Methods for delivering tissue implant material with a high pressure applicator

摘要

This relates to an improved delivery system for accurately loading and controlling the delivery of flowable material to a patient. Particularly, the system may be used in the injection of hard tissue implant materials such as PMMA under pressures up to about 4000 psi. The system includes an applicator with a first column having an implant material introduction section adapted to provide for effective loading of the implant material and a second column housing a piston. The introduction section has a larger size than that of a vessel section or bore in which the requisite pressure seal between the piston and bore wall is formed. The first column may include an introduction section flared open to an included larger funnel-like opening or a separate funnel may be used that interfaces with the introduction section to facilitate the introduction of implant material. Handles on the first and second columns to be turned relative to each other to advance the columns toward each other may be provided for manual actuation of the applicator to drive implant material through a cannula and deliver implant material to a desired site.