end of the first simulation member is positioned outside the body, the proximal end of the first simulation member defining a first projected point;
• positioning a distal end of a second cannula proximate a second anatomic point within the body, through which the one or more implants are to pass, the second cannula having a proximal end and a central axis, the second cannula defining a second passageway therealong, and the second cannula having a first slot and a second slot in a side wall thereof;
• attaching a second simulation member to the second cannula, such that a proximal end of the second simulation member is positioned outside the body, the proximal end of the second simulation member defining a second projected point;
• configuring or selecting the one or more implants based on locations of the first and second projected points, such that the one or more implants can be received in a position extending simultaneously through the first and second projected points;
• and
• subcutaneously passing said one or more configured or selected implants through the slots of the first cannula along a direction transverse to the central axis of the first cannula.