| abstract |
An intraosseous delivery apparatus having a drilling member and a sleeve member. The drilling member includes a drill housing, a connecting portion for establishing a connection to a conventional dental drilling apparatus, and a drill extending from the drill housing. The sleeve member includes a sleeve housing, and a hollow sleeve extending from the sleeve housing. The sleeve housing is adapted to be removably engaged with the drill housing such that the drill is inserted into the hollow sleeve. The drill has a length such that when the drill is inserted into the hollow sleeve, a portion of the drill extends beyond the hollow sleeve. As a result, when the drill is used to drill a hole in bone, the drill is inserted deeper into the hole than the hollow sleeve. The hollow sleeve is adapted to be left inserted in the bone when the drill is removed therefrom. The “in place” hollow sleeve is also adapted to receive a syringe needle through which anesthesia may be directly introduced into the bone via an exposed bottom portion of the drilled hole as well as via exposed side-wall portions of the drilled hole. The drill is preferably smooth, and may also be hollow so that debris generated during drilling enters the interior of the drill. In this case, when the hollow drill is removed from the hollow sleeve, the debris within the hollow drill may also be removed. Still further, the drill may be made of a titanium alloy whose flexibility, wearability and cutting ability is greater than that of conventional hardened stainless steel. |