Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a suitable location for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication are disclosed. The apparatus includes a probe having a rod coupled to a transducer. The transducer introduces an acoustic or incident wave into the rod. The wave travels through the rod to a tissue in a patient's mouth about the end of the rod, and at least part of the wave is reflected by the tissue back into the rod towards the transducer. The reflected wave contains information relating to the structure of the tissue beneath the probe's tip. The differences between successive oral readings are used to distinguish between different regions of tissue (e.g. containing bone tissue, tooth, ligament, etc.) and/or is used to analyze the density of a particular region, for finding a suitable location for inserting a drill/catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.