Insertion of Pterygoid Implants Using a New Device - Safeguard Equipped with DSG Technology

Objectives: Presentation of a case series of pterygoid implants inserted with a device called SafeGuard (SG) based on Dynamic Surgical Guidance (DSG) technology that is used in spinal surgeries for safe implant placement.

Methods: The pterygoid implant is inserted via the maxillary tuberosity and pyramidal process of the palatine bone, then engages the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. SG is a hand-held implant placement device using audio alerts along with light-emitting diode (LED) warning lights to guide the surgeon. Electrical conductivity is measured at the tip of the device, allowing relative differentiation of tissue conductivity. The SG emits a different sound (frequency and pitch) to differentiate cancellous bone from cortical bone, nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue and alerts the surgeon before impending breach.

Results: Twenty-five pterygoid implants in conjunction with regular implants were inserted using the SG device for prosthetic rehabilitation of extreme atrophic posterior maxillary region.

Conclusions: The DSG technology and the use of SG allows the surgeon to place pterygoid implants with high grade of accuracy, safety and confidence.