Holding system for an operator and method for holding an operator

Abstract

The holding system (1) according to the invention, comprising a support device (10) for holding at least one body part of the operator and a release device (13), functions to hold at least one body part of the operator in an adjustable position. The support device (10) has a control unit (12) which is designed to switch the support device (10) between a moving mode (B) and a holding mode (H), wherein the supported body part of the operator can be moved at least in an adjusting direction in the moving mode (B) and is held in a position and / or orientation by the support unit in the holding mode (H). The control unit (12) is designed to switch the support device (10) from the moving mode (B) into the holding mode (H), if the supported body part of the operator remains in an at least substantially constant position and / or orientation for a predetermined time. This allows for a particularly direct and intuitive operation of the support device (10) using body movements of the operator. In the moving mode (B), the operator can adopt a position and / or orientation which is fixed after a short time has elapsed in which the operator remains in this position.

Description

Restraint system for a surgeon and procedure for restraint a surgeon

[0001] The invention relates to a holding system for a surgeon in surgery, as well as, for example, laboratory personnel or dentists.

[0002] Support systems for surgeons, such as operating chairs with or without arm or foot supports, are already known and generally serve to support the surgeon who normally stands at the operating table, so that he can perform long operations, operations in constrained positions and / or operations with special demands on the surgeon's fine motor skills with little or no fatigue and ideally with reliable and high quality.

[0003] Operating chairs are usually designed to be adjustable in order to adapt to the surgeon's needs during the operation. For example, an operating chair is known from DE 10 2020 103 861 B3 which can be adjusted in height, laterally, and swiveled forwards and backwards.

[0004] German patent DE 20 2018 102 964 Ul describes a height-adjustable operating chair with two foot pedals, wherein the height of the operating chair can be adjusted by the surgeon sitting on the operating chair with the aid of the The operating chair can be adjusted using foot pedals. It can also save a set height and return to that saved height when restarted.

[0005] EP 0 868 885 A1 further describes an operating chair with a lockable articulated arm designed to support the arm of the surgeon seated on the chair. The surgeon can adjust the inclination of the support arm via a foot pedal. When the surgeon presses the foot pedal, hydraulic oil is pumped by a hydraulic pump into a cylinder chamber, which compresses a piston against a spring element and allows rotation of the articulated arm. As soon as the surgeon removes their foot from the foot pedal, the hydraulic pump stops, so that the spring element pushes the piston back and locks the articulated arm.

[0006] US Patent 2016 / 0000631 describes a surgical chair mounted on a mobile platform for use in laparoscopic procedures. The chair features a column-supported seat with a chest support protruding from the front of the seat, incorporating several adjustable support pads. The chest support can be adjusted to achieve the most ergonomic seating position for the surgeon. To adjust the seating position, it is necessary to enter data into the system prior to the operation, including the position of the patient, biometric information about the surgeon, and the desired position of the surgeon, such as seat height, seat tilt, and the desired height of the footrest above the platform. The surgical chair is then calibrated based on this information.

[0007] During the operation, the surgeon may frequently need to change his position relative to the patient, requiring the operating chair to be readjusted accordingly.

[0008] Given the increasing number of functions and adjustment options of operating chairs, manual adjustment is advisable, i.e., adjustment via a control device that can be operated by hand by the surgeon, since adjustment by foot with a large number of controls can lead to incorrect adjustment of the operating chair.

[0009] Manually adjusting the operating chair, however, means that the surgeon has to put down the surgical instrument he is holding to adjust the chair, thus interrupting the operation. Only after adjusting the chair can the surgeon continue. The manual adjustment of the chair therefore pulls the surgeon out of the operating process. In operations requiring numerous such position changes by the surgeon, this can lead to a longer operating time.

[0010] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a system and a method that makes it possible to hold the operator's body in a variety of supported positions that are as easy and intuitive to adjust as possible.

[0011] This problem is solved with the holding system for an operator according to claim 1:

[0012] The holding system according to the invention comprises a support device for holding at least one body part of the surgeon and a release device. In particular, the support device is configured to hold at least one body part, such as one or both arms, legs, the torso, or the entire body. The support device includes a control device configured to switch the support device between a movement mode and a holding mode, wherein the supported body part of the surgeon is movable in at least one adjustment direction in the movement mode and is held in a position and / or orientation by the support device in the holding mode. An adjustment direction can, for example, be the surgeon's seat height, a lateral tilt angle, or an upper body tilt angle of the seated surgeon.The triggering device communicates with the control device and is configured to switch the support device from hold mode to movement mode, particularly when a corresponding signal is received from the triggering device. The control device is configured to switch the support device from movement mode to hold mode when the supported body part of the surgeon maintains an at least substantially constant position and / or orientation for a predetermined period. The predetermined period can, for example, be in a range between 0.5 and 4 seconds, preferably between 1 and 3 seconds, more preferably between 2 and 3 seconds, or at least 5 seconds. The predetermined period for which the supported body part of the surgeon must remain in a constant position for the control device to switch from movement mode to hold mode can be defined as a time interval. The position can be adjusted to a level that is comfortable for the surgeon. The supported body part of the surgeon will maintain a substantially constant position, particularly when the speed of movement of the body part in the direction of adjustment is approximately 0 m / s, i.e., within a tolerance band around 0 m / s. The limits of the tolerance band can be, for example, ± 0.2 m / s, ± 0.1 m / s, or ± 0.05 m / s. Furthermore, the limits of the tolerance band, as well as the time period, can be adjusted to ensure the surgeon finds it comfortable.

[0013] By activating the release mechanism, the surgeon can switch the support device from holding mode to movement mode, thereby moving the supported body part in a desired direction. Once the surgeon is satisfied with the position of the supported body part, they can hold it in that position. The control unit detects that the surgeon's supported body part is holding a constant position and switches from movement mode to holding mode. This allows for particularly direct and intuitive operation of the support device through the surgeon's body movements. A complex control unit for adjusting the support device is thus eliminated, reducing the risk of incorrect operation.In movement mode, the surgeon can assume a desired position and / or orientation, which is fixed after a short period of time during which the surgeon remains in that position. The simple adjustment of the surgeon's position, which is held by the support device in holding mode, saves time-consuming repositioning. Support device. This allows the surgeon to concentrate on the operation and be less distracted by operating the holding system. As a result, the operation can be performed in a shorter time and with potentially higher quality.

[0014] A special feature of the holding system according to the invention lies in the control device, which switches the support device from the movement mode to the holding mode when the supported body part of the operator remains in a position for a predetermined time.

[0015] The control unit can generate an additional acoustic and / or visual signal during and / or after the activation of the movement mode, indicating to the operator that the movement mode has been activated. A predetermined delay time can also be provided between the activation of the movement mode and the switching of the support device from hold mode to movement mode. This is particularly advantageous if the operator is in a position where they would be unstable in movement mode. The delay time can be set and can be, for example, at least 3 s, 2 s, 1 s, 0.5 s, or 0.3 s.

[0016] Preferably, the support device includes a sensor unit for detecting movements of the supported body part, wherein the control device is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor unit and, based on the sensor data, to switch the support device from movement mode to hold mode. The sensor unit enables the control device to determine, based on the sensor data, whether the supported body part of the surgeon is no longer moving. The sensor unit can, for example, detect the movements of the supported body part directly or indirectly by measuring the movements of individual parts of the support device, such as struts, rods, and joints. The sensor unit may include pressure sensors in a lateral support or at other locations. For example, the sensor unit may also include a separate position sensor attached to the piston rod of a lockable gas spring that assists in adjusting the height of the operating chair. Alternatively, the sensor unit may include a sensor located in an actuator designed to assist in the movement of parts of the support device, or a circuit that monitors the actuator, for example, by detecting and evaluating the actuator's motor currents and / or the voltage applied to the actuator.

[0017] It is preferred that the triggering device has at least one actuating element for triggering the movement mode. The actuating element can, for example, comprise an electrical switch, an electrical push button, a photoelectric sensor, or an inductive or capacitive sensor. The actuating element of the triggering device is preferably arranged in the foot area of ​​the surgeon seated on the operating chair, so that the surgeon can trigger the movement mode with a foot movement. It is preferred that the actuating element is equipped with a photoelectric sensor.

[0018] The release mechanism is preferably arranged such that the actuator is reachable by the operator, at least with their foot. This allows the operator to switch the support device from holding mode. to switch into motion mode and also from motion mode to hold mode without using his hands.

[0019] In a specific embodiment, the triggering device preferably has at least two actuating elements, which are assigned to the movement mode in different adjustment directions of the support device. For example, a first actuating element can be arranged such that the operator can reach it with their right foot. The first actuating element can, for example, be configured to trigger the movement mode for adjusting the height and / or lateral swivel angle of the operating chair. The second actuating element can, for example, be arranged such that the operator can reach it with their left foot. The second actuating element can, for example, be configured to trigger the movement mode for adjusting the upper body tilt angle of the operator.The operating chair can, for example, have a base column that is adjustable only in height and pivotable laterally. Further support elements, such as an upper body restraint, at least one, preferably several, side supports and / or armrests, and the seat, can be attached to the base column. The further support elements are preferably located at the upper end of the base column.

[0020] In particular, the support device has at least one actuator configured to move the support device into holding mode and / or movement mode in at least one adjustment direction. The at least one actuator can, for example, be a The actuator is a control element that, in movement mode, presses on a release pin of a gas spring. The actuator may also include one or more electric actuator motors, which are configured, for example, to move part of the support structure.

[0021] In one embodiment, the support device comprises an operating chair with a seat and a first adjustment mechanism for setting the seat height. The surgeon can sit on the seat during the procedure. Preferably, the sensor unit has at least one sensor element housed in the first adjustment mechanism, the sensor element being configured to detect the seat height.

[0022] Preferably, the first adjustment device is configured to assist the surgeon's movement with a force during movement mode. This assisting force acts against the force of gravity on the supported body part of the surgeon. The first adjustment device can, for example, comprise a lockable gas spring or a lifting spindle driven by an electric motor.

[0023] The operating chair has, in particular, a second adjustment device for setting a lateral seat tilt, at least one side support, and at least one force sensor unit arranged in the side support for detecting forces acting laterally on the side support. Preferably, the side support extends laterally next to the seat of the operating chair. The force sensor unit is preferably located on an inner side of the side support facing the seat. The force sensor unit is arranged so that it detects a force exerted laterally by the upper body of the operator seated in the chair against the side support, for example, when the operator moves their upper body laterally. The sensor signal from the force sensor unit can thus be used to detect a lateral movement of the operator.

[0024] Preferably, the second adjustment device is configured to set a lateral tilt angle of the operating chair in movement mode based on sensor signals from the force sensor unit. This allows the surgeon to easily and intuitively adjust the desired lateral tilt angle of the operating chair by shifting their weight so that their upper body presses against the side support. Preferably, the operating chair has a further side support with at least one additional force sensor unit arranged in this further side support for detecting forces acting laterally on it. This further side support preferably extends laterally alongside the seat of the operating chair, on the opposite side of the chair.The additional force sensor unit is preferably arranged on an inner surface of the additional side support facing the seat, so that the additional force sensor unit detects a force with which the upper body of the surgeon seated on the chair presses laterally against the additional side support. Furthermore, a change in force, such as a decrease in force, can be detected to initiate a righting of the operating chair. When the surgeon presses with their upper body against the force sensor unit in the side support located on their right side... When the surgeon pushes his upper body against the further force sensor unit in the further side support, which is located on his left side, the second adjustment device swivels the operating chair to the right, while the second adjustment device swivels the operating chair to the left.

[0025] Preferably, the control device is configured to switch the second adjustment device from the movement mode to the holding mode when a sensor signal from the force sensor unit is at least substantially 0 N for the predetermined time. If another force sensor unit is located in the further side support, the control device is configured to switch the second adjustment device from the movement mode to the holding mode when the sensor signal from both force sensor units is at least substantially 0 N for the predetermined time.

[0026] In another embodiment, the operating chair has an upper body restraint device with a traction element, wherein the traction element can be detachably attached to a back section of a harness worn by the surgeon. The traction element is preferably a belt, a wire rope with or without sheathing, or the like. The upper body restraint device is preferably arranged such that the surgeon's upper body is held at an angle in the restraint mode. The upper body restraint device is preferably arranged behind the operating chair, for example, at shoulder height of the surgeon sitting on the operating chair. The upper body restraint device is particularly designed to... to keep the traction device taut even in movement mode, so that a loose traction device can be prevented and the associated risk of injury to the surgeon and / or bystanders can be reduced.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can be configured to switch the upper body restraint device into a suspension mode, whereby the upper body restraint device in suspension mode is configured to apply a traction force to the surgeon's upper body via the traction element and harness. This traction force assists the surgeon's movements in which they tilt their upper body. For example, the control unit can be configured to activate the suspension mode of the upper body restraint device when the release mechanism is actuated for a predetermined duration. For instance, the surgeon can then use their foot to keep the actuating element pressed for a predetermined duration, such as 0.5 seconds, 1 second, or 1.5 seconds.If the operating element has a light barrier, the surgeon can activate the floating mode with their foot by holding it within the trigger zone of the light barrier for a predetermined duration. In floating mode, the surgeon can move freely and according to the surgical requirements due to the constant restoring force, which is perceived as slight resistance, without having to repeatedly operate a control unit to change position or orientation. The surgeon can thus move directly in floating mode without having to put down the instruments, while still maintaining a stable working position. to a certain degree, the body is relieved or supported. The restoring force can be, for example, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the weight of the supported body part.

[0028] Preferably, the control unit is configured to switch the support device from the floating mode to the holding mode when the release device is actuated again. The operator can thus deactivate the floating mode by actuating the release device again.

[0029] The upper body restraint device can, for example, include an electrically driven winch onto which the traction element is wound or unwound. The electric drive of the winch for the traction element can be controlled, in particular, such that it drives the winch with an approximately constant torque in the winding direction, so that an approximately constant tensile force acts on the traction element. The electrically driven winch preferably includes a gearbox with a gear reduction, which, for example, makes the winch self-locking.

[0030] The problem is also solved by the method for holding an operator according to claim 14:

[0031] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: holding at least one supported body part of the surgeon in a position and / or position; triggering a movement mode in which the supported body part of the surgeon is movable in at least one adjustment direction; and switching from the movement mode to the holding mode when the supported body part of the surgeon assumes an at least substantially constant position and / or position for a predetermined time.

[0032] Preferably, the movement mode can be triggered by foot while in hold mode.

[0033] All features and advantages described in relation to the holding system according to the invention are also applicable to the method according to the invention.

[0034] Further details of advantageous embodiments or aspects of the invention will become apparent from the drawings, the description, and the dependent claims. These show:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the holding system according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of the holding system,

[0037] Figure 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram of another embodiment of the holding system,

[0038] Figure 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram of another embodiment of the holding system,

[0039] Figure 5 shows a flow diagram for an embodiment of the method according to the invention, and

[0040] Figure 6 shows an example of sensor data when adjusting the holding system in motion mode.

[0041] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the holding system 1, which serves to hold an operator in a seated position, wherein the upper body of the operator is held by a harness 23 worn by the operator with a back part 4.

[0042] The restraint system 1 includes a support device 10 with an operating chair 18, which is height-adjustable and laterally swiveling. The operating chair 18 has a seat 15 and an upper body restraint device 22 with a traction element Z. The surgeon can sit on the seat 15. Before sitting on the operating chair 18, the surgeon can put on a harness 23 with a backrest 4, which can be detachably coupled to the traction element Z of the upper body restraint device 22. The surgeon can thus lean forward, with their upper body restrained by the traction element Z. The set length L_Z of the traction element Z between the upper body restraint device 22 and the backrest 4 of the harness 23 determines the angle of inclination of the surgeon's upper body.

[0043] The support device 10 shown in Figure 1 is arranged on a mobile platform 2, which also has two footrests 3 on which the surgeon can place his feet during the operation. The footrests 3 can also serve as holders for foot pedals for operating instruments, such as surgical instruments.

[0044] The operating chair 18 is equipped with a first adjustment device 16 and a second adjustment device 19.

[0045] In the present example, the first adjustment device 16 has a lockable gas spring. The first adjustment device 16 also houses a sensor element 17 that detects the seat height, i.e., the height of the seat 15 above the platform 2.

[0046] The second adjustment device 19 in this example has two linear actuators (only the front one is shown), each arranged laterally next to the operating chair 18. The two linear actuators are attached to the operating chair 18 and the platform 2 in such a way that a change in the length of the linear actuators results in a pivoting movement of the operating chair. The linear actuators operate in opposite directions, so that a positive change in length of one linear actuator results in a negative change in length of the other linear actuator.

[0047] Above the seat 15, the support device 10 has a side support 20 and a further side support 26, which extend laterally beside the seat. A force sensor unit 21 is housed in the side support 20, which is arranged on an inner surface 5 of the side support 20 facing the seat such that the force sensor unit 21 detects a force with which the upper body of the operator sitting on the seat 15 presses laterally against the side support 20. Correspondingly, a further force sensor unit 27 is housed in the further side support 26.

[0048] Between the two side supports 20, 26 behind the seat 15, an upper body restraint device 22 extends vertically, which has a mast 24. The upper body restraint device 22 has a traction element Z that is attached to a back section 4 of a The upper body restraint device 22 can be attached to the upper body by the operator using a harness 23. The traction element Z of the upper body restraint device 22 is windable and unwindable, so that the angle of inclination of the operator's upper body can be adjusted via the length L_Z of the traction element Z. Furthermore, the upper body restraint device 22 has adjustment means with which the position at which the traction element Z exits the upper body restraint device 22 can be determined. The adjustment means can, for example, adjust and / or lock the position continuously or in discrete steps. In this way, the upper body restraint device 22 can be adapted to the operator's height. It is preferred that the upper body restraint device 22 is adjustable such that the position at which the traction element Z exits the upper body restraint device 22 is located behind the operator seated on the chair at least at the operator's shoulder height or higher.

[0049] The support device 10 also includes a control device 12, which is configured to switch individual actuators of the support device 10 between a movement mode B and a holding mode H. In movement mode B, the supported body part of the surgeon can be moved in one adjustment direction.

[0050] The support device 10 also has a release device 13, which is communicatively connected to the control device 12. The release device 13 is arranged on the upper side of the platform 2. In this embodiment, the release device 13 has two actuating elements 14, namely a first foot actuating element 6 and a second foot actuating element 7. The foot actuating elements 6 and 7 have a release area on their upper side in which a The foot of the surgeon is detected. The actuating elements 14 of the triggering device 13 are arranged below the seat 15 between the footrests 3 and the operating chair 18.

[0051] The first foot control element 6 is reachable with the operator's right foot, and the second foot control element 7 is reachable with the operator's left foot. The triggering device 13 can also include one or more light barriers that define an area within which the operator's foot can be detected.

[0052] The control unit 12 is configured to switch the support unit 10 from holding mode H to movement mode B when the release unit 13 is actuated. After the release unit 13 is actuated again, the control unit 12 switches the support unit 10 back from movement mode B to holding mode H.

[0053] In the present example, the first foot actuation element 6 is assigned to triggering movement mode B for the first adjustment device 16 and the second adjustment device 19. The second foot actuation element 7, on the other hand, is assigned to triggering movement mode B of the upper body restraint device 22.

[0054] The triggering device 13 can have additional foot actuation elements, so that, for example, the triggering of movement mode B for the first adjusting device 16 and the second adjusting device 19 can be assigned to separate foot actuation elements.

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the holding system 1. The support device 10 comprises an operating chair 18 with a seat 15 and a first adjustment device 16 with at least one actuator 25a. The actuator 25a includes an output 8a, which is configured to generate a movement and / or a force of the first adjustment device 16.

[0056] In this example, the support device 10 also includes a sensor unit 17, which is configured to detect a measurement parameter from the output 8a. Such a measurement parameter can be, for example, a position, an angular position, a velocity, an angular velocity, an acceleration, an angular acceleration, a force, or a torque of the output 8a.

[0057] The sensor unit 17 is communicatively connected to the control unit 12, such that the control unit 12 is configured to receive and evaluate the sensor data D from the sensor unit 17. The control unit 12 is also connected to the release device 13 with at least one actuating element 14. The control unit 12 is configured to receive a release signal from the release device 13 when the actuating element 14 is actuated. When the control unit 12 receives the release signal from the release device 13, it switches the mode in which the actuator 25a is operated. If the actuator 25a was previously operating in hold mode H, the control unit 12 switches to movement mode B. In movement mode B, the actuator 25a is controlled such that the first adjustment device 16 The operating chair can be moved by the operator in at least one direction. For example, if the first adjustment device 16 contains a gas spring and is configured to adjust the height of the operating chair, the actuator 25a can be configured, for example, to press a release pin of the gas spring to move the gas spring into movement mode B. If the control device 12 determines that the height of the operating chair 18 remains at least substantially constant for a predetermined time I, it switches from movement mode B to holding mode H.

[0058] Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the holding system 1. The previous description applies to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, based on the reference numerals already used. In addition, the following applies: In this embodiment, the operating chair 18 has a second adjustment device 19, which has two actuators 25b, 25c, each with an output 8b, c. The control unit 12 is connected to the force sensor unit 21, which is housed in the side support 20, and to the further force sensor unit 27, which is housed in the further side support 26. When the second adjustment device 19 is operated in holding mode H, the actuators 25b, 25c remain in their current position. When the control unit 12 receives a trigger signal from the trigger unit 13, the control unit 12 is configured to switch the second adjustment unit 19 into movement mode B.The actuators 25b, 25c are controlled based on the sensor data D of the force sensor units 21, 27. If both force sensor units 21, 27 provide a measured value of at least substantially 0 N for a predetermined time I. When the control unit 12 is transmitted, the control unit 12 switches from movement mode B to holding mode H.

[0059] Figure 4 shows another embodiment. The previous description also applies accordingly to this embodiment. In addition: In this example, the support device 10 with the operating chair 18 has an upper body restraint device 22. In this embodiment, the control device 12 can be configured to directly infer the position of the actuator based on the motor current of the actuator and / or a voltage applied to the actuator 25d. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator 25d can comprise a stepper motor or a servo motor with an angle encoder 9. Both alternatives are shown with dashed lines in Figure 4.

[0060] Figure 5 shows a flowchart for the inventive method for holding a surgeon. The support device 10 of the holding system 1 is initially in holding mode H. In this step, the supported body part of the surgeon is held in a position and / or orientation. In step VI, movement mode B, in which the supported body part of the surgeon can be moved in an adjustment direction, is triggered. If movement mode B is not triggered, the holding system 1 remains in holding mode H. If the support device 10 of the holding system 1 is in movement mode B and a change of state is triggered by the surgeon (process step VI), then the support device 10 is switched from movement mode B to holding mode H.

[0061] If, for a predetermined time I, the supported body part of the operator assumes at least an essentially constant position and / or orientation, the support device 2 is switched back from movement mode B to holding mode H by the control device 12 in procedure step V2.

[0062] The holding system 1 described above for an operator works as follows:

[0063] To perform an operation, the restraint system 1 is moved towards the operating table by means of a control unit (not shown), which may, for example, have at least one control lever as well as additional control buttons or other operating elements. The surgeon puts on the harness 23 with the backrest 4, steps onto the platform 2 and takes a seat 15 on the operating chair 18. Before or after taking a seat, the backrest 4 and the traction element Z are mechanically coupled to each other.

[0064] A first coupling element is attached to the back section 4, which is complementary to a second coupling element attached to one end of the traction element Z. The first and second coupling elements preferably have magnetic elements, so that when coupled together, the first and second coupling elements move relative to each other into a pre-tensioned position. In the pre-tensioned position, the two coupling elements can be manually pressed into a locking position, in which the two coupling elements detachably connect the traction element Z to the back section 26 of the harness 25. If the surgeon first puts on the harness 25 and then dons a surgical gown, preferably sterile, which has a back opening, Another person can connect the first coupling element to the second coupling element under the surgical gown, even without seeing both coupling elements. This speeds up the pre-operative procedures.

[0065] The support device 10, i.e. the height-adjustable and laterally swiveling operating chair 18 with the upper body restraint device 22, is initially in holding mode H.

[0066] Figure 6 shows an example of the sensor data D over time t, with the sensor data D of the sensor unit 17 for the seat height shown in the top row, the sensor data D of the force sensor units 21, 27 shown in the middle row, and the length L_Z of the traction element between backrest 4 and upper body restraint device 22 shown in the bottom row.

[0067] The first adjustment device 16 is initially in holding mode H. The operator then triggers the release device 13 for the first adjustment device 16 by actuating the actuating element 14 with their foot (procedure step VI). The first adjustment device 16 is switched to movement mode B, allowing the operator to adjust the height P_H of the operating chair 18 by applying or releasing pressure on the seat 15 of the operating chair 18 with their legs. While the seat height 15 is being adjusted, the height P_H is detected by the sensor unit 17 and transmitted to the control unit 12. As soon as the detected height P_H remains at least substantially constant for a predetermined time I, the control unit 12 switches the first adjustment device 16 from movement mode B to holding mode H (procedure step V2).

[0068] In the second line of Figure 6, the process previously described with respect to the first adjustment device is now described with respect to the second adjustment device 19. The sensor data D used to control the second adjustment device 19 are the force sensor units 21, 27 in the side supports 20, 26.

[0069] The second adjusting device 19 is also initially in holding mode H. In process step VI, the second adjusting device 19 is switched from holding mode H to movement mode B by the control unit 12 upon activation of the release device 13. In this example, the operator first pushes their upper body against the force sensor unit 21 in the right side support 20. The force sensor unit 21 detects the force acting on the side support 20. The force sensor unit 21 transmits a corresponding force signal F_R to the control unit 12. The operator then pushes their upper body against the force sensor unit 27, which is located in the left side support 26, causing it to transmit a force signal F_L to the control unit 12.The control unit 12 is configured to evaluate the force signals F_R and F_L and to switch from movement mode B to holding mode H as soon as the force signals F_R, F_L have at least substantially the value 0 N for a predetermined time I (procedure step V2 ).

[0070] In the bottom row of Figure 6, the previously described procedure is now described with regard to the upper body restraint device 22. Here too, starting from the holding mode H in process step VI, the movement mode B for the upper body restraint device 22 is triggered. The operator is now able to change the inclination of their upper body, which in turn changes the length L_Z of the traction element Z accordingly. A corresponding sensor unit 11 is housed in the upper body restraint device 22, which is configured to detect the length L_Z of the traction element Z. The sensor unit 11 sends a corresponding sensor signal to the control unit 12, which is configured to evaluate the sensor signal. As soon as the control unit 12 detects that the change in the length L_Z of the traction element Z is no longer substantially altered, it switches the upper body restraint device 22 from movement mode B to holding mode H (procedure step V2).

[0071] The holding system 1 according to the invention, comprising a support device 10 for holding at least one body part of the surgeon and a release device 13, serves to hold at least one body part of the surgeon in an adjustable position and / or orientation. The support device 10 has a control device 12 configured to switch the support device 10 between a movement mode B and a holding mode H, wherein the supported body part of the surgeon is movable in at least one adjustment direction in movement mode B and is held in its current position by the support device in holding mode H. The control device 12 is configured to switch the support device 10 from movement mode B to holding mode H when the supported body part of the surgeon remains in an at least substantially constant position for a predetermined time. This allows for a particularly direct and intuitive user interface. The support device is adjusted by the surgeon's body movements. The surgeon can assume a position and / or posture in this movement mode, which is fixed after a short period of time during which the surgeon remains in that position. Reference symbol: 1 Holding system 2 platforms 3 footrests 4 Back section 5 an inner side of the side support facing the seat 6 first foot actuation element 7 second foot actuation element 8 a..., 8d Actuator outputs 9 Position sensor 10 Support equipment 11 Sensor unit 12 Control unit 13 Triggering device 14 Actuating element 15 seats 16 first adjustment device 17 further inner sides facing the seat 18 operating chairs 19 second adjustment device 20 Side support 21 Force sensor unit 22 Upper body restraint device 23 Harness 24 masts 25a..., 25d Actuators 26 additional side supports 27 additional force sensor units B Movement mode D Sensor data F_R force signal from the force sensor unit in the right Side support F_L force signal from the force sensor unit in the left Side support H Hold mode I predetermined time L_Z Length of the traction element P current position P_H Seat height S hover mode t time VI Holding at least one supported body part of the surgeon in holding mode V2 Triggering the movement mode V3 Switching from movement mode to hold mode

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Holding system (1) for a surgeon, comprising: - a support device (10) for holding at least one body part of the surgeon, which has a control device (12) configured to switch the support device (10) between a movement mode (B) and a holding mode (H), wherein the supported body part of the surgeon is movable in an adjustment direction in the movement mode (B) and is held in a position (P) and / or position by the support device (10) in the holding mode (H); - a triggering device (13) which is communicatively connected to the control device (12) and is configured to switch the support device (10) from the holding mode (H) to the movement mode (B); wherein the control device (12) is configured to switch the support device (10) from the movement mode (B) to the holding mode (H) when the supported body part of the operator assumes an at least substantially constant position and / or orientation for a predetermined time (I).

2. Holding system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support device (10) has a sensor unit (11) for detecting movements of the supported body part, wherein the control device (12) is configured to receive sensor data (D) from the sensor unit (11) and, on the basis of the sensor data (D), to switch the support device (10) from the movement mode (B) to the holding mode (H). Switching. Holding system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the release device (13) has at least one actuating element for triggering the movement mode (B) (14). Holding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (13) is arranged such that the actuating element (14) is reachable by the operator at least with the foot. Holding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (10) has at least one actuator (25a..., 25d) configured to move the support device (10) into the holding mode (H) and / or into the movement mode (B) in at least one adjustment direction.Holding system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (10) comprises an operating chair () with a seat (15) and a first adjustment device (16) for setting a seat height. Holding system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensor unit (11) comprises at least one sensor element (17) which is housed in the first adjustment device (16), wherein the sensor element (17) is configured to detect a seat height. Holding system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first adjustment device (16) is configured to assist a movement of the surgeon with a force (F_H) in movement mode (B). Holding system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the operating chair (18) has a second adjustment device (19) for adjusting a lateral seat tilt, at least one side support (20), and at least one force sensor unit (21) arranged in the side support (20) for detecting a force acting laterally on the side support (20).Restraint system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the second adjustment device (19) is configured to set a lateral tilt angle of the operating chair (18) in movement mode (B) based on sensor signals from the force sensor unit (21), wherein the control device is configured to switch the second adjustment device (19) from movement mode (B) to restraint mode (H) when a sensor signal from the force sensor unit (21) is at least substantially 0 N for the predetermined time (I). Restraint system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the operating chair (18) has an upper body restraint device (22) with a. The traction device (1) comprises a traction element (Z), wherein the traction element (Z) is detachably connectable to a back section (4) of a harness (23) worn by the operator, and wherein the upper body restraint device (22) is arranged such that the operator's upper body is restrained at an angle of inclination in the holding mode (H). The holding system (1) according to claim 11 is characterized in that, when the release device (3) is actuated, the control device (12) is configured to switch the upper body restraint device (22) into a suspension mode (S) for a predetermined period of time, wherein the upper body restraint device (22) in suspension mode (S) is configured to exert a traction force (F_Z) on the operator's upper body via the traction element (Z) and the harness (23).Holding system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the control device (12) is configured to switch the support device (2) from the floating mode (S) to the holding mode (H) upon renewed actuation of the release device (3). Method for holding an operator, in particular with a holding system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Holding (H) at least one supported body part of the surgeon in a position (P) and / or position; - Triggering (VI) a movement mode (B) in which the supported body part of the surgeon at least is movable in one adjustment direction; as well as - Switching (V2) from movement mode (B) to hold mode (H) when the supported body part of the surgeon assumes an at least substantially constant position and / or orientation for a predetermined time (I). Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the triggering (VI) of movement mode (B) in hold mode (H) can be performed by foot.

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