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.