Management of a Large Artery During Maxillary Sinus Bone Grafting: A Case Report.

Introduction: Branches of the posterior superior artery (PSA) are often found within the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. Most vessels are small and laceration of the blood vessel during sinus augmentation is not uncommon. Such lacerations can result in intra-surgical bleeding complicating the augmentation procedure, otherwise they are typically non-life threatening. The purpose of the present case report is to document a maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure involving displacement of large artery from its bony canal using a piezoelectric device.

Case Presentation: A maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure was performed in a 58-year-old healthy female planned for a future implant supported fixed prosthesis. The preoperative computed tomography scan revealed a bony canal within the lateral maxillary sinus wall of the alveolar ridge. The artery tracing obvious on the lateral wall was elevated along with the Schneiderian membrane without any complication or hemorrhage using a piezoelectric device system. The postoperative healing was uneventful.

Conclusion: Elevation of a large diameter PSA branch with the Schneiderian membrane significantly minimizes the risk of vessel laceration and hemorrhagic complications.