Patient interface system, method for coupling a patient interface with a patient interface holder, patient interface and patient interface holder

Abstract

Patient interface system (10) for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery, comprising a patient interface (12) for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder (14) for arranging the patient interface (12) on the laser device, wherein the patient interface (12) has a first positioning device (30) for attaching the patient interface (12) to the patient's eye and a second positioning device (20) for positioning the patient interface (12) relative to the patient interface holder (14); and wherein the patient interface holder (14) comprises a holding device (16) by means of which the patient interface (12) can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder (14) and which is configured to position the patient interface (12) in the coupled state relative to the patient interface holder (14) by means of the second positioning device (20).wherein the holding device (16) comprises at least one locking device (82), wherein the locking device (82) has at least one locking element (76a'-c') which is spring-loaded and, in the coupled state of the patient interface (12), interacts with an associated locking surface (72a'-c') of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12), characterized in that the holding device (16) comprises at least one guide device (18) along which the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) can be moved in a positively guided manner for coupling, wherein the guide device (18) comprises at least one groove into which an associated collar (100) of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) can be inserted for coupling.

Description

The invention relates to a patient interface system for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery. The invention further relates to a method for coupling a patient interface with a patient interface holder of such a patient interface system, as well as a patient interface and a patient interface holder for such a patient interface system. Such a patient interface system can be used, for example, in laser surgery of a human or animal eye. The patient interface system serves to position and couple the patient's eye to a laser device that generates the laser radiation for the treatment. These laser devices typically include a base unit with a laser source for generating pulsed laser radiation, such as nanosecond, femtosecond, or picosecond laser pulses, and an application head that is coupled to the patient's eye via the patient interface system. The patient interface system is usually positioned between the patient's eye and a focusing system of the laser device. This fixed coupling is necessary to maintain the distance between the laser source and the laser device.to keep their focusing system and the patient's eye constant so that the laser surgical treatment can be carried out with the necessary high precision and the laser beam can be precisely directed at the tissue of the patient's eye to be treated, for example the cornea. A generic patient interface system comprises a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder for positioning the patient interface on the laser device. The patient interface includes a first positioning device for attaching the patient interface to the patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder. The patient interface holder, in turn, includes a holding device by means of which the patient interface can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder and which is designed to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder in the coupled state by means of the second positioning device. In the coupled state, the patient interface is then positioned relative to the patient interface holder.In the assembled state, the patient interface is thus coupled at one end to the patient eye and at the other end to the patient interface holder, while the patient interface holder in turn is coupled to the laser device, so that a correct alignment between the patient eye and the laser source is ensured. From EP 2 853 247 B1, a patient interface system is known in which, in the coupled state, a rigid coupling is created between the patient interface and the patient interface holder, meaning that all degrees of freedom of movement between the two components are eliminated or blocked. As a result, the patient interface holder and the patient interface coupled to it behave like a single, integral body. CH 708 619 A1 discloses a patient interface for coupling an ophthalmic application head to a patient's eye. The patient interface comprises a patient-side interface structure for coupling to the patient's eye and a source-side interface structure for rigidly coupling the patient interface to the application head or an intermediate element. The source-side interface structure comprises a first source-side patient interface coupler and a second source-side patient interface coupler. The first source-side patient interface coupler is designed to restrict the movement of the patient interface relative to the application head or intermediate element by establishing a coupling with a first patient interface coupler counterpart of the application head or intermediate element.The second source-side patient interface coupler is designed to rigidly couple the patient interface to the application head or intermediate element by establishing a coupling with a second patient interface coupler counterpart of the application head or intermediate element, while the first source-side patient interface coupler is already coupled to the first patient interface coupler counterpart. A disadvantage of the known patient interface system is that the rigid connection has not only proven problematic with regard to the simple coupling of the patient interface holder and the patient interface, but also makes reliable positioning difficult, since the need for a rigid coupling makes it impossible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and the like. The object of the present invention is to provide a patient interface system whose patient interface can be more easily connected to the patient interface holder, while still enabling reliable positioning of the patient's eye relative to a laser device. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for more easily coupling a patient interface to a patient interface holder of such a patient interface system, while still enabling reliable positioning of the patient's eye relative to a laser device. Finally, further objects of the invention are to provide a corresponding patient interface and a corresponding patient interface holder for such a patient interface system. The problems are solved according to the invention by a patient interface system with the features of claim 1, by a method according to claim 11 for coupling a patient interface with a patient interface holder of a patient interface system, as well as by a patient interface according to claim 12 and by a patient interface holder according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims, wherein advantageous embodiments of each aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the other aspects of the invention. A first aspect of the invention relates to a patient interface system with the features of claim 1 for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery, comprising a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder for arranging the patient interface on the laser device, wherein the patient interface has a first positioning device for placing the patient interface on the patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder, and wherein the patient interface holder comprises a holding device by means of which the patient interface can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder and which is configured to position the patient interface in the coupled state relative to the patient interface holder by means of the second positioning device.Easier coupling of the patient interface and patient interface holder is ensured by the fact that the holding device includes at least one locking device, wherein the locking device has at least one locking element that is spring-loaded and, in the coupled state of the patient interface, interacts with an associated locking surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface. In other words, it is provided that the patient interface can be coupled to the patient interface holder by means of the interaction of its locking surface with at least one spring-loaded locking device of the patient interface holder and can be positioned relative to it by means of the second positioning device.This enables simple and reliable coupling, as a force-fit and / or form-fit connection with the associated locking surface is established via at least one spring-loaded locking element in the coupled state. This connection is not mechanically rigid, but allows a certain degree of relative movement between the patient interface and the patient interface holder by overcoming a spring force that can be defined as needed. Additionally, reliable positioning of the patient's eye relative to the laser device is enabled, and because not all degrees of freedom are locked, certain manufacturing tolerances can still be compensated for. Generally, "a / an" within this disclosure is to be read as an indefinite article, i.e., unless explicitly stated otherwise, always also as "at least one / at least one". Conversely, "a / an" can also be understood as "only one / only one". According to the invention, the holding device comprises at least one guide element along which the second positioning element of the patient interface can be moved in a positively guided manner for coupling. This allows for a particularly simple and reliable coupling of the patient interface to the patient interface holder, as any impermissible relative movements during coupling or decoupling are prevented by the guide element. The guide element comprises at least one groove into which an associated collar of the second positioning element of the patient interface can be inserted for coupling. This provides a particularly convenient and reliable method for coupling and decoupling, as the patient interface can preferably be inserted linearly or in a "drawer-like" manner into the patient interface holder for coupling and pulled out of it in the opposite direction for decoupling. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element has a convex geometry, in particular a hemispherical or spherical geometry, at least in one surface area facing the locking surface. This allows the locking element to slide particularly easily along a surface area of ​​the patient interface, which is moved relative to the patient interface holder, during coupling until it comes into contact with the associated locking surface of the patient interface. Decoupling is correspondingly simple. Furthermore, a convex geometry of the locking element enables a particularly reliable coupling via a positive-locking connection with the associated locking surface in at least two spatial directions. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the at least one locking element is spring-loaded in the direction of the laser device when the patient interface holder is mounted on the laser device.In other words, the patient interface, relative to the mounted state of the entire patient interface system on the laser device, can be moved translationally along the z- or vertical axis relative to the patient interface holder, such that at least one translational degree of freedom is defined and released, while 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 further degree(s) of freedom is / are locked. Further advantages arise from the fact that the at least one locking device has an additional locking element, wherein, in the coupled state, one of the locking elements rests against a locking surface of the second positioning device that is located on the upper side relative to the laser device, and another of the locking elements rests against a locking surface of the second positioning device that is located on the lower side relative to the laser device. In other words, it is provided that the second positioning device has two locking surfaces that are arranged on opposing surface areas of the second positioning device and that, in the coupled state of the patient interface holder and the patient interface, interact with correspondingly arranged locking elements.This secures the patient interface to the patient interface holder from two opposite sides using force-fit and / or form-fit, resulting in a particularly precise relative positioning and a mechanically stable coupling of these two components of the patient interface system. The additional locking element can also have a convex surface area or be semi-spherical or spherical. Generally, the geometry of the additional locking element is not restricted and can be selected as required. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the additional locking element is rigidly arranged on the patient interface holder. By combining a locking element that is rigidly arranged or fixed relative to the patient interface holder with a spring-loaded locking element that is movable relative to a surface of the patient interface holder, the patient interface can be easily mounted and dismounted and positioned with particular precision relative to the patient interface holder. Alternatively or additionally, the locking elements are arranged opposite each other. This results in a particularly stable mechanical coupling, as the patient interface is thereby "clamped" between the locking elements and can only be moved or decoupled by overcoming a defined spring force. In a further embodiment of the invention, particularly reliable relative positioning of the patient interface and the patient interface holder is achieved by the second positioning device of the patient interface having at least one hemispherical and / or conical and / or frustoconical and / or slotted and / or flat locking surface and / or at least two locking surfaces, each with a different geometry. Due to the different geometric configurations of one, two, three, or more locking surfaces, and optionally by combining two, three, or more geometrically different locking surfaces, one or more degrees of freedom can be selectively blocked or released from the total of six translational and rotational degrees of freedom per locking surface. Further advantages arise from the fact that the second positioning device of the patient interface includes at least one ramp. This ramp is positioned in front of an associated detent surface relative to a coupling path and rises along the coupling path. This allows the user to couple the patient interface to the patient interface holder particularly conveniently and securely, as the ramp acts as a guide and results in a continuously increasing insertion force along the coupling path until the end position is reached. In this position, the coupling is achieved through the interaction of the at least one spring-loaded detent element and the corresponding detent surface. This characteristic force profile provides the user with clear tactile feedback about the coupling process, enabling the coupling to be performed "blindly."Conversely, when decoupling, after overcoming a release force, the force required to pull out decreases continuously along the ramp, resulting in correspondingly comfortable handling when removing the patient interface. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second positioning device of the patient interface has at least three detent surfaces arranged in a triangle, between which a path is provided for the radiation of the laser device passing through the patient interface. This increases the stability and precision of the coupling. In a further embodiment of the invention, a particularly convenient and safe coupling and decoupling for a user is made possible by the patient interface comprising a holder by means of which the patient interface can be held by a user, preferably with only two fingers, in order to couple the patient interface with the patient interface holder or to decouple it from the patient interface holder. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that all locking devices of the holding device exert a total spring force of at least 4 N, i.e., for example, 4 N, 5 N, 6 N, 7 N, 8 N, 9 N, 10 N, 11 N, 12 N, 13 N, 14 N, 15 N, 16 N, 17 N, 18 N, 19 N, 20 N or more, and / or of at most 20 N, i.e., for example, 20 N, 19 N, 18 N, 17 N, 16 N, 15 N, 14 N, 13 N, 12 N, 11 N, 10 N, 9 N, 8 N, 7 N, 6 N, 5 N, 4 N, 3 N, 2 N, 1 N or less, on the patient interface in the coupled state. This allows for the optimal setting of coupling and decoupling forces for the respective patient interface system. In further developments, it is possible to differentiate between the coupling force and the decoupling force. For example, the coupling force can be lower than the decoupling force to prevent accidental disconnection.Conversely, the coupling force can also be higher than the decoupling force. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the patient interface is designed in multiple parts. This facilitates the production of geometrically complex areas of the patient interface. Furthermore, different assembly types can be combined as needed, for example, to adapt the patient interface to different patient interface holders and / or patient eyes. The individual assemblies can then be mounted to form the patient interface or connected to each other in a suitable manner, for example, by gluing, screwing, clip connections, and the like. In principle, the patient interface holder can be designed in multiple parts and consist of several assemblies.Alternatively or additionally, the patient interface is provided to include a coupling device for a suction device and / or a channel that forms an optical path directed towards the first positioning device for a camera system and / or a lighting device. This makes it possible to establish a fluidic coupling for connecting a suction device and / or an optical coupling for a camera system and / or a lighting device, preferably simultaneously with the mechanical coupling of the patient interface and patient interface holder. This allows for particularly comfortable and safe handling of the patient interface system by a user, for example, a physician during laser surgery, and significantly reduces the likelihood of operating errors. A second aspect of the invention relates to a method according to claim 11 for coupling a patient interface of a patient interface system according to the first aspect of the invention with a patient interface holder of a patient interface system according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the patient interface is moved relative to the patient interface holder until the at least one spring-loaded detent element of the at least one detent device of the holding device of the patient interface holder interacts with an associated detent surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface, wherein the holding device comprises at least one guide device along which the second positioning device of the patient interface is forcibly moved for coupling, wherein the guide device comprises at least one groove into which an associated collar of the second positioning device of the patient interface is inserted for coupling.This allows for easy coupling of the patient interface with the patient interface holder of the patient interface system, thereby also enabling reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to a laser device. Decoupling of the patient interface can be achieved in the reverse direction after overcoming the spring force of the at least one locking element. Further features and their advantages can be found in the descriptions of the first aspect of the invention, whereby advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be considered advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa. A third aspect of the invention relates to a patient interface according to claim 12 for a patient interface system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the patient interface comprises the first positioning device for placing the patient interface on a patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder of the patient interface system, wherein the second positioning device of the patient interface comprises at least one detent surface which, in the coupled state of the patient interface with the patient interface holder, interacts with the at least one spring-loaded detent element of the at least one detent device of the holding device of the patient interface holder.wherein the second positioning device of the patient interface is positively guided and movable for coupling along at least one guide device of a holding device of the patient interface holder, and wherein the guide device comprises at least one groove into which an associated collar of the second positioning device of the patient interface can be inserted for coupling. This allows simple coupling of the patient interface according to the invention with the patient interface holder of the patient interface system according to the first aspect of the invention, thereby also enabling reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to a laser device. Further features and their advantages can be found in the descriptions of the first and second aspects of the invention, wherein advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention and vice versa. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a patient interface holder according to claim 13 for a patient interface system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the patient interface holder comprises the holding device by means of which the patient interface of the patient interface system can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder and which is configured to position the patient interface in the coupled state relative to the patient interface holder by means of the second positioning device of the patient interface, wherein the holding device comprises at least one locking device, wherein the locking device has at least one locking element which is spring-loaded and which, in the coupled state of the patient interface, interacts with an associated locking surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface, wherein the holding device comprises at least one guide device.The guide device comprises at least one groove into which an associated collar of the second positioning device of the patient interface can be inserted for coupling. This allows for simple coupling of the patient interface holder according to the invention with the patient interface of the patient interface system according to the first aspect of the invention, thereby also enabling reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to a laser device. Further features and their advantages can be found in the descriptions of the first, second, and third aspects of the invention, with advantageous embodiments of the first, second, and third aspects being considered advantageous embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention and vice versa. Another aspect, which is not part of the invention, relates to a method for preparing and / or carrying out a laser surgical treatment procedure on a patient's eye, in which a patient interface system according to the first aspect of the invention is provided, the patient interface is applied to a patient's eye by means of the first positioning device, the patient interface holder is fixed to the laser device, and the patient interface is reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder by means of the holding device of the patient interface holder and positioned relative to the patient interface holder by means of the second positioning device, wherein the locking device of the holding device has at least one locking element which is spring-loaded and, in the coupled state of the patient interface, interacts with an associated locking surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface.This allows for easy coupling of the patient interface holder with the patient interface of the patient interface system according to the first aspect of the invention, thereby also enabling reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to the laser device, thus facilitating the preparation and / or execution of the laser surgical procedure. Further features of the invention are evident from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention. Embodiments and combinations of features that do not exhibit all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are also to be considered disclosed.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features, particularly those described above, are considered disclosed which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features described in the cross-references to the claims. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a patient interface system according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic bottom view of the patient interface system; Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the patient interface system; Figure 4 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a patient interface of the patient interface system according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the patient interface; Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the patient interface; Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of detail area VII shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows...Fig. 8 a schematic perspective view of a suction cup part of the patient interface from above; Fig. 9 an enlarged view of detail IX shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 a schematic top view of the patient interface; Fig. 11 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a patient interface holder according to the invention of the patient interface system; Fig. 12 schematic side sections of locking elements of the patient interface holder and perspective top views of their corresponding locking surfaces of the patient interface; Fig. 13 a partial side sectional view of the patient interface in the area of ​​opposing locking surfaces that interact with corresponding locking elements of the patient interface holder; Fig. 14 a schematic exploded view of the patient interface holder; Fig. 15 a schematic exploded view of a first assembly of the patient interface holder; Fig.Fig. 16 a schematic exploded view of a second assembly of the patient interface holder; Fig. 17 a schematic and partial sectional view from above of an intake channel of the patient interface holder and part of a fluid guidance device of the patient interface; Fig. 18 a schematic and partially transparent perspective view of the area of ​​the patient interface system shown in Fig. 17; Fig. 19 a schematic sectional view of a male connector engaging a corresponding female connector of the patient interface; Fig. 20 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the patient interface; Fig. 21 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a collection container; Fig. 22 a schematic perspective view of the collection container, which is provided with a filter element; Fig.23 a schematic perspective view of the patient interface in the area of ​​a mounting opening for the collection container; Fig. 24 a schematic perspective view of the patient interface, wherein the collection container is arranged in the mounting opening; and Fig. 25 a schematic sectional view of the collection container in the area of ​​a connector in which an end section of a vacuum hose is arranged. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a patient interface system 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The patient interface system 10 serves to position a patient's eye (not shown) relative to a laser device (not shown) for laser surgery and comprises a patient interface 12 for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder 14 for mounting the patient interface 12 on the laser device. Fig. 1 will be explained below in conjunction with Fig. 2, which shows a schematic bottom view of the patient interface system 10. In this case, the patient interface 12 is formed in one piece from several assemblies bonded together, while the patient interface holder 14 consists of three assemblies, exemplary in number and orientation, which are screwed together and will be explained in more detail below.The patient interface holder 14 comprises a holding device 16 by means of which the patient interface 12, which can generally be a disposable or single-use component, can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder 14 and which is designed to position the patient interface 12 in the coupled state relative to the patient interface holder 14. For this purpose, the holding device 16 comprises two opposing, groove-shaped guide elements 18, along which a second positioning element 20 (see Fig. 4) of the patient interface 12 can be moved in a positively guided manner for coupling and uncoupling. The patient interface 12 can thus be inserted into the holding device 16 of the patient interface holder 14 like a drawer for coupling and pulled out again for uncoupling. It can further be seen that the patient interface holder 14 comprises a connection device 22 for coupling a camera system 24 and a lighting device 26, by means of which at least one area of ​​the patient's eye is illuminated perpendicularly to a surface of a contact plate 28 of a first positioning device 30 of the patient interface 12. For this purpose, the lighting device 26 comprises – in this case, by way of example in number and arrangement – ​​four light sources (e.g., LEDs) 32, the respective light cones of which are shown with circles in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.Since the patient interface 12 is made entirely or at least in the area of ​​the first positioning device 30, which is placed with the patient's eye for laser surgical treatment, of an optically transparent material, the radiation from the light source 32 penetrates the essentially funnel-shaped wall of the patient interface 12 in this area and thus indirectly irradiates both the surgical area under the contact plate 28, which can also be called contact glass, and directly its surroundings. Furthermore, the patient interface holder 14 and the patient interface 12 can be connected to a suction device (not shown), for example a vacuum pump, in a manner described in more detail below, to generate a relative negative pressure and to hold the patient interface 12 or its first positioning device 30 in contact with the patient's eye. It can be seen particularly in Fig. 1 that all connecting cables 34 for the camera system 24 and the illumination device 26, as well as a vacuum hose 36 for connecting the suction device, extend in the same direction from the patient interface holder 14 and are arranged on one side of the patient interface holder 14 opposite the insertion side of the patient interface 12. This allows the patient interface 12 to be coupled to the patient interface holder 14 particularly easily and reliably.decoupled from this, whereby the coupling simultaneously provides a locking, positioning and connection with the camera system 24, the suction device and the lighting device 26, without requiring any additional handling or work steps by a user. Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the patient interface system 10. The camera system 24, coupled by means of the connecting device 22 of the patient interface holder 14, is particularly evident, as is the fact that the patient interface holder 14 and the patient interface 12 have corresponding channels 38 which, in the coupled state of the patient interface holder 14 and the patient interface 12, together define an optical path P between the connecting device 22 and the first positioning device 30. Within the scope of this disclosure, identical or functionally equivalent elements are generally designated with identical reference numerals, unless a different designation is provided.Channel 38 of the patient interface holder 14 is closed at one end region facing away from the connection device 22 with a window 40 that is transparent to wavelengths in the visible range, so that no foreign bodies can enter and interfere with the optical systems. When the patient interface 12 and the patient interface holder 14 are coupled, channels 38, and thus the optical path P, run at an angle of approximately 45° to a direction of a designated laser radiation L of the laser device or to a surface of the contact plate 28 facing the laser device. Fig. 4 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of the patient interface 12 according to the invention. It can be seen that the patient interface 12 consists of several assemblies connected to each other by plug-in, shrink-fit, and adhesive connections. From top to bottom, the assemblies comprise an interface body 42, which includes the second positioning device 20, and a holder 44, by means of which the patient interface 12 can be held by a user with their thumb (from above) and index finger (from below) in order to couple the patient interface 12 with or decouple it from the patient interface holder 14. The holder 44 has a concave shape that allows for a comfortable and secure grip.A female connector 45 is also visible, into which a corresponding male connector 47 of the patient interface holder 14 engages when coupled to the patient interface holder 14, in order to achieve both mechanical and fluidic coupling. Furthermore, the patient interface 12 includes a filter element 46, which is arranged in a mounting opening 48 of a one-piece collection container 50. Since the mounting opening 48 is asymmetrical in this example, the filter element 46 can only be inserted into the mounting opening 48 in the correct orientation, thus ensuring error-free installation. This is advantageous, for example, if the filter element 46 requires a unidirectional flow direction.The collection container 50 has a volume of approximately 120 mm³, which is large enough to reliably prevent overflow or clogging during a laser surgical procedure. This volume of approximately 120 mm³ theoretically allows for about five laser surgical procedures, thus ensuring a sufficient safety margin. For assembly, the collection container 50, together with the filter element 46, is inserted into a corresponding mounting opening 52 of the interface body 42. The collection container 50 comprises a connector 54 in which a first end section of a vacuum hose 56 is arranged. The opposite end section of the vacuum hose 56 is inserted into a further connector 54 for assembly. This further connector 54 is formed on a suction cup part 58 of the patient interface 12 and opens into a suction opening 64. The suction cup part 58 also includes the channel 38 for the camera system 24 and the first positioning device 30, which is placed on the patient's eye. Within the suction cup part 58, the contact plate 28 is fixed in the area of ​​the first positioning device 30, for example, by gluing. The female connector 45, the filter element 46, the collection container 50 and the vacuum hose 56 together form a fluid guidance device 60, which, in the coupled state of patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14, together form a fluid path that fluidically couples an intake channel 62 of the patient interface holder 14 with an intake opening 64 of the patient interface 12 in the area of ​​the first positioning device 30, in order to bring the first positioning device 30 into contact with the patient's eye or to hold it against the patient's eye by means of a relative vacuum generated by the suction device. Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of the patient interface 12 in the assembled state. The fluid guidance device 60 is particularly visible, which fluidically connects the first positioning device 30 to the female connector 45 in the interface body 42 via the vacuum hose 56, the collection container 50 and the filter element 46. Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the patient interface 12 according to the section plane VI-VI shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is explained below in conjunction with Fig. 7, which shows an enlarged view of the detail area VII shown in Fig. 6. The contact body 28, which is fluid-tightly bonded to the suction cup part 58, can be seen. The contact body has a concave underside that defines a cavity 66 into which the fluid guidance device 60 opens. The first positioning device 30 further comprises a plurality of teeth 68, which are arranged in a ring-like pattern at intervals in the end region of the patient interface 12 facing the patient's eye. The teeth 68, together with the contact body 28, ensure applanation of the patient's eye while simultaneously minimizing the applanation forces and suction load. Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the suction cup part 58 of the patient interface 12 from above, with the contact plate 28 not yet mounted, so that the ring-shaped teeth 68 of the first positioning device 30 and mounting ribs 70 for the contact plate 28 are visible. Fig. 9 shows an enlarged view of detail IX shown in Fig. 8, with the contact plate 28 now inserted into the suction cup part 58 in the area above the teeth 68 and bonded to it. Fig. 10 shows a schematic top view of the patient interface 12. The second positioning device 20 is particularly visible, which in the present embodiment has three locking surfaces 72a, 72b, 72c arranged in a triangle. A path for the laser beam L of the laser device is provided between these surfaces, passing through the patient interface 12. Furthermore, the second positioning device 20 of the patient interface 12 comprises, by way of example, two ramps 74a, 74b. The ramps 74a, 74b are arranged in front of their associated locking surfaces 72a, 72b with respect to a coupling path K and rise along the coupling path K. In the present embodiment, the locking surface 72a has a frustoconical geometry, while the locking surface 72b is slotted and the locking surface 72c is flat.In the coupled state of patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14, the locking surfaces 72a-c interact with corresponding spring-loaded locking elements 76a-c of the patient interface holder 14, resulting in the following restrictions of the three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom in the present embodiment: Resting area 72a: 2 translational degrees of freedom blocked Raster surface 72b: 2 rotational degrees of freedom blocked Raster surface 72c:1 rotational degree of freedom blocked This means that the patient interface 12, when coupled to the patient interface holder 14, is not rigidly coupled, but is only slightly movable in the z-direction, i.e., perpendicular to the applanated patient eye or translationally along the direction of the laser beam L, in order to compensate for tolerances and to enable simpler coupling and decoupling without compromising correct positioning. Furthermore, collars 78 of the second positioning device 20 are visible, which, during coupling, are pushed into the groove-shaped guide devices 18 and moved along the essentially linear coupling path K in a forced-guided manner, similar to a drawer. Due to the ramps 74a, 74b, a continuously increasing insertion force is required for coupling until the locking elements 76a, 76b engage with the locking surfaces 72a, 72b.This provides a clear haptic feedback to a user about the progress of the coupling process as well as about the coupling that has taken place due to the locking of the locking elements 76a, 76b. Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the patient interface holder 14 of the patient interface system 10, as already shown in Fig. 1, without a coupled patient interface 12. It can be seen in particular that the patient interface holder 14 comprises three interconnected assemblies 80a-c. Assembly 80a functions as the upper holding assembly, assembly 80b as the lower holding assembly, and assembly 80c as the light holder. Assemblies 80a and 80b together form the groove-shaped guide device 18. Assembly 80a also includes the connecting device 22, into which the camera system 24 is inserted. Fig. 12 shows schematic side sections of the locking elements 76a-c of the patient interface holder 14, which interact with their corresponding locking surfaces 72a-c of the patient interface 12 when the patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14 are coupled. The locking elements 76a-c are ceramic spheres of the same diameter, rigidly fixed to the patient interface holder 14. These ceramic spheres are mechanically very resistant and can easily slide along the surface and ramps 74a, 74b of the second positioning device 20 during the coupling process. It is understood that, in principle, other materials such as steel or plastic can also be used. The individual locking elements 76a-c can also be made of different materials and / or have different geometries.Below each pairing are perspective views of the resting surfaces 72a-c of the patient interface 12 without the resting bodies 76a-c. Fig. 13 shows a partial lateral sectional view of the patient interface 12 in the area of ​​opposing locking surfaces 72b, 72b', which interact with corresponding locking elements 76b, 76b' of the patient interface holder. In contrast to locking element 76b, locking element 76b' is spring-loaded and ensures reliable coupling of the patient interface 12 and the patient interface holder 14, since, in the coupled state, the patient interface 12 and the patient interface holder 14 can only be moved relative to each other by overcoming the total spring force of all spring-loaded locking elements 76a'-c'. However, by overcoming the total spring force, at least a translational movement in the z-direction, i.e. against the spring forces F, is possible, so that patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14 are not rigidly connected, but rather spring-elastically connected, even in the coupled state, or do not behave like a single body.The detent elements 76b, 76b' and the detent elements 76a, 76a', 76c, 76c' (not explicitly shown) together with their corresponding detent surfaces 72a-c, 72a'-c' form a detent device 82. The detent elements 76a'-c' are also designed as ceramic spheres and are arranged together with their respective springs 84 in a housing 86. It is understood that the detent elements 76a'-c' may also be made of different materials and / or have different geometries. Likewise, it is possible that all springs 84 have the same or different spring forces F. Fig. 14 shows a schematic exploded view of the patient interface holder 14. It can be seen that, in the illustrated embodiment, the camera system 24 can be plugged into the connecting device 22 and screwed to the first assembly 80a. The assembly 80b carries the spring-loaded locking elements 76a'-c', which are mounted in their housings 86. The intake channel 62 and the male connector 47 located therein, which is connected to the vacuum hose 36, are also visible. The illumination device 26, comprising four LEDs in this case, is also clearly visible. It is integrated into the third assembly 80c and is electrically supplied via its connecting cables 34. Fig. 15 shows a schematic exploded view of the first assembly 80a of the patient interface holder 14 from a low angle. The non-spring-loaded, but rigidly mounted, detent elements 76a-c are particularly visible and are inserted into corresponding mounting openings in the first assembly 80a. Four screws 88 are also shown as fastening means, by means of which the assemblies 80a-c are screwed together. It is understood that other fastening means, a different number of fastening means, and a different orientation of the fastening means may also be provided. Fig. 16 shows a schematic exploded view of the second assembly 80b of the patient interface holder 14. Only the housings 86 of the spring-loaded locking elements 76a'-c' of the locking device 82 are shown; these are inserted into corresponding mounting openings of the second assembly 80b. It is also evident that the vacuum hose 36 is connected to the male connector 47 and inserted into the intake channel 62. The connector 47 is in turn actuated by another spring-loaded locking element 76d', of which only the housing 86 is shown. The housing 86 of this locking element 76d' is secured to the second assembly 80b by means of a clamp 90. Fig. 17 shows a schematic and partial sectional view from above of the intake channel 62 of the patient interface holder 14 and a part of the fluid guidance device 60 of the patient interface 12 coupled to the patient interface holder 14. Due to the engagement of the male connector 47 with the female connector 45, the patient interface holder 14 and the patient interface 12 are fluidically coupled, so that the patient interface 12 can be held in contact with the patient's eye by means of a relative negative pressure generated by a suction device connected to the vacuum hose 36. The female connector 45 has an inner cone in which, in the coupled state, a corresponding outer cone of the male connector 47 is arranged.The outer and inner cones have a contact angle of approximately 12°, ensuring a gas-tight connection and enabling quick and easy coupling and decoupling with a force of no more than approximately 2 N via axial movement along the coupling path K. Although the male connector 47 and the female connector 45 could be interchanged, the arrangement of the female connector 45 on the patient interface 12 shown here has the advantage of reducing the risk of contamination between unpacking and coupling the patient interface 12, as the contact surface of the female connector 45 is less exposed to the environment than that of a male connector 47. By reducing the risk of contamination, potential hygiene problems and subsequent connection issues are avoided.While the male connecting piece 47 is in direct contact with the wall of the female connecting piece 45, some play is allowed in the area indicated by arrow XVII. As can be seen in Fig. 18, which shows a schematic and partially transparent perspective view of the area of ​​the patient interface system 10 shown in Fig. 17, the male connector 47 is floatingly mounted and movable in all three spatial directions, with the connector 47 being pressed towards the female connector 45 by the locking element 76d'. This allows for a particularly reliable and gas-tight connection while compensating for any manufacturing tolerances. For further clarification, Fig. 19 shows a schematic sectional view of the connector 47 engaging with the female connector 45 of the patient interface 12. Fig. 20 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the patient interface 12. The suction opening 64, into which the connector 54 opens, is particularly visible. It is also evident that the suction cup part 58 has a circumferential collar 100 into which the interface body 42 is inserted and bonded. The design of the collar 100 provides self-centering during assembly. Since the collar 100 has both a horizontal section, on which the interface body 42 rests, and a vertical section, its geometric design allows for the compensation of horizontal and vertical tolerances. The collar 100 also acts as a reservoir for excess adhesive, ensuring that capillary action draws the adhesive into the gap between the interface body 42 and the suction cup part 58.This ensures a high-quality, material-bonded connection between both assemblies of the patient interface 12. Fig. 21 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a collection container 50 and is explained below in conjunction with Fig. 22, which shows a schematic perspective view of the collection container 50 equipped with the filter element 46. Fig. 21 shows that the mounting opening 48 for the filter element 46 is asymmetrical and has a circumferential rim 102. When the collection container 50 with the filter element 46 is inserted into its associated mounting opening 52 of the interface body 42 and heated, this rim 102 collapses, thereby reducing the gap between the collection container 50 and the interface body 42 and clamping the filter element 46 securely and fluid-tightly between the two parts. Fig. 23 shows a schematic perspective view of the patient interface 12 in the area of ​​its mounting opening 52 for the collection container 50. The walls of the interface body 42, which define the mounting opening 52, have ribs 108 facing outwards on one side and inwards on the other, so that the collection container 50, which has complementary ribs 108, can be inserted into the mounting opening 52 without tilting. A contact surface 106 of the patient interface 12 has a circumferential lip 104 on its inner circumference, which, in the assembled state, contributes to the lateral sealing of the filter element 46 together with the rim 102. Fluid can therefore only flow from the connector 54 through the collection container 50, the filter element 46, and the connector 54. Fig. 24 shows a schematic perspective view of the patient interface 12, with the collection container 50 arranged and fixed in the mounting opening 52. Fig. 25 shows a schematic sectional view of the collection container 50 in the area of ​​its connection piece 54. The connection piece 54 has a mounting channel 110 in which an end section of the vacuum hose 56 is arranged. Starting from an insertion opening whose inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the vacuum hose 56, the mounting channel 110 has an inner diameter that decreases in three stages along a mounting direction XXV. In the first section S1, which serves for fixing, the inner diameter of the mounting channel 110 is, as mentioned, larger than the outer diameter of the vacuum hose 56 and is coated with an adhesive for assembly. In the second section S2, which serves for positioning, the inner diameter of the mounting channel 110 is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the vacuum hose 56, thus centering the vacuum hose 56 in the mounting channel 110.In the third section S3, which also serves for positioning, the inner diameter of the mounting channel 110 is smaller than the outer diameter of the vacuum hose 56. The vacuum hose 56 is thus inserted into the mounting channel 110 until it stops in the third section S3, thereby ensuring correct axial positioning. It is understood that the connecting piece 54 of the suction cup part 58 can be designed analogously. The parameter values ​​specified in the documents for defining process and measurement conditions for characterizing specific properties of the subject matter of the invention are also to be considered as included in the scope of the invention in the event of deviations - for example due to DIN tolerances and the like. Reference symbol list 10 Patient interface system 12 Patient interface 14 Patient interface holder 16 Holding device 18 Guide device 20 Second positioning device 22 Connection device 24 Camera system 26 Lighting device 28 Contact body 30 First positioning device 32 Light source 34 Connection cable 36 Vacuum hose 38 Channel 40 Window 42 Interface body 44 Holder 45 Connector 46 Filter element 47 Connector 48 Mounting opening 50 Collection container 52 Mounting opening 54 Connector 56 Vacuum hose 58 Suction cup part 60 Fluid guide device 62 Suction channel 64 Suction opening 66 Cavity 68 Teeth 70 Mounting ribs 72a Detent surface 72b Detent surface 72c Detent surface 72a' Detent surface 72b' Detent surface 72c' Detent surface 74a Ramp 74b Ramp 76a Detent body 76b Detent body 76c Detent element 76a' Spring-loaded detent element 76b' Spring-loaded detent element 76c' Spring-loaded detent element 76d' Spring-loaded detent element 78 Collar 80a Assembly 80b Assembly 80c Assembly 82Locking device 84 Springs 86 Housing 88 Screws 90 Clamp 100 Collar 102 Edge 104 Lip 106 Contact surface 108 Ribs 110 Mounting channel P Optical path K Coupling path L Laser radiation F Spring force

Claims

Patient interface system (10) for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery, comprising a patient interface (12) for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder (14) for arranging the patient interface (12) on the laser device, wherein the patient interface (12) has a first positioning device (30) for attaching the patient interface (12) to the patient's eye and a second positioning device (20) for positioning the patient interface (12) relative to the patient interface holder (14); and wherein the patient interface holder (14) comprises a holding device (16) by means of which the patient interface (12) can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder (14) and which is configured to position the patient interface (12) in the coupled state relative to the patient interface holder (14) by means of the second positioning device (20).wherein the holding device (16) comprises at least one locking device (82), wherein the locking device (82) has at least one locking element (76a'-c') which is spring-loaded and, in the coupled state of the patient interface (12), interacts with an associated locking surface (72a'-c') of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12), characterized in that the holding device (16) comprises at least one guide device (18) along which the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) can be moved in a positively guided manner for coupling, wherein the guide device (18) comprises at least one groove into which an associated collar (100) of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) can be inserted for coupling. Patient interface system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one locking element (76a'-c') has a convex geometry, in particular a hemispherical or spherical geometry, at least in one surface area to be directed towards the locking surface (72a'-c') and / or that the at least one locking element (76a'-c') is spring-loaded in the direction of the laser device in the mounted state of the patient interface holder (14). Patient interface system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one locking device (82) has a further locking element (76a-c), wherein in the coupled state one of the locking elements (76a-c) rests on a locking surface (72a-c) of the second positioning device (20) that is on the upper side with respect to the laser device and another of the locking elements (76a'-76c') rests on a locking surface (72a'-72c') of the second positioning device (20) that is on the lower side with respect to the laser device. Patient interface system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the further locking element (76a-c) is mechanically rigidly arranged on the patient interface holder (14) and / or that the locking elements (76a-c, 76a'-c') are arranged opposite each other. Patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) has at least one hemispherical and / or conical and / or frustoconical and / or slotted and / or planar locking surface (72a-c) and / or at least two locking surfaces (72a-c) with different geometries. Patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) comprises at least one ramp (74a, 74b), wherein the ramp (74a, 74b) is arranged in front of an associated resting surface (72a-c) with respect to a coupling path (K) and rises along the coupling path (K). Patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) has at least three detent surfaces (72a-c, 72a'-c') arranged in the form of a triangle and between which a path through the patient interface (12) is provided for the radiation (L) of the laser device. Patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the patient interface (12) comprises a holder (44) by means of which the patient interface (12) can be held by a user, preferably with only two fingers, in order to couple the patient interface (12) with the patient interface holder (14) or to decouple it from the patient interface holder (14). Patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that all locking devices (82) of the holding device (16) exert a total spring force of at least 4 N and / or at most 20 N on the patient interface (12) in the coupled state. Patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the patient interface (12) is designed in multiple parts and / or comprises a coupling device for a suction device and / or a channel (38) which forms an optical path (P) directed towards the first positioning device (30) for a camera system (24) and / or for a lighting device (26). Method for coupling a patient interface (12) of a patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 with a patient interface holder (14) of a patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the patient interface (12) is moved relative to the patient interface holder (14) until the at least one spring-loaded detent element (76a'-c') of the at least one detent device (82) of the holding device (16) of the patient interface holder (14) interacts with an associated detent surface (72a'-c') of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12), wherein the holding device (16) comprises at least one guide device (18) along which the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) is forcibly moved for coupling, and wherein the guide device (18) comprises at least one groove,into which an associated collar (100) of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) is inserted for coupling. Patient interface (12) for a patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the patient interface (12) has the first positioning device (30) for placing the patient interface (12) on a patient eye and a second positioning device (20) for positioning the patient interface (12) relative to the patient interface holder (14) of the patient interface system (10), wherein the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) has the at least one detent surface (72a'-c') which, in the coupled state of the patient interface (12) with the patient interface holder (14), interacts with the at least one spring-loaded detent element (76a'-c') of the at least one detent device (82) of the holding device (16) of the patient interface holder (14),wherein the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) is forcibly movable for coupling along at least one guide device (18) of a holding device (16) of the patient interface holder (14), wherein the guide device (18) comprises at least one groove into which an associated collar (100) of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) can be inserted for coupling. Patient interface holder (14) for a patient interface system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the patient interface holder (14) comprises the holding device (16) by means of which the patient interface (12) of the patient interface system (10) can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder (14) and which is configured to position the patient interface (12) in the coupled state relative to the patient interface holder (14) by means of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12), wherein the holding device (16) comprises the at least one locking device (82), wherein the locking device (82) has at least one locking element (76a'-c') which is spring-loaded and, in the coupled state of the patient interface (12), interacts with an associated locking surface (72a'-c') of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12), wherein the holding device (16) has at least one Command and control facility (18) includes,along which the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) is forcibly movable for coupling, and wherein the guide device (18) comprises at least one groove into which an associated collar (100) of the second positioning device (20) of the patient interface (12) can be inserted for coupling.

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