Micromanipulator for manipulating a laser beam

Abstract

Micromanipulator for manipulating a laser beam of a laser surgery device, comprising a scanner for generating at least one scan figure and at least one control element for controlling the scanner, characterized in that the control element comprises a rotary element, wherein a rotation of the rotary element causes a rotation of the scan figure, which depends on the size and / or speed of the rotation of the rotary element.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a micromanipulator for manipulating a laser beam of a laser surgery device, comprising a scanner for generating at least one scan figure and at least one control element for controlling the scanner.

[0002] In the medical application of laser devices, laser surgery devices, for example based on CO2 lasers or solid-state and diode lasers, have become established.

[0003] For microsurgical applications, the operations are observed using surgical microscopes in order to be able to perform even very small operations adequately.

[0004] When using laser light for surgical procedures, it can be reflected into the observation beam path of the surgical microscope via a micromanipulator. For this purpose, the micromanipulator is mounted as a standalone device beneath the surgical microscope. A large, wavelength-dependent mirror in the micromanipulator is thus located directly beneath the objective of the surgical microscope. The mirror is transparent for the surgical field illumination and for observation and highly reflective of the laser light. It is positioned at approximately 45° in front of the objective and thus reflects the laser beam directly into the surgical field.

[0005] In combination with the micromanipulator, a scanner located at the optical input of the micromanipulator is used to move the laser beam in the x and y directions. The scanner includes an electronically controlled mirror unit, which the laser beam is moved across. The rapid beam movement creates a beam deflection pattern, referred to here as a scan pattern, on the surgical field.

[0006] If a line is selected as the scan pattern, this line has a specific orientation within the surgical field. A line is used when the operation, i.e., the application of the laser light, is intended to create an incision. Thanks to the electronic control of the scanner, the incision is made very evenly across the length of the line. This advantage over a hand-guided line is used in laser surgery for precise cutting.

[0007] If the orientation of the line does not match the desired cutting line, the scan figure must be rotated.

[0008] Existing micromanipulators with scanners therefore already have the ability to rotate scan figures. In existing systems, a scan figure is rotated left or right at a fixed speed when a control element for left rotation or a control element for right rotation is activated. A combination element with both activation options is also known.

[0009] With this known technique, the rotation speed of the scanned figure cannot be changed; only the direction of rotation. A disadvantage is that the control element must be operated repeatedly until the scanned figure reaches the desired orientation. The difficulty here is that the rotation is too slow, increasing the operation time. Or the rotation is too fast, extending the desired orientation. This makes it necessary to "reverse" in the opposite direction. This can trigger an iterative process until the desired orientation of the scanned figure is reached.

[0010] Rotating a scan figure can be achieved using function keys on the laser device. To do this, the user must switch from the patient to the laser or instruct a second person to rotate the figure using voice commands. Control from the application part, particularly the surgical microscope, is more practical using the positioning handle (joystick) on the micromanipulator, which is used to position the scan figure. Previous implementations for this have involved buttons for right-left rotation in the form of pushbuttons or rotary switches. However, this exerts mechanical forces on the joystick, which can easily cause the scan figure to become depositioned. Likewise, keying is tied to step sizes, and continuous keying is tied to advance speeds, as described above.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved micromanipulator for manipulating a laser beam of a laser surgery device.

[0012] This object is achieved by a micromanipulator according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0013] The present invention comprises a micromanipulator for manipulating a laser beam of a laser surgery device, comprising a scanner for generating at least one scan pattern and at least one control element for controlling the scanner. According to the invention, the control element comprises a rotary element, wherein rotation of the rotary element causes a rotation of the scan pattern, which rotation depends on the magnitude and / or speed of the rotation of the rotary element.

[0014] The scan figure therefore rotates according to the rotation of the rotating element. This allows for a targeted rotation of the scan figure into a desired position, which avoids at least some, and preferably all, of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0015] The magnitude of the rotation of the rotating element is, for example, the magnitude of the angle difference generated by the rotation between an initial position and a current position of the rotating element, or the absolute angle position currently assumed by the rotating element due to the rotation. The speed of the rotating element's rotation is, in particular, the current rate of change of the angle of rotation of the rotating element during the rotation.

[0016] The scanner preferably includes an electronically controlled mirror unit over which the laser beam is moved. The rapid beam movement creates a beam deflection pattern, referred to here as a scan pattern, on the surgical field.

[0017] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the micromanipulator comprises a joystick pivotably mounted on a base, via which the position of the scanning figure can be adjusted.

[0018] According to a first possible embodiment, the micromanipulator comprises a mirror via which the laser beam can be coupled into the surgical field.

[0019] The mirror is preferably a wavelength-dependent mirror, which, when the micromanipulator is mounted on a surgical microscope, is preferably placed below the objective of the surgical microscope. The mirror is transparent for the surgical field illumination and for observation and reflective for the laser light. It is preferably positioned so that it reflects the laser beam directly into the surgical field.

[0020] According to a first possible embodiment of the present invention, the orientation of the mirror can be changed by the joystick in order to adjust the position of the scanning figure.

[0021] In particular, the mirror can preferably be tilted using the joystick so that the reflected laser beam is moved in the x and y directions.

[0022] The joystick can either be mechanically connected to the mirror and move it mechanically, or control micro actuators to move the mirror.

[0023] According to a second possible embodiment of the present invention, the position of the scanning figure is adjusted by controlling the zero point of the scanner, which is provided separately from the mirror, using the joystick. In this case, the mirror can be rigidly mounted on the micromanipulator.

[0024] The scanner is preferably positioned between the optical input of the micromanipulator and the mirror. Moving the mirror allows the position of the scanned image to be changed.

[0025] However, if the mirror can be moved using micro actuators, these can also be used to generate the scan figure, so that the mirror simultaneously functions as the scanner's mirror and no separate scanner is required.

[0026] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the joystick is arranged on a structural unit containing the optical components of the micromanipulator.

[0027] If an electronic joystick is used, it can also be implemented as a separate unit that only has a signal connection to the unit containing the optical components of the micromanipulator. The signal connection can be wired or wireless.

[0028] In one possible embodiment, the joystick is located on a separate console that can be freely positioned by the user. The transmission of control signals from the joystick to the micromanipulator controller, in particular to the controller of the microactuators and / or the scanner, occurs via a signal cable in a first embodiment, and wirelessly via radio signals in another embodiment.

[0029] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the rotary element is arranged on the joystick. This allows the position and orientation of the scanning figure to be controlled via the joystick.

[0030] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the rotary element is rotatable about a main axis of the joystick.

[0031] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the rotating element is arranged in the region of the tip of the joystick and is preferably formed by a rotatable tip of the joystick.

[0032] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the operating element comprises a sensor by which an absolute rotational angle position and / or a size and / or speed of a relative change in the rotational angle position of the rotary element is detected.

[0033] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sensor transmits the detected quantity as an analog or digital value to a control of the scanner.

[0034] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the rotary element can be rotated continuously or in stages into a plurality of rotation angle positions.

[0035] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the rotary element has a rotation angle range of at least +- 90°, more preferably of at least +- 180°.

[0036] Preferably, the rotating element is freely rotatable without limitation of the angle of rotation, ie the angle of rotation is not limited and the rotating element can be rotated by any number of revolutions.

[0037] Preferably, the scan figure follows this free rotation of the rotating element without restrictions, ie any number of rotations of the scan figure are possible.

[0038] According to one possible embodiment of the present invention, the rotating element can be rotated in two opposite directions, with the rotation of the rotating element causing the scanning figure to rotate in the same direction. The scanning figure can therefore be rotated in opposite directions depending on the direction of rotation of the rotating element.

[0039] According to one possible embodiment of the present invention, the rotation of the rotary element causes a rotation of the scanning figure, which rotation depends on the magnitude of the rotation of the rotary element. In particular, the magnitude of the rotation angle difference generated by the rotation between an initial position and a current position of the scanning figure depends on the magnitude of the rotation angle difference generated by the rotation between an initial position and a current position of the rotary element.

[0040] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the rotation of the rotary element causes a rotation of the scan figure generated by the scanner that is proportional to the size of the rotation, ie the size of the rotation of the scan figure is a monotonically increasing function of the size of the rotation of the rotary element, in particular a strictly monotonically increasing function.

[0041] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that at least in one operating mode the size of the rotation of the scanning figure has a fixed ratio to the size of the rotation of the rotating element.

[0042] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the fixed ratio is adjustable.

[0043] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that at least in one operating mode, the size of the rotation of the scanning figure has a ratio to the size of the rotation of the rotary element, which ratio depends on the rotational speed of the rotary element.

[0044] Preferably, the size of the rotation of the scan figure increases in relation to the size of the rotation of the rotating element as the rotation speed of the rotating element increases.

[0045] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, switching can be carried out between the two operating modes described above.

[0046] According to one possible embodiment of the present invention, the operating element comprises a push or pull input element, wherein at least one parameter of the micromanipulator can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element. This parameter is an adjustable parameter in addition to the orientation of the scan figure.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the rotary element is designed as such a push or pull input element or has such a push or pull input element.

[0048] For example, the rotary element can be movable in the axial direction, with a sensor detecting the movement, and at least one parameter of the micromanipulator being changed based on the sensor signals. In particular, the rotary element can be arranged on the joystick so that it can move in the axial direction.

[0049] Alternatively, a push or pull input element can be provided at the tip of the joystick, which is surrounded by the rotary element.

[0050] In particular, the push or pull input element may be a push or pull button or push or pull switch.

[0051] According to a first possible variant of the present invention, by actuating the push or pull input element, it is possible to switch directly between different parameter settings. In particular, the parameter settings are changed by the number of actuations or the duration of the actuation.

[0052] According to a second possible variant of the present invention, by actuating the push or pull input element, it is possible to switch to an operating mode in which the rotary element has a different control function, and the parameters of the micromanipulator can be changed by rotating the rotary element. Furthermore, several operating modes can be provided, in each of which the rotary element is used to change different parameters, with switching between the operating modes being carried out by actuating the push or pull input element.

[0053] The two variants can also be implemented in combination. For example, pressing the button for a first duration can switch directly between parameter settings, and pressing the button for a second, particularly longer duration can switch between operating modes with a changed function of the rotary element.

[0054] For each of the possible parameters described below, the control of the parameter can be implemented by one of the two variants described above.

[0055] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that a parameter that can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element is the type and / or size of the scan figure.

[0056] For example, pressing or pulling the push or pull input element can switch between different patterns, for example, a linear pattern and at least one or more other patterns such as a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, or hexagon. Alternatively or additionally, pressing or pulling the push or pull input element can change the size of the selected pattern, for example, switching between different sizes.

[0057] According to one possible embodiment of the present invention, a parameter that can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element is a geometric parameter of the shape of a selected scan figure, in particular the curvature of a linear scan figure. For example, pressing or pulling the push or pull input element can switch between different curvatures, or pressing or pulling the push or pull input element can continuously change the curvature.

[0058] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that a parameter that can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element is the laser power and / or the scanning figure speed.

[0059] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, one parameter that can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element is the operating mode of the rotary element. In particular, switching between the aforementioned modes can be achieved by this actuation.

[0060] According to one possible embodiment of the present invention, a parameter that can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element is the ratio between the amount of rotation of the scan figure and the amount of rotation of the rotary element. In particular, this ratio described above can therefore be adjusted by actuating the push or pull input element.

[0061] For example, pressing or pulling the push or pull input element can switch between different values ​​of the above-mentioned parameters, or pressing or pulling the push or pull input element can continuously change the value.

[0062] According to one possible embodiment, the micromanipulator comprises a connector for detachable connection to a surgical microscope.

[0063] According to one possible design, the detachable attachment of the micromanipulator under the surgical microscope is achieved by means of a dovetail connection. The connector is therefore a dovetail connector.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the detachable attachment of the micromanipulator under the surgical microscope is achieved via a bayonet lock. The connector is therefore a bayonet connector. Specifically, this is a bayonet lock ring that can be inserted into a bayonet lock receptacle on the surgical microscope and secured there by turning. Unlike the previously common connection using a dovetail connector, this allows the micromanipulator to be quickly moved to a reproducible final position.

[0065] The bayonet lock preferably has a detent that secures it in the final position. The locking action can be achieved by springs and / or ball thrust pieces, possibly assisted by gravity. The detent, springs, and / or ball thrust pieces are preferably provided on the bayonet lock connector located on the surgical microscope.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the bayonet lock preferably has a locking mechanism in which the connection can be fixed in the final position. In particular, a clamping screw can be provided for this purpose. The locking mechanism is preferably provided on the connector of the bayonet lock arranged on the micromanipulator.

[0067] The two connectors of the bayonet lock are preferably pushed into or apart in a direction parallel to the axis of the microscope's observation beam path, and are connected or separated by rotation. The bayonet lock can preferably be opened or closed by a rotational movement around a rotational axis parallel to the axis of the microscope's observation beam path. The direction of attachment (vertical from below) is thus decoupled from the locking direction (rotation).

[0068] The present invention further comprises a laser surgery device with a micromanipulator as described above.

[0069] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the laser surgery device comprises a laser for generating the laser beam and / or a surgical microscope to which the micromanipulator can be detachably attached.

[0070] All of the above-mentioned functions controlled by the control element(s) are provided by one or more controls of the laser surgery device and / or the scanner, which are designed to carry out a corresponding control, in particular of the scan figure.

[0071] The controller or controllers comprise, in particular, a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory on which software is stored that executes or implements the corresponding functions when run on the microprocessor. An input of the controller or controllers is connected to the control element(s), and an output of the controller or controllers is connected to the laser and / or an actuator of the scanner, in particular an actuator of a mirror unit of the scanner, the movement of which generates the scan figure.

[0072] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to figures and drawings.

[0073] Showing: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a micromanipulator according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 that in Fig. 1 shown embodiment in the generation of a scan figure, Fig. 3 that in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the embodiment shown in the rotation of a scanning figure, which is controlled by the rotation of the rotating element, Fig. 4 that in Fig. 1 to 3, wherein a geometry parameter of the scan figure is changed by actuating a push or pull input element, and Fig. 5 an embodiment of a laser surgical device according to the invention with a micromanipulator according to the invention in a schematic representation.

[0074] Fig. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of a micromanipulator according to the invention, Fig. 5 its use in a laser surgical device, particularly for microsurgical applications.

[0075] For microsurgical application, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the operation is observed using a surgical microscope 80 to adequately perform even very small operations. When laser light is used for the surgical procedure, it is reflected into the observation beam path of the surgical microscope 80 via the micromanipulator 1.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment, the micromanipulator 1 is designed as a standalone device that is mounted under the surgical microscope 80. For this purpose, it has a connector 40.

[0077] In the exemplary embodiment, the connector 40 on the micromanipulator 1 is designed as a bayonet-lock ring, which can be connected to a corresponding counter-element on the surgical microscope by sliding them together in a direction parallel to the axis of the microscope's observation beam path and then rotating them. The bayonet lock engages in the final position. Furthermore, a clamping screw 41 is provided, which can be used to fix the bayonet lock in the final position. However, fastening via a dovetail joint would also be conceivable.

[0078] A laser beam L is applied to the micromanipulator 1 via its optical input 11. inThis is generated by a laser 90, which can be, for example, a CO2 laser, solid-state laser, or diode laser. The laser beam is guided via a tube 95 from the laser 90 to the optical input 11 of the micromanipulator 1. To make the laser beam used for the operation visible, a pilot laser colinear with it is also provided.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiment, the micromanipulator 1 comprises a focusing optics 20, via which the laser beam L in can be focused.

[0080] The micromanipulator 1 further comprises an electronically controlled mirror unit 10. This moves the laser beam along a path. Due to the rapid beam movement L scan A beam deflection structure, referred to here as scan figure 60, is created on the operating field 70.

[0081] In the exemplary embodiment, the micromanipulator 1 further comprises a wavelength-dependent mirror 30, which, in the mounted position of the micromanipulator, is located directly below the objective of the surgical microscope 80. The mirror 30 is transparent for the surgical field illumination and for observation and highly reflective for the laser light. It is positioned at approximately 45° in front of the objective and thus reflects the focused laser beam L. scan directly into the surgical field 70.

[0082] The micromanipulator 1 comprises a joystick 50, via which the position of the laser beam in the operating field and in particular the position of the scan figure can be adjusted.

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment, the joystick 50 is a mechanical element which can slightly tilt the mirror 30 in 2 axes in order to change the position of the laser beam in the operating area.

[0084] Alternatively, the joystick could be designed as an electronic joystick, such as those used in computer games, which generates electrical control signals that adjust the position of the laser beam in the operating area. This can be arranged, as shown in the figures, on the unit containing the optical components, as is known from mechanical joysticks, or on a separate, freely positionable console. An electronic joystick also offers several control options:

[0085] In a first variant, the electrical control signals could be transmitted to the control of the scanner 10, which is preferably provided separately from the mirror, and control the zero position of the scanner in such a way that the center of the scan figure is moved. This would eliminate the need for the previously common separate mechanism for moving the mirror 30, and allow the mirror to be fixed.

[0086] Alternatively, micro actuators could be provided which are controlled by the electronic joystick and tilt and incline the mirror 30.

[0087] In this case, the scanner 10 can be integrated into the mirror, with the microactuators taking over both the scanning function of the laser light and the positioning of the scanned figure. This requires correspondingly fast microactuators.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment, however, the scanner 50 is provided in addition to the movable mirror 50 and is arranged at the optical input of the micromanipulator 1.

[0089] By tilting the mirror 30 using the joystick 50, the center point of the scan figure 60 can be moved in the operating field 70.

[0090] In particular, the scan pattern 60 can be a line, at least in one operating mode. This line is oriented in the surgical field 70. A line is used when the operation, ie, the application of the laser light, is intended to create an incision. Due to the electronic control of the scanner 10, the incision is made very evenly across the length of the line. This advantage over a hand-guided line is used in laser surgery for precise cutting.

[0091] If the orientation of the line does not match the desired cutting line, the scan figure must be rotated 60°. Alignment of the scan figure may also be necessary for other scan figures.

[0092] This is where the invention comes in, as in Fig. 3 shown by a rotary element 51, which in the embodiment is arranged on the joystick 50 of the micromanipulator, a rotation D sthe scan figure proportional to the rotation angle D d of the rotating element 51.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment, the rotating element 51 is freely rotatable at the end of the joystick 50.

[0094] The rotary element 51 is located on the joystick axis and is axially fixed. It can rotate without force and operates a rotary encoder, which determines the relative rotation D d of the rotary element 51 around the joystick axis into direction-dependent, preferably digital pulses.

[0095] The rotary element 51 electronically transmits its rotational position to the control of the scanner 10. The control rotates the scanning figure 60 according to the rotation of the rotary element 51.

[0096] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, the pulses of the rotary encoder are transmitted via an integrated cable, which runs unmoved by the rotation of the rotary element 51 within the joystick 50 and the micromanipulator for signal transmission to the scanner 10 and / or to the laser 90.

[0097] The direct angle connection between the rotating element 51 and the scan figure angle enables a targeted rotation of the scan figure 60. The rotations of the rotating element are not limited and are possible in both directions.

[0098] The rotation D s The scan figure 60 is therefore determined in rotational speed and direction by the rotation D d of the rotary element by the user. A rotation position D can also be set via the rotary element. s can be approached by rotating the rotary element through a freely determined angle of rotation D d and the scan figure is also rotated by this or a rotation angle D proportional to its is rotated. A reduction or increase ratio can be provided between the encoder angle and the figure rotation angle. The size of the reduction or increase ratio can also be dynamically dependent on the rotation speed.

[0099] The invention therefore enables force-free rotation control of the scan figures without limiting the overall rotation angle. Intuitive rotation is enabled by following the figure while rotating the rotating element.

[0100] In the example there is as in Fig. 3 also shows the possibility of pushing the rotary element 51 in the direction of the joystick axis, so that it functions as a pressure input element 52. Alternatively, a pressure input element 52 separate from the rotary element could be provided at the tip of the joystick and surrounded by the rotary element 51.

[0101] Pressing P activates an integrated push button, which also transmits its signal to the laser device. This allows you to toggle parameters on the laser device and / or scanner, or to cycle through parameter settings in increments or continuously.

[0102] In particular, in an operating mode or configuration as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the line, when selected as a scan figure, can be changed in shape by pressing the pressure input element 52. For example, the line can be made more or less curved, e.g., to adapt this cutting shape to the tissue to be cut.

[0103] In a further operating mode or a further embodiment, by pressing the pressure input element 52, the translation of the rotary element rotation angle D d to figure rotation angle D sThis makes the encoder more sensitive or increases the rotation speed of the scan pattern. For example, the gear ratio can be set so that a 100° rotation angle of the rotary element results in only a 50° rotation angle of the scan pattern, or 200°.

[0104] In a further operating mode or a further embodiment, the shape of the scan figure can be changed by pressing the pressure input element 52. Possible shapes are circle, line, square, rectangle, triangle, or hexagon.

[0105] In a further operating mode or a further embodiment, the intensity of the laser light can be changed by pressing the pressure input element 52. This can be achieved by changing the laser power or by changing the speed of the scanning process.

[0106] In a further operating mode or a further embodiment, the brightness of a pilot laser can be adjusted by pressing the pressure input element 52. For example, the brightness can be adjusted in steps by pressing it repeatedly.

[0107] According to one possible embodiment, the function of the rotary element can be changed by pressing the pressure input element 52. In particular, it is provided that pressing the pressure input element 52 can switch to an operating mode in which the brightness of the pilot laser can be adjusted by rotating the rotary element. Preferably, the pilot laser flashes in this operating mode to indicate the adjustability. Switching the function of the rotary element can be done, in particular, by pressing and holding the pressure input element 52.

[0108] Furthermore, it is conceivable that corresponding operating modes are also provided for the further functions described above, which are controlled by pressing the pressure input element 52, which can be reached by pressing the pressure input element 52 and in which the rotary element serves to control the further functions.

[0109] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a pull input element, in particular a pull switch, in addition to or instead of the push input element 52 and in particular the push button in the rotary element. The aforementioned functions can also be controlled via this element.

Claims

[1] Micromanipulator for manipulating a laser beam of a laser surgery device, with a scanner for generating at least one scan figure and at least one control element for controlling the scanner, characterized by that the operating element comprises a rotary element, wherein a rotation of the rotary element causes a rotation of the scanning figure which depends on the size and / or speed of the rotation of the rotary element. [2] Micromanipulator according to claim 1, comprising a joystick pivotably mounted on a base, via which the position of the scanning figure can be adjusted, wherein the rotary element is arranged on the joystick. [3] Micromanipulator according to claim 2, wherein the rotary element is rotatable about a main axis of the joystick and / or wherein the rotary element is arranged in the region of the tip of the joystick and is preferably formed by a rotatable tip of the joystick. [4] Micromanipulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element comprises a sensor by which an absolute rotational angle position and / or a size and / or speed of a relative change in the rotational angle position of the rotary element is detected, wherein the sensor preferably transmits the detected size as an analog or digital value to a control of the scanner. [5] Micromanipulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary element is continuously or steppedly rotatable into a plurality of rotation angle positions, wherein the rotary element preferably has a rotation angle range of at least +- 90°, more preferably of at least +- 180°, wherein the rotary element is more preferably freely rotatable without limitation of the rotation angle and more preferably the scanning figure follows this free rotation without restrictions. [6] Micromanipulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary element is rotatable in two opposite directions of rotation, wherein the rotation of the rotary element causes a rotation of the scanning figure in the same direction. [7] Micromanipulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation of the rotary element causes a rotation of the scan figure which depends on the magnitude of the rotation of the rotary element, wherein the rotation preferably causes a rotation of the scan figure generated by the scanner which is proportional to the magnitude of the rotation. [8] Micromanipulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least in one operating mode the magnitude of the rotation of the scanning figure has a fixed ratio to the magnitude of the rotation of the rotary element. [9] Micromanipulator according to claim 8, wherein the fixed ratio is adjustable. [10] Micromanipulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least in one operating mode, the size of the rotation of the scanning figure has a ratio to the size of the rotation of the rotary element, which ratio depends on the rotational speed of the rotation of the rotary element, wherein preferably the size of the rotation of the scanning figure increases in relation to the size of the rotation of the rotary element with increasing rotational speed of the rotation of the rotary element. [11] Micromanipulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element comprises a push or pull input element, in particular as a push or pull button or push or pull switch, wherein the rotary element is preferably designed as such a push or pull input element or has such a push or pull input element, wherein at least one parameter of the micromanipulator can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element. [12] Micromanipulator according to claim 11, wherein a parameter that can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element is the type and / or size of the scan figure and / or a geometric parameter of the shape of a selected scan figure, in particular the curvature of a line-shaped scan figure. [13] Micromanipulator according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a parameter that can be changed by actuating the push or pull input element is the laser power and / or the scan figure speed. [14] Micromanipulator according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a parameter changeable by actuating the push or pull input element is the operating mode of the rotary element and / or the ratio between the amount of rotation of the scanning figure and the amount of rotation of the rotary element. [15] Laser surgery device with a micromanipulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser surgery device preferably comprises a laser for generating the laser beam and / or a surgical microscope to which the micromanipulator can be detachably fastened.

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