Patent ID: 8894658

Claim:
A system configured for stabilizing a bone structure of a patient, the system comprising: an access cannula configured for penetrating into a bone structure; a guide stylet assembly that comprises a stylet including memory metal and incorporating a distal pre-set curve; and an overlying delivery tube through which the stylet snugly and slidably extends, where the stylet and the delivery tube have sufficient length to extend through and be operable beyond the distal end of the access cannula, and where the pre-set curve is held generally longitudinally straight when the stylet is constrained by the access cannula; an expandable member configured for passage through and deployment outside a distal end of the overlying delivery tube; and proximal end indicia showing the direction of curvature of the stylet's pre-set curve and indicating when a distal end terminus of the stylet is aligned with and ready to exit the distal end of the delivery tube.