A pilot-study of a minimally invasive technique to elevate the sinus floor membrane and place graft for augmentation using high hydraulic pressure: 18-month follow-up of 20 cases

Objective. To evaluate medical efficacy and safety of crestal, minimally invasive sinus floor augmentation (MISFA) using an innovative method based on high hydraulic pressure. Study design. Twenty MISFA using the novel Jeder-System were performed in 18 patients at 2 study sites in Vienna, Austria. The Jeder-System consists of the Jeder-drill, the Jeder-pump, and a connecting tube-set. The pump generates high hydraulic pressure (1.5 bar) pushing back the sinus membrane from the drill at the first perforation. The pump also monitors the whole procedure by constantly measuring pressure and volume. Results. Five percent membrane perforation rate (1/20) only detected in the postoperative computed tomography scan and without implication for implant placement. Height gain of 9.2 +/- 1.7 mm achieved (from 4.6 +/- 1.4 mm to 13.8 +/- 2.3 mm). Average patient satisfaction was 9.82 on scale from 1 to 10 (10 = very satisfied). Mean duration of sick leave was 0.19 days. 18-month survival rate was 95% (1/20 implant lost). Conclusions. Within the limits of a prospective open cohort study with 20 cases, our data demonstrate the safety and medical efficacy of the novel method.