Study of Elevation Forces and Resilience of the Schneiderian Membrane Using a New Balloon Device in Maxillary Sinus Elevations on Pig Head Cadavers

Background: Although elevation of the sinus can be considered a predictable procedure, it is nonetheless not free of complications, for which reason there is a constant search for new tools and techniques that may reduce these complications. The present study focused on maxillary sinus lifts performed on pig heads cadavers, using a new device with the balloon technique. Materials and Methods: Fifteen ex vivo adult pig heads were used in this experimental study. Sinus floor elevation was performed using the new balloon elevation control system, which consists of a syringe containing latex and serum as well as a system of burs for membrane access and control. Each lift was performed within a 3 min time frame while constant pressure was applied to allow the tissue to adapt to the tension. Results: In 100% of cases, perforations do not occur during aperture or in the elevation of the wall. In the global sample, there was histological elevation in 73.33% compared to 26.66% non-elevation (p = 0.0268). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, the maxillary sinus lifts employing the new device and the balloon technique were minimally invasive procedures. The elevations achieved proved sufficient to allow future placement of implants of varying lengths and diameters without risk of perforating the membranes, even in the presence of crests of less than 1 mm.