A Simplified Approach to the Minimally Invasive Antral Membrane Elevation Technique Utilizing a Viscoelastic Medium for Hydraulic Sinus Floor Elevation

Purpose: Maxillary sinus augmentation surgery is frequently employed to provide adequate vertical bony dimensions in posterior maxillary sites. When significant gain in bone height is sought for, an invasive lateral-window approach is routinely used to achieve sinus floor elevation. The minimally invasive antral membrane elevation technique was initially conceived as a surgical improvisation that has been shown to lead to up to, or exceeding, 10 mm of bone height, while enhancing the safety profile of the transalveolar sinus augmentation technique. This approach is based on the use of hydraulic pressure that is applied to the schneiderian membrane via a saline-inflatable balloon. Even though this technique has been shown to be a safe and efficacious treatment modality, the need for specialized equipment, training, and corresponding costs may hinder its widespread application. The purpose of this clinical paper is to introduce a simplified approach to the minimally invasive antral membrane elevation technique.

Methods: The simplified minimally invasive antral membrane elevation technique is based on the application of hydraulic pressure by a viscous bone graft that acts as an incompressible fluid. The specific clinical steps of this technique will be demonstrated to illustrate how grafting of the maxillary sinus is achieved simultaneously with the atraumatic elevation of the schneiderian membrane, thus resulting in even less operative time.

Conclusions: This simplified technique may make the minimally invasive antral membrane elevation technique more accessible to implant surgeons as it eliminates the need for purchase of specialized equipment and aids in further decrease of intra-operative time accomplished with the original technique.