Head-mounted display connected to an operating microscope with a sterile lifting arrangement

Abstract

This discloses system, device, article, and / or process embodiments and / or combinations and subcombinations thereof for a sterile lever arrangement attached to a head-mounted display connected to a surgical microscope, such that sterility is maintained during surgery. The head-mounted display may comprise a headpiece unit, a set of eyepiece displays attached to the headpiece unit, each eyepiece display being connected via a bridge unit, the bridge unit being attached to the headpiece unit via a pivot joint with a longitudinal axis, and a hand-operated lever arrangement attached to the bridge unit via an attachment element.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure is directed generally to a sterile lever arrangement connected to a head-mounted display for an operating microscope, so that sterility is maintained during the operation. BACKGROUND

[0002] Surgical microscopes are increasingly used in operations due to improved images, image enhancement, and data that provide surgeons with additional information. Typically, a monitor can display images captured by the operating microscope during such procedures. However, monitors usually have poor viewing angles, are often too large for the operating room, and are less hygienic.

[0003] Unlike monitors, a head-mounted display (HMD) is often used to display digital images. An HMD does not have direct optical access, for example, from the magnifying optics of a surgical microscope. Instead, the HMD can display stereoscopic live video signals captured by the digital cameras of the surgical microscope on display units.

[0004] Head-mounted displays (HMDs) can be augmented reality (AR) systems, virtual reality (VR) systems, or systems that are neither AR nor VR. Augmented reality systems project a digital image into the surgeon's or user's field of vision, allowing the surgeon to remain aware of their surroundings. In virtual reality systems, however, the surgeon is isolated from their peripheral environment and must remove the HMD to see the real world. Systems that are not AR / VR systems are fixed to the user's head and only block a small portion of the surgeon's field of vision, not their entire field of view.

[0005] The head-mounted display (HMD) is not suspended in the room; rather, the surgeon wears it on their head and in front of their eyes, which is a non-sterile area. The surgeon can move their head freely while looking at displays in the surrounding operating area, directly within their field of vision, and interacting with other members of the surgical team, the environment, or other displays. During the operation, the surgeon often needs to manually handle or move the HMD. Contact of the surgeon's gloved hand with the HMD is considered a breach of sterility.

[0006] Accordingly, a procedure for interaction with an HMD connected to an operating microscope is required that does not compromise sterility. SUMMARY

[0007] This document provides system, device and / or process implementations and / or combinations and subcombinations thereof for a sterile lever arrangement attached to a head-mounted display connected to an operating microscope, so that sterility is maintained during surgery.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a head-mounted display comprises a headpiece unit, a set of eyepiece displays attached to the headpiece unit, wherein the set of eyepiece displays is connected via a bridge unit, wherein the bridge unit is attached to the headpiece unit via a pivot joint with a longitudinal axis, and a hand-operated lever arrangement attached to the bridge unit via an attachment element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lever arrangement is sterile.

[0010] In some embodiments, the manually operated lever arrangement comprises a first lever extending in a first direction and a second lever extending in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are arranged at an angle to each other, the angle being less than 180°.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pivot joint. In some embodiments, the manually operated lever arrangement incorporates a sterilizable material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the manually operated lever arrangement is reusable.

[0013] In some embodiments, the manually operated lever arrangement is for single use.

[0014] In some embodiments, the manually operated lever assembly has an operating cover designed to at least partially wrap around the manually operated lever assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the surgical drape incorporates a sterilizable material.

[0016] In some embodiments, the attachment element is a clip or a removable element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are included here and form part of the text. Fig. Figure 1 shows a head-mounted display with a swivel joint according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 2A shows a side view of a head-mounted display with a bridge unit in a lowered position according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 2B shows a side view of a head-mounted display with a bridge unit in a raised position according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 3 shows a head-mounted display with a sterile lever arrangement attached to a bridge unit according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 4 shows a head-mounted display with a sterile lever arrangement attached to a set of aseptic cups according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 5 shows a head-mounted display with a sterile lever arrangement detachably attached to a bridge unit according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 6 shows a head-mounted display with a lever arrangement attached to a bridge unit according to some embodiments.

[0018] In the drawings, identical reference numerals generally indicate identical or similar elements. Additionally, the leftmost numeral(s) generally identifies the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] This document provides system, device and / or process implementations and / or combinations and subcombinations thereof for a sterile lever arrangement connected to a head-mounted display (HMD) for an operating microscope, so that sterility is maintained during surgery.

[0020] A sterile environment is essential for patient safety, as it reduces the risk of transmitting germs to the patient during surgery. It is not only important to create a sterile environment to allow surgery to be performed, but also to maintain that sterile environment throughout the operation.

[0021] A sterile lever assembly can be attached to a handheld manifold (HMD) connected to an operating microscope, allowing the surgeon to work with the HMD without compromising hand sterility. By reducing the risk of sterility breaches, infection rates can decrease, future pain can be reduced, and hospital stays can be shortened. While the sterile lever assembly can be connected to an HMD for an operating microscope, it can also be used with other medical devices when the scope of sterility needs to be expanded.

[0022] By providing a sterile lever assembly, the surgeon can safely interact with the HMD using their hand while still wearing sterile gloves. In some embodiments, the sterile lever assembly allows the surgeon to rotate the HMD's eyepiece unit with their hand so that it is tilted upwards, while the gloved hand can contact and move the sterile lever assembly, maintaining a safe distance from a non-sterile area such as the surgeon's head. In this way, the interaction of the lever assembly with another sterile part, such as a gloved hand, does not contaminate that part, which can still be considered sterile and therefore does not need to be exchanged or replaced.

[0023] The sterile mechanical lever assembly can be used in various situations. For example, the mechanical lever assembly can be reusable, non-reusable, or covered with a surgical drape. The mechanical lever assembly is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and other embodiments are conceivable.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lever assembly can be fixed to the HMD in the case of a reusable mechanical lever assembly. The mechanical lever assembly can be attached before each operation and detached afterward. The mechanical lever assembly can itself be sterilized and reused each time.

[0025] In some embodiments, the lever assembly can be fixed to the HMD in the case of a non-reusable mechanical lever assembly. Depending on how the HMD is configured, the lever assembly can be attached before each operation and detached afterward, and then disposed of after the operation. Depending on the surgeon's requirements, a member of the surgical team can attach or detach the sterile lever assembly 420 during the operation.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lever assembly can be permanently fixed to the HMD if it is a mechanical lever assembly covered with a surgical drape. Since the lever assembly is permanently fixed to the HMD, it can itself be covered with a sterile, disposable material during surgery. That is, the lever assembly itself is not sterile, but the surgical drape covering it ensures that the surrounding area remains sterile.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows an HMD 100 with a swivel joint 142 according to some embodiments. The HMD 100 can have a headpiece unit 110 with a bridge unit 140 attached via a swivel joint 142 and a set of eyepiece displays 112.

[0028] The headpiece unit 110 can be positioned to fit around a user's head, similar to a surgeon's head. The set of eyepiece displays 112 can be connected to the HMD 100 via the bridge unit 140. Thanks to the set of eyepiece displays 112, images can be displayed in the user's line of sight. The bridge unit 140 can be attached to the headpiece unit 110 via a swivel joint 142. The swivel joint 142 has a longitudinal axis. This swivel joint 142 allows the set of eyepiece displays 112 to be moved up or down, depending on the user's needs and as shown in the diagram. Fig. Figures 2A and 2B are shown. The swivel joint 142 allows the connection of the headpiece unit 110 to the bridge unit 140, so that the bridge unit 140, which has the set of eyepiece displays 112, can be moved according to the user's preferences. In particular, the swivel joint 142 allows the free rotation of the bridge unit 140.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2A shows a side view of an HMD 100 with a bridge unit 140 in a lowered position according to some embodiments. The HMD 100 can have a headpiece unit 110 with a bridge unit 140 attached via a swivel joint 142 and a set of eyepiece displays 112.

[0030] The HMD 100 is shown in a side view with the set of eyepiece displays 112 in a lowered position. The set of eyepiece displays 112 can be connected to the bridge unit 140. The bridge unit 140 can be attached to the headpiece unit 110 via a swivel joint 142. Thanks to the swivel joint 142, the headpiece unit 110 can be lowered. The swivel joint 142 has a longitudinal axis.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2B shows a side view of an HMD 100 with a bridge unit 140 in a raised position according to some embodiments. The HMD 100 can have a headpiece unit 110 with a bridge unit 140 attached via a swivel joint 142 and a set of eyepiece displays 112.

[0032] The HMD 100 is shown in a side view with the set of eyepiece displays 112 in a raised position. The set of eyepiece displays 112 can be connected to the bridge unit 140. The bridge unit 140 can be attached to the headpiece unit 110 via a swivel joint 142. Thanks to the swivel joint 142, the headpiece unit 110 can be raised. The swivel joint 142 has a longitudinal axis.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows a system 300 in which an HMD 100 is used with a sterile lever assembly 320 attached to a bridge unit 140, according to some embodiments. The system 300 can comprise the HMD 100, which includes the headpiece unit 110 with a bridge unit 140 attached via a pivot joint 142, a set of eyepiece displays 112, and the sterile lever assembly 320, which has a first clip 330 attached to the bridge unit 140.

[0034] In some embodiments, the HMD 100 may include the sterile lever assembly 320. The surgeon can interact with the HMD 100 via the sterile lever assembly 320 without compromising hand sterility. The sterile lever assembly 320 is manually operated. The sterile lever assembly 320 may also include a first clip 330. Thanks to the first clip 330, the sterile lever assembly 320 can be clipped directly onto the HMD 100 via the bridge unit 140. The sterile lever assembly 320 allows the user to raise or lower the set of ocular displays 112 according to their preference. The sterile lever assembly 320 can be moved via the pivot joint 142.

[0035] The sterile lever assembly 320 is reusable. It can be attached to the HMD 100 on the bridge unit 140 via the first clip 330. Because the sterile lever assembly 320 is reusable, it can be sterilized repeatedly for multiple uses. The sterile lever assembly 320 can be made of silicone, urethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or similar materials.

[0036] The sterile lever assembly 320 can be a sterile, single-use lever assembly. The sterile lever assembly 320 can be fixed to the HMD 100 on the bridge unit 140 via the first clip 330 and disposed of after each operation.

[0037] The sterile lever assembly 320 can weigh less than 10 grams. A lightweight sterile lever assembly 320 is advantageous so that the surgeon can easily lift it, and the sterile lever assembly 320 is manually operable. A length L1, also referred to as a first lever, which can extend in a first direction of the sterile lever assembly 320, can be less than 20 cm, preferably 10 cm. This length L1 should be kept short because surgeons often work close to the face with an operating microscope, and the area surrounding the sterile lever assembly 320 should be kept small for sterilization.

[0038] The length L, however, can be long enough for the operation of the HMD 100 to still be considered sterile. A length L2, also referred to as a second lever, which can extend in a second direction of the sterile lever assembly 220, can be approximately 5 cm. The first and second levers of the sterile lever assembly 320 can be positioned at an angle to each other. The angle can be less than 180°. The first and second levers can be coplanar or non-coplanar. This increases the possibility of reaching and operating the sterile lever assembly 320 by hand, allowing for several different grasping or gripping movements and positions with different force transmission points and leverage effects, which can be individually selected by the surgeon.

[0039] In some embodiments, the sterile lever assembly 320 can have variable lengths L1 and L2. Having a variable length allows the sterile lever assembly 320 to be more easily adapted to the desired sterility range, which may vary from surgeon to surgeon. By having an extendable and variable length in both directions, the sterile lever assembly 320 can extend the sterility range. For example, the sterile lever assembly 320 can have segments that can be pushed into or pulled out of each other, depending on the sterility range required by the surgeon. In some embodiments, the (not shown) operating microscope can be suspended above a patient's head, i.e., in an exoscopic arrangement, and the operating microscope is not as close to the surgeon's face.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows a system 400 in which an HMD 100 is used with a sterile lever assembly 420 attached to a set of aseptic cups 412, according to some embodiments. The system 400 can comprise the HMD 100, which includes the head unit 110 with a bridge unit 140, a set of aseptic cups 412 on a bridge unit 140 attached via a pivot joint 142, and the sterile lever assembly 420, which includes a set of sterile aseptic cups 432 and a second clip 430. The sterile lever assembly 420 can further include the second clip 430. Thanks to the second clip 430, the sterile lever assembly 420 can be clipped directly onto the head unit 110 via the bridge unit 140.

[0041] In some embodiments, the HMD 100 may include a set of aseptic cups 412, which may include a sterile lever assembly 420 surrounding the aseptic cups 412. The surgeon can interact with the HMD 100 via the sterile lever assembly 420 without compromising hand sterility. The sterile lever assembly 420 is manually operated. The sterile lever assembly 420 may include a set of sterile aseptic cups 432 surrounding the aseptic cups 412. Thanks to the sterile lever assembly 420, the user can raise or lower the aseptic cups 412 according to their preference. The sterile lever assembly 420 can be moved via the pivot joint 142.

[0042] The sterile lever assembly 420 is reusable. It can be attached to the HMD 100 on the bridge unit 140 via the second clip 430. Because the sterile lever assembly 420 is reusable, it can be sterilized repeatedly for multiple uses. This allows the sterile lever assembly 420 to be used several times in a sterile environment and eliminates the need for immediate disposal after use, resulting in less waste and a smaller carbon footprint. Depending on the surgeon's requirements, for example, a member of the surgical team can attach or detach the sterile lever assembly 420 during the operation. The sterile lever assembly 420 can be made of silicone, plastics, metals such as stainless steel or titanium, urethanes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or similar materials.In this way, the sterile lever assembly 420 can be sterilized multiple times and potentially used multiple times in a sterile environment, and does not need to be disposed of immediately after use. The sterile lever assembly 420 may be hollow inside.

[0043] The sterile lever assembly 420 can be a single-use sterile lever assembly. The sterile lever assembly 420 can be attached to the HMD 100 on the bridge unit 140 via the second clip 420 and disposed of after each operation. In this way, a single-use sterile lever assembly 420 can increase safety in a sterile environment, as the components are removed from the sterile environment after use, and no further sterile operation is compromised by errors or material wear during sterilization.

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows a system 500 in which an HMD 100 is used with a sterile lever assembly 520 detachably attached to a bridge unit 140, according to some embodiments. The system 500 can comprise the HMD 100, which includes the headpiece unit 110 with a bridge unit 140 attached via a swivel joint 142, a set of eyepiece displays 112, the sterile lever assembly 520, and a detachable interface 550 on the bridge unit 140.

[0045] In some embodiments, the HMD 100 may include the sterile lever assembly 520. The surgeon can interact with the HMD 100 via the sterile lever assembly 520 without compromising hand sterility. The sterile lever assembly 520 is manually operated. The sterile lever assembly 520 may also include the detachable interface 550 on the bridge unit 140. The sterile lever assembly 520 can be attached directly to the HMD 100 via the detachable interface 550. Thanks to the sterile lever assembly 520, the user can raise or lower the set of ocular displays 112 according to the user's preference. The sterile lever assembly 520 can be moved via the pivot joint 142.

[0046] The sterile lever assembly 520 is reusable. It is attached to the bridge unit 140 and the head unit 110 via the detachable interface 550. Because the sterile lever assembly 520 is reusable, it can be sterilized repeatedly for multiple uses. The sterile lever assembly 520 can be made of silicone, urethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or similar materials.

[0047] The sterile lever assembly 520 can be a sterile, single-use lever assembly. The sterile lever assembly 520 can be attached to the headpiece unit 110 via the detachable interface 550 on the bridge unit 140 and disposed of after each operation. The detachable interface 550 is designed to withstand torque, allowing the surgeon to move the HMD 100. A robust material such as hook-and-loop fastener, adhesive, a clip, or similar is required for the detachable interface 550. In this way, different lever assemblies can be used depending on the specific requirements and needs, differing particularly in terms of geometry, sterilizability, and reusability.

[0048] In some embodiments, the releasable interface 550 may be a clip. The releasable interface 550 may have screws, so that the sterile lever assembly 520 is screwed onto the bridge unit 140 via a screw hole (not shown) on the headpiece unit 110. The releasable interface 550 may be a hand-operated screw, so that the sterile lever assembly 520 is screwed onto the bridge unit 140 via a screw hole (not shown) on the headpiece unit 110. The releasable interface 550 may be a pin, so that the sterile lever assembly 520 is inserted into the bridge unit 140 via a hole (not shown) on the headpiece unit 110 by friction. The detachable interface 550 can be a pin, so that the sterile lever assembly 520 is inserted into the bridge unit 140 via a hole with a (not shown) locking mechanism on the head unit 110.The detachable interface 550 can be a magnet, so that the sterile lever arrangement 520 is attached to the bridge unit 140 via a (not shown) further magnet on the head unit 110.

[0049] Fig.Figure 6 shows a system 600 in which an HMD 100 is used with a lever assembly 620 attached to a bridge unit 140 of the display, according to some embodiments. The system 600 can comprise the HMD 100, which includes the head unit 110 with a bridge unit 140 attached via a pivot joint 142, a set of eyepiece displays 112, and a lever assembly 620. Depending on the user's preference, the lever assembly 620 can be attached to the bridge unit 140 using either a first clip 330, a second clip 430, or a detachable interface 550, as described herein. The first clip 330, a second clip 430, or a detachable interface 550 can be considered a single attachment element.

[0050] In some embodiments, the lever assembly 620 is not inherently sterile. Because it is not sterile, the lever assembly 620 can be partially covered during surgery using a sterile, single-use surgical drape (not shown). This allows the sterile, single-use surgical drape to be sterilized multiple times and potentially reused multiple times in a sterile environment, eliminating the need for immediate disposal after use and resulting in less waste and a smaller carbon footprint. The sterile surgical drape can be used during surgery and can help prevent contact with certain surfaces, such as the lever assembly 620. The sterile surgical drape can maintain the sterility of the area surrounding the lever assembly 620, and the surgeon can still interact with the lever assembly 620 during the operation.

[0051] Although the lever assembly 620 is not sterile, it can be used with the same specifications as the sterile lever assemblies 220, 320, 420, or 520. The lever assembly 620 can be reusable or disposable. The sterile lever assembly 620 is manually operated. Therefore, the lever assembly 620 does not need to be at least partially sterilizable, resulting in less demanding design and functional requirements, particularly regarding materials.

[0052] The lever assembly 620 can be made of silicones, plastics, metals such as stainless steel or titanium, urethanes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or similar materials. Furthermore, the lever assembly 620 can be made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or other biocompatible materials. The lever assembly 620 can be hollow.

[0053] Although various embodiments have been described above, it is understood that they are presented merely as examples and not as limitations. It is clear to the average person skilled in the art in the relevant field(s) that a wide variety of changes to the form and details can be made without altering the essence and scope of protection. Indeed, after reading the above description, it will be clear to the average person skilled in the art in the relevant field(s) how alternative embodiments are implemented. For example, different steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated from the described processes, and other components may be added to or removed from the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations fall within the scope of protection of the following claims.

[0054] Furthermore, it is understood that any figures highlighting functionality and advantages are presented for illustrative purposes only. The disclosed methodology and system are each sufficiently flexible and configurable so that they can be used in ways other than those shown. The scope and protection of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above, but should only be defined according to the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Head-mounted display, comprising: a headpiece unit a set of eyepiece displays attached to the headpiece unit, each of the set of eyepiece displays being connected via a bridge unit, the bridge unit being attached to the headpiece unit via a pivot joint with a longitudinal axis, and a manually operated lever arrangement that is attached to the bridge unit via a mounting element. [2] Head-mounted display according to claim 1, wherein the hand-operated lever arrangement comprises a first lever extending in a first direction and a second lever extending in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are arranged at an angle to each other, the angle being less than 180°. [3] Head-mounted display according to claim 2, wherein the first direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pivot joint. [4] Head-mounted display according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the hand-operated lever arrangement comprises a sterilizable material. [5] Head-mounted display according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the hand-operated lever arrangement is reusable. [6] Head-mounted display according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the hand-operated lever arrangement is for single use. [7] Head-mounted display according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the manually operated lever arrangement comprises an operating cover configured to at least partially wrap around the manually operated lever arrangement. [8] Head-mounted display according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the surgical cover comprises a sterilizable material. [9] Head-mounted display according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the mounting element is a clip or a detachable interface.

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