SURGICAL HEAD HOLDING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surgical head holding device (1000) for use in a medical treatment. The head holding device (1000) encompasses hereby a head clamp (100). The head clamp comprises a first arm (101) and a second arm (103), wherein the first arm (101) as well as the second arm (103) comprise each a pin (101s, 103s), in order to receive or to clamp the head therein. Furthermore, the head holding device (1000) comprises a first bar (401) and a first connection arrangement (301) for connecting the first bar (401) to the head clamp (100).

Claims

1. A surgical head holding device for use in a medical treatment, wherein the surgical head holding device encompasses: a head clamp having a first arm and a second arm, wherein both the first arm and the second arm have each at least one pin for receiving or clamping the head therebetween; a first bar which comprises a rail extending radially and/or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first bar; and a first connection arrangement for connecting the first bar to the head clamp.

2. The surgical head holding device according to claim 1, wherein: the first connection arrangement is a clamping device.

3. The surgical head holding device according to claim 1, further comprising: a bracket; and a second connection arrangement configured to connect the bracket to the rail.

4. The surgical head holding device according to claim 1, wherein the first connection arrangement or the second connection arrangement is designed to define one first axis of rotation and to enable a bar or bracket received therein to use this connection arrangement exclusively to rotate about the first axis of rotation, and wherein the other of these two connection arrangements is designed to define at least one second axis of rotation and one third axis of rotation and to enable a bar or bracket received therein to rotate about at least both said second axis of rotation and said third axis of rotation by this connecting arrangement.

5. The surgical head holding device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second bar; and a third connection arrangement configured to connect the second bar to the first bar.

6. The surgical head holding device according to claim 5, wherein the third connection arrangement is configured to define one fourth axis of rotation and to enable a bar received therein to exclusively rotate about the fourth axis of rotation by this connection arrangement.

7. The surgical head holding device according to claim 1, wherein the first connection arrangement comprises or is connected to a clamp for connecting the first connection arrangement to the first arm.

8. The surgical head holding device according to claim 7, wherein the clamp is shiftable along the first arm.

9. The surgical head holding device according to claim 7, wherein the clamp comprises a threaded screw, but does not comprise claws.

10. A bar which comprises, or is connected to, a rail extending radially and/or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first bar, for the connection to a head clamp for or of a surgical head holding device.

11. The surgical head holding device according to claim 1, wherein the rail is at an end section of the first bar.

12. The surgical head holding device according to claim 7, wherein the clamp is for connecting the first connection arrangement to the section of the first arm carrying the at least one pin.

13. The bar according to claim 10, wherein the rail is at or connected to an end section of the bar.

Description

[0097] The present invention is exemplarily described below based on the accompanying, partly simplified figures, in which identical reference numerals refer to the same or to similar components. The following applies in the figures:

[0098] FIG. 1 shows a surgical head holding device according to the present invention in an exemplary first embodiment in a perspective view from the top right;

[0099] FIG. 2 shows sections of the surgical head holding device of FIG. 1 in side view;

[0100] FIG. 3 shows elements shown in FIG. 1 in perspective;

[0101] FIG. 4 shows the element shown in FIG. 3 from the front;

[0102] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the element shown in FIG. 3;

[0103] FIG. 6 shows the elements shown in FIG. 3 from above;

[0104] FIG. 7 shows the structure connected to the second arm in FIG. 1 in perspective;

[0105] FIG. 8 shows sections of the structure shown in FIG. 7 from the front and slightly from above;

[0106] FIG. 9 shows a surgical head holding device according to the present invention in an exemplary second embodiment in perspective view from the top right;

[0107] FIG. 10 shows a surgical head holding device according to the present invention in an exemplary third embodiment in perspective view from the top right;

[0108] FIG. 11 shows the head holding device of FIG. 10 from the side;

[0109] FIG. 12 shows the structure connected to the second arm in FIG. 10 in perspective;

[0110] FIG. 13 shows the structure shown in FIG. 12 from the side;

[0111] FIG. 14 shows the second arm of the head holding device of any of the preceding figures in view of its front side; and

[0112] FIG. 14a shows a cut A-A from FIG. 14

[0113] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary surgical head holding device 1000 according to the present invention, in slight perspective from above.

[0114] The head holding device 1000 has a head clamp 100 with a first arm 101 and a second arm 103.

[0115] The first arm 101 comprises a horizontal section 101h and a section 101a ascending therefrom (with respect to its arrangement in FIG. 1).

[0116] Likewise, the second arm 103 comprises a horizontal section 103h and a section 103a ascending therefrom (with respect to its arrangement in FIG. 1).

[0117] The ascending section 101a, 103a may alternatively be described as “protruding” or “standing away”.

[0118] The horizontal sections 101h and 103h may be connected to each other in a non-releasable or releasable manner. In each of these cases, they may be connected to one another in order to be adjustable relative to each other. Thus, as in the example in FIG. 1, a toothed rail 105, a ratchet, or the like may be provided.

[0119] One, two or more gear rims 107, 109 may be provided for attaching accessories or instruments to the head clamp 100, e.g. on one of the horizontal sections, as shown here for the horizontal section 101h. Other interfaces or docking points for attaching accessories or instruments to the head clamp 100 may be provided, for example, at horizontal sections 101h and 103h or ascending sections 101a and 103a. They may for this purpose be provided integrally or connected (screwed, welded, etc.).

[0120] Both the first arm 101 and the second arm 103 each carry, using their ascending sections 101a and 103a, at least one pin for clamping the skull between them, wherein the ascending section 101a herein exemplarily carries two pins 101s and the ascending section 103a carries one pin 103s.

[0121] The first arm 101 is connected to a clamp 201 in its ascending section 101a, which is represented in more detail in FIG. 7.

[0122] The clamp 201 may optionally be provided to be shifted along the ascending section 101a. The range in which a shiftable is possible may optionally be limited, for example by webs, steps, the choice of the diameter or another dimension of the arm 101 at this point, etc.

[0123] The clamp 201 may comprise a clamping shoe 201a and a protrusion 201b being optionally connected thereto in a rotation-proof manner or integral therewith. In FIG. 1 the protrusion 201b is exemplarily designed as a cylindrical section.

[0124] The protrusion 201b or another section of the clamp 201 may comprise an interface or coupling point for connecting an instrument or accessory, e.g. in the form of a gear rim 201c.

[0125] A first connection arrangement 301, which in this example comprises three through-openings, of which, optionally exactly, two comprise a variable inner diameter, is releasably clamped in one of these through-openings on projection 201b. As long as it is not clamped, the first connection arrangement 301 is rotatable around the protrusion 201b. Tightening a clamping screw 301a, e.g. by a screw handle or handle H, clamps the first connection arrangement 301 with the protrusion 201b or against it.

[0126] A first bar 401 is inserted into a further through-opening with a variable diameter of the first connection arrangement 301. It may also be rotated within the through-opening receiving it and/or may be displaced in its height in relation to the first connection arrangement 301 as long as the clamping screw 301a has not been tightened or this has not been prevented in some other way.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 1, the first connection arrangement 301 thus defines a first axis of rotation, which in relation to FIG. 1 corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the protrusion 201b, and a second longitudinal axis which corresponds to the longitudinal axis L of the first bar 401 being shown as a dash-dotted line.

[0128] A third axis of rotation, which is defined by the first connection arrangement 301, is made possible by a twisting arrangement, which is here optionally designed as a combination of two gear rims 301c, as may optionally also be present on other connection arrangements shown in FIG. 1. It corresponds in FIG. 1 to the longitudinal axis of the clamping screw 301a, or is parallel to it.

[0129] The first bar 401 comprises a first end section 401a (bottom of FIG. 1) and a second end section 401b (top of FIG. 1).

[0130] The first end section 401a is here exemplarily a free end, which optionally carries a radially protruding locking pin 401c.

[0131] The locking pin 401c may ensure that the first bar 401, which is rotatable within the first connection arrangement 301 in the unclamped state, can only be pulled out of the through-opening of the first connection arrangement 301 at a small angle of rotation along its longitudinal direction, since the locking pin 401c can only be passed through the through-opening together with the first bar 401 in the area of a clamp opening 301d.

[0132] Locking pins similar to locking pin 401c may optionally be provided on any of the rods described herein.

[0133] The first bar 401 comprises a rail 403. Here, it is optionally connected to the second end section 401b or manufactured integrally therewith.

[0134] The rail 403 can be welded to the first bar 401, integrally manufactured or otherwise connected in a rotationally fixed, non-releasable and/or form-fit and/or force-fit manner. If, as in the present example, the possibility of rotation between bar 401 and rail 403 is dispensed with, a mechanism for allowing and preventing rotation may also be dispensed with, which may have the advantage that protrusions and instabilities that would be caused by such a mechanism do not have to be provided nor occur at this prominent location where the surgeon works.

[0135] The rail 403 can form a T-shape with the first bar 401. The rail 403 may have two opposite ends 403a and 403b, at which the rail 403 ends freely.

[0136] The rail 403 may have openings 403c or through-openings 405 for fastening additional devices or instruments. These may be provided on and/or accessible from any surface of the rail 403.

[0137] For manufacturing and cost reasons, the rail 403 may have a straight course, optionally not a curved course. If the rail 403 has a curved or otherwise non-straight course, it is advantageously convex to the head, i.e. its ends are farther from a center of the head clamp 100 than a central section of the rail 403. The straight course, like the course of the rail 403 curved or angled away from the center, allows the largest possible free space between rods in which the surgeon can find space for surgery.

[0138] The rail 403 has coupling points to which accessories or instruments may be attached directly or indirectly.

[0139] These coupling points include through-openings 405, which may be provided at one or both ends 403a and 403b, and which, e.g. may be equipped with a thread.

[0140] A second connection arrangement 501 is connected to the rail 403 at the left end of the latter, here, exemplarily, by its left through-opening 405. A similar or identical connection arrangement 501 is connected to the right end of the rail 403, here exemplarily by its right through-opening 405.

[0141] The second connection arrangements 501 in turn have a clamping screw which may be tightened and released again by a handle. Other locking mechanisms which do not act by a screw connection, but use e.g. toggle levers, eccentrics or similar, are also being considered.

[0142] The second connection arrangement 501 comprises an insertion opening 501a into which a bracket 601 is inserted. The bracket 601 may be pivoted by the second connection arrangement 501 in one plane, in the settings of FIG. 1 exemplarily in the horizontal plane. The axis of rotation about which this pivoting takes place is defined by the second connection arrangement 501 and corresponds in the example of FIG. 1 to the longitudinal axis of the clamping screw, the free end 503 of which more or less ends or closes with the upper surface of the rail 403.

[0143] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second connection arrangement 501 allows the bracket 601 to be rotated about exactly one axis of rotation, namely the one discussed above. For this purpose, the bracket 601 can be inserted into the second connection arrangement 501 in a rotation-proof or form-fit manner.

[0144] The bracket 601 may in turn be used to attach instruments, hooks, spreaders or the like. Its profile may be circular, ring-shaped or of a different shape.

[0145] FIG. 1 shows an optional further connection arrangement 501 of the above-mentioned type, which is also connected to the above-mentioned rail 403.

[0146] The above description of FIG. 1 has been limited to structures or additions which are connected to the first arm 101 or are supported by the latter.

[0147] Descriptions of elements that are connected to the first arm 101 apply analogously also to the same or to similar elements that are connected to the second arm 103, which can be seen not least from the figures. In order to avoid repetitions, their description is omitted. Instead, reference is made to the description of such elements with reference to the first arm 101.

[0148] The following description of FIG. 1 deals with structures or attachments which are connected to the second arm 103 or are supported on the latter. In this, hereinafter, those elements that differ from elements that are described in connection with the first arm 101 will be discussed.

[0149] The second arm 103 with its ascending section 103a is connected also to a clamp 201, as already discussed above. A first connection arrangement 301, as already also discussed above, is connected to the clamp 201.

[0150] In the first connection arrangement 301 there is a second bar 402 optionally comprising a tongue 402d which prevents the second bar 402 from rotating in the first connection arrangement 301. It is pointed out, however, that this tongue 402d is optional as well as other anti-rotation mechanisms (non-round cross-section, etc.) and that the first bar 401 could also comprise such a tongue.

[0151] A groove which together with the tongue 402d forms an anti-rotation protection for the second bar 402 in the first connection arrangement 301, may be provided in the first connection arrangement 301. Alternatively, the tongue may be provided in the first connection arrangement 301, but the groove may be provided on the second bar 402. Also alternatively, another anti-rotation protection may be provided instead of a tongue-groove system. However, any kind of anti-rotation protection is always optional.

[0152] As FIG. 1 shows, the second bar 402 with a further end section thereof, which optionally carries at the front end an interface, e.g. a gear rim 402e, is inserted in a further connection arrangement 701, herein referred to as the third connection arrangement. The third connection arrangement 701 may be designed like the second connection arrangement 501.

[0153] The third connection arrangement 701 connects the second bar 402 to a further first bar 401. Like the second bar 402, the first bar 401 may optionally comprise an anti-rotation protection, for example, in the form of a tongue 401d, a groove, or the like.

[0154] Just like the first bar 401 which is described with reference to the first arm 101, here the first bar 401 may be connected to a rail 403 too, as described above, or may be manufactured integrally.

[0155] The first connection arrangement 301, which is connected to the second arm 103 as well as to the second bar 402 by the clamp 201, preferably allows or defines a rotation around exactly two axes of rotation.

[0156] The third connection arrangement 701, to which the second bar 402 is also connected, preferably allows or defines a rotation about exactly one axis of rotation.

[0157] FIG. 2 shows the surgical head holding device 1000 of FIG. 1 from the side.

[0158] Handles used to tighten or lock clamping screws are marked with the reference sign H in FIG. 2.

[0159] FIG. 3 shows, in perspective, the first rod 401 of FIG. 1 together with the rail 403 and two brackets 601 connected to the rail 403 by two second connection arrangements 501.

[0160] FIG. 4 shows what is shown in FIG. 3 from the front.

[0161] It can be seen that the rail 403 does not have to sit centrally above or over the first bar 401, although this is also possible according to the present invention. Thus, the T-shape mentioned herein may also be a T with unequal legs.

[0162] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the one shown in FIG. 3.

[0163] Unlike in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the brackets 601 (one or both) are not curved, but rather straight in their longitudinal extension.

[0164] The bracket 601 of FIG. 5, one or both, may have a round diameter at least in sections. This is optional.

[0165] As in FIG. 4, the rail is not arranged with the same projection to the left or to right above the first bar 401.

[0166] FIG. 6 shows what is shown in FIG. 3 from above.

[0167] The arrows indicate the (only) direction of rotation in which the bracket 601 may rotate about an axis of rotation in the second connection arrangement 501, said axis of rotation is designated by a cross X. Rotation of, for example, an insertion portion 601a of the bracket 601 within the second connection arrangement 501 may—optionally irrespective of whether or not the connection arrangement 501 is tightened by the handle H and the clamping screw connected thereto—be impossible, for example due to welding the bracket 601 in the second connection arrangement 501, due to a tongue and groove system or the like. This design advantageously allows a high load on the bracket, in particular by a torque, for example by attachments provided on bracket 601.

[0168] FIG. 7 shows, in perspective, the structure connected to the second arm 103 in FIG. 1, but without the arm 103.

[0169] The focus of attention in FIG. 7 is on the exemplary design of the clamp 201. Its clamp shoe 201a, which here may optionally include the handle H and the clamping screw 201d connected thereto, may be designed as a U-profile in this embodiment—or in any other—according to the present invention. The U-profile does not require claws, but surrounds a section of the arm, especially the ascending one.

[0170] FIG. 8 shows sections of what is shown in FIG. 7 from the front and slightly from above.

[0171] FIG. 9 shows a surgical head holding device 1000 according to the present invention in an exemplary second embodiment in a perspective view from the top right.

[0172] This embodiment corresponds essentially to that of FIG. 1. Only the differences from the embodiment of FIG. 1 are to be mentioned below. They only relate to the structure that is supported on the second arm 103.

[0173] Starting from a clamping shoe 201a of the clamp 201, as is also known from FIG. 1, the protrusion 201b′ extends in a form-fit manner. Unlike the protrusion 201b in FIG. 1, however, this is not designed as a straight section, but has both a horizontal section (in relation to FIG. 9) and a section ascending from it, which, in FIG. 9, runs vertically. The section referred to herein as horizontal and the section referred to herein as ascending may be perpendicular to each other, they may be at a different angle to each other, but they are not parallel and do not have a common longitudinal axis.

[0174] A joint may be provided between the horizontal section and the ascending section. Preferred, however, there is no joint. The horizontal section and the ascending section are optionally made in one piece or integrally. Alternatively, they are welded together.

[0175] The first connection arrangement 301 in turn connects the protrusion 201b′ to the first bar 401 in a manner known from FIG. 1 and also shown in FIG. 9 for the first arm 101.

[0176] A gear rim 201eor another interface may optionally be arranged on the clamp 201 on the end face or at an upper end thereof, for example for coupling further accessories, such as further holders, positioning devices and/or instruments, etc.

[0177] A groove-tongue connection or other anti-rotation protection on the first bar 401 may be provided, but is dispensable.

[0178] A pin lock on the first bar 401 for protection against unwanted pulling out may be provided, but is not shown in FIG. 9. Such a securing against pulling out, which may be designed as a pin lock, may be optionally provided here as well as on any other bar mentioned herein.

[0179] The protrusion 201b′ may at any site have at least one interface or coupling point, for example designed as a gear rim 201c. This is optional

[0180] FIG. 10 shows a surgical head holding device 1000 according to the present invention in an exemplary third embodiment in perspective view from the top right.

[0181] This embodiment corresponds in many aspects to that of FIG. 9. In deviation from that, however, both arms 101 and 103 are here connected with a combination of a clamp 201 with a protrusion 201b′ and a first bar 401, as is shown in FIG. 9 only with reference to the second arm 103.

[0182] One of the clamps 201 shown in FIG. 10 is mounted with handle H pointing forward (left in FIG. 10), the other with handle H pointing backward. It can be seen on the latter that the clamp shoe 201a may also have a gear rim 201d or a differently designed interface, i.e. not only the protrusion 201b.

[0183] The rail 403 shown on the left in FIG. 10 is inclined by 90° compared to the rail 403 shown on the right. This is made possible by the first connection device or connection arrangement 301.

[0184] It can be seen from the inclined left rail 403 that the protrusion 201b′ may have an interface such as a gear rim 201c not only in its section shown horizontally in FIG. 10, but may also have such an interface, here gear rim 201e, in its section that extends away from the section shown horizontally at an angle (which is vertical here). In this way, the clamp 201 allows an accessory to be connected also from above, not only in a horizontal direction. In addition, this may advantageously increase the number of interfaces. Providing a number of interfaces as high as possible on the clamp 201 may also offer the advantage that a large number of accessories or instruments may also be adjusted in height together with the clamp 201, which is optionally height-adjustable along the arm. This would be different if the relevant interface would be attached for example to the arm itself, and thus always at the same height above the horizontal section.

[0185] Advantageously, the height adjustability of the interfaces of the clamp 201 with respect to, for example, the operating table may omit the need for height adjustment mechanisms of the instruments or accessories connected to one of the arms 101, 103.

[0186] Thus, the clamp 201 may comprise a plurality of interfaces, e.g. gear rims, that enables coupling of instruments or accessories preferably from more than one direction and, in their entirety, preferably in more than one plane.

[0187] A spring-mounted button serves as an example of a securing device 111 to secure the gear rack 105 against sliding movement by engaging the teeth of the gear rack with protrusions, teeth or the like. When or if it is moved or retracted against the spring action, it gives up its clamping or locking action, and the two horizontal sections 101h and 103h may be moved relative to each other to adjust the head clamp 100 to the patient to be treated, thereby changing the distance between the pins 101s and 103s.

[0188] FIG. 11 shows the head holding device of FIG. 10 from the side.

[0189] FIG. 12 shows the structure connected to the second arm in FIG. 10 in perspective.

[0190] FIG. 13 shows the structure shown in FIG. 12 from the side.

[0191] FIG. 14 shows the second arm 103 with a view of its front side, but without the clamp 201, which allows a view of the profile of the ascending section 103a.

[0192] A cut through this section is shown in FIG. 14a. The profile shown has the shape of a double T or an H with a middle section M and two edge webs R delimiting this middle section M in the longitudinal course of the ascending section 103a. The edge webs R protrude beyond a level of the middle section M. In other words, the middle section M is set back in relation to the edge webs R adjacent to it, namely on optionally both the front side and on the rear side of the ascending section 103a.

[0193] As in the example of FIG. 14, the width B of the middle section M optionally changes with increasing distance from the horizontal section 103h. In the example of FIG. 14, it tapers toward the top, and it becomes wider toward the bottom.

[0194] Optionally, however, at least one section is also provided in which the width B is constant. This section is optionally at least 1, 2 or 3 cm long.

[0195] The width B may be dimensioned such that the tip of the clamp screw 201d (or an element placed on the free end thereof, not shown in FIG. 14) may find space between the edge webs R at selected height portions of the ascending section 103a, somewhat higher however not more, what cannot be ignored by the user or absolutely prevents the clamp 201 from being attached to the ascending section 103a.

[0196] This design advantageously serves to prevent wanting to attach the clamp at a height of the ascending section 103a at which the clamp 201 must not be attached. There can be many reasons why the clamp 201 must not be attached beyond a predetermined end height, denoted by E in FIG. 14. For example, it can be determined that a minimum distance must be maintained between the location at which the clamp 201 is placed and that of a tip holding arrangement 120. Similarly, if the overall upwardly tapering ascending section 103a exceeds a certain height above the horizontal section 103h, the arm may no longer have the necessary strength to safely support the clamp 201 together with the forces acting thereon during use. Or, the ascending section 103a, which tapers as a whole, is not wide enough from a certain height to be able to rest against opposing walls on both sides inside the clamping shoe 201a and to be able to be supported thereon.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numerals Reference numeral Description 1000 head holding device 100 head clamp 101 first arm 101h horizontal section of the first arm 101 101a ascending section of the first arm 101 101s pin 103 second arm 103h horizontal section of the second arm 103 103a ascending section of the second arm 103 103s pin 105 gear rack 107 gear rim 109 gear rim 111 securing device 120 tip retaining or holding arrangement 201 clamp 201a clamp shoe 201b protrusion 201c gear rim 201d clamp screw 201e gear rim 201b′ protrusion 301 first connection arrangement 301a clamping screw 301c combination of two gear rims 301d clamp opening 401 first bar 401a end section 401b end section 401c locking pin 401d tongue 402 second bar 402d tongue 402e gear rim 403 rail 403a end 403b end 403c openings 405 through-opening 501 second connection arrangement 501a insertion opening 503 free end of the clamp screw 601 bracket 601a insertion opening 701 third connection arrangement B width E end height H handle L longitudinal axis of the first bar M middle section R edge webs