3D Printed Maxillary Surgical Guide for Sinus Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical guides for dental implant procedures lack precision, leading to inaccurate bone grafting and increased risk of damaging vital structures during sinus elevation and grafting procedures, especially in edentulous patients with insufficient bone mass.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printed surgical guide is developed using data from cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans and 3D imaging software, allowing for precise alignment and fitting with the patient's maxilla, thereby enabling accurate osteotomy preparation and sinus membrane elevation without anatomical obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical guides are used for sinus elevation and grafting procedures, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the precision of bone grafting is insufficient and there is an increased risk of damaging vital structures
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide is designed and manufactured before the surgical procedure using preoperative CBCT scans and 3D imaging software. The guide is custom-fitted to the patient's maxillary anatomy in advance, allowing precise pre-planning of osteotomy locations and depths, thereby eliminating the need for intraoperative estimation and reducing the risk of damaging vital structures during the actual surgery
Solution Approach 2:
A physical 3D copy of the patient's maxillary anatomy is created from CBCT scan data. This digital model is then used to fabricate a surgical guide that replicates the precise anatomical features, sinus membrane locations, and bone structures. The guide serves as a tangible template that transfers the digital precision to the surgical field, enabling accurate bone grafting without manual manipulation
2Reliability
If the osteotomy is prepared in a straight line higher than the highest point of the sinus floor to ensure penetration into the sinus cavity, then the sinus cavity can be accessed, but unnecessary bone is removed and the procedure becomes more traumatic
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide incorporates locally adapted features that match the varying depth and contours of the sinus floor across different regions of the maxilla. The guide includes depth indicators and osteotomy guides that are specifically positioned at the correct depth for each location, allowing the surgeon to penetrate the sinus membrane at the precise moment without removing excessive bone, thereby minimizing trauma while ensuring reliable sinus access
3Reliability
If the osteotomy is prepared too deep to avoid missing the sinus membrane, then the sinus membrane can be accessed, but the risk of tearing the membrane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide incorporates real-time visual feedback mechanisms in the form of depth indicators, colored markers, and radiopaque references that allow the surgeon to monitor the depth of osteotomy progression relative to the sinus membrane location. This feedback system enables the surgeon to stop drilling at the precise moment before penetrating the membrane, ensuring reliable access while preventing tearing through controlled depth management
4Reliability
If manual manipulation is used to negotiate the lateral wall of the sinus inferior to the osteotomy, then the sinus membrane can be elevated, but the technical difficulty increases and the risk of membrane tearing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the osteotomy opening and the sinus membrane. The guide includes a sinus membrane elevator component that is integrated into the guide structure, providing a controlled mechanical advantage for elevating the membrane without requiring complex manual maneuvers. This intermediary device simplifies the operation and reduces the risk of membrane tearing by distributing forces more evenly and predictably
Data Source
AI summary
An accurate and precise surgical guide for dental procedures, especially a procedure involving a subject with few or no teeth as well as methods for making and use of such guides.