Input attachment, surgical device, arrangement for intraoperative use, and use of an input attachment

Abstract

The present invention relates to an input attachment for controlling at least one function of a sterile surgical handpiece via an external surgical device coupled therewith, the input attachment comprising: an input device designed to receive a user input, a control device designed to create a control signal for controlling the surgical handpiece from the user input received, an electrical interface used to transmit the created control signal to the surgical device, and a mechanical assembly interface designed to form a non-slip connection to the surgical handpiece in the assembled state of the input attachment, in such a way that the input attachment assembled with the surgical handpiece can be handled as a one-piece handpiece. Moreover, the invention relates to a surgical device, an arrangement for intraoperative use, and a use of the input attachment according to the invention for interoperative neuromonitoring (IOM).

Description

[0001] Input attachment, surgical device, arrangement for intraoperative use and use of an input attachment FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an input attachment for controlling at least one function of a sterile surgical handpiece via an external surgical device coupled thereto, a surgical device, an arrangement for intraoperative use and a use of a corresponding input attachment. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND For intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM), surgical handpieces such as a stimulation probe or a mapping suction device are used during operations. With these handpieces a surgeon can stimulate a nerve with a small electrical impulse. For this purpose, the handpiece must be sterile in order to avoid contamination at the surgical site. An adjustment of the current strength for stimulating the nerves as well as a display of the stimulation response is advantageous.It is often the case that the lower the current strength until a signal is triggered, the closer one is to the area to be protected. Adjusting the current strength can often only be achieved with an external device connected to the handpiece. EP 1 804 911 B1, on the other hand, describes a stimulator handpiece which has a switch with which an electrical signal can be adjusted. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Against this background, the object of the present invention is to create a simple control option for the surgeon for a large number of different surgical handpieces. According to the invention, this object is achieved by an input attachment having the features of patent claim 1, a surgical device having the features of claim 25, an arrangement having the features of patent claim 27 and / or a use of an input attachment having the features of patent claim 31.Accordingly, the following is provided: - An input attachment for controlling at least one function of a sterile surgical handpiece via an external medical surgical device coupled thereto, wherein the input attachment has: an input device which is designed to receive a user input, a control device which is designed to generate a control signal for controlling the surgical handpiece from the received user input, an electrical interface via which the generated control signal is transmitted to the surgical device, and a mechanical mounting interface which is designed to form a non-slip connection with the surgical handpiece in the mounted state of the input attachment such that the input attachment assembled with the surgical handpiece can be handled as a one-piece handset.- A surgical device with an electrical device interface having a first and a second interface, wherein the first interface is designed to receive control signals from an input attachment according to the invention coupled to the surgical device via the electrical device interface, and wherein the second interface is designed to transmit stimulation signals based on the received control signals to a surgical handpiece coupled to the surgical device via the electrical device interface. - An arrangement for intraoperative use, comprising: an input attachment according to the invention, a surgical device according to the invention, and a surgical handpiece. - A use of the input attachment according to the invention for intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM).The idea underlying the present invention is to develop an attachment with an input function that can be easily attached and secured to the handpiece of a surgical instrument or surgical handpiece. This allows the surgeon to adjust parameters such as the current intensity during the operation without moving away from the surgical site or turning away. Furthermore, the same attachment can be attached to another handset if necessary in order to adjust the parameters there in the same way. With the attachment attached, the surgeon can easily control the surgical instrument or surgical handpiece from the sterile field. This is important because the connected surgical device is often not sterile and the surgeon would have to turn away from the operating table. This means that the input attachment can be used for different surgical instruments.These include various probes for the brain's surface or deeper brain areas, HF devices, or scalpels. The input attachment should be attached to the instrument that the surgeon changes least often during the operation. This allows the surgical handpiece, such as a stimulation probe or a mapping suction device, to be made lighter so that it can be used for simple procedures without control. Because the input attachment has a lower risk class, the development of a high-risk probe is not necessary. The input attachment can also be realized as a disposable product. This also eliminates any need for complex reprocessing of the attachment. The input attachment receives inputs from the treating surgeon, converts them into a control signal, and transmits them to a connected surgical device.To do this, it uses an electrical interface designed to transmit electrical signals. The inputs can be made, for example, using one or more buttons or keys, a rotary control, or a slider. The medical surgical device belonging to the input attachment has corresponding interfaces to convert the control signal transmitted by the input attachment into a stimulation signal or other output, which is then transmitted to the surgical handpiece coupled to the surgical device. This arrangement consists of the three components: the input attachment, the surgical device, and the surgical handpiece. This arrangement can then be used in various areas of surgery, such as intraoperative neuromonitoring.This application includes, for example, motor mapping and speech mapping in neurosurgery, as well as applications, particularly for tumor resection, in spinal surgery, and peripheral surgery. In motor mapping, tissue is stimulated to locate structures in the brain that control movement. If evoked potentials can be visualized in the key muscles through stimulation, a function to be protected must be located near the stimulated area. This includes, for example, subcortical mapping according to Raabe for tumor resection in neurosurgery or mapping of primary motor cortex and pyramidal tracts, the latter requiring special probe shapes and parameters. The probes used are primarily monopolar probes with a ball tip, fork probes, mapping suction cups, small bipolar concentric probes (BCS), or microfork probes.Tumor surgery can be performed, for example, in ENT surgery, general surgery, visceral surgery, endocrine surgery, or oral and maxillofacial surgery. The current intensity is primarily used as the controlled parameter. For example, the invention finds applications in tumors of the facial nerve, the thyroid, or rectal carcinoma. In this case, the nerve can be distinguished from the surrounding tumor tissue based on its lower current threshold for triggering a response signal. A one-piece handle is a medical tool or instrument held in one hand, which is typically used by a surgeon during surgery.Even though it contains at least two components, namely a surgical handpiece with an attached input attachment, the one-piece handpiece is no different in handling than an instrument consisting of only one component due to the stable and non-slip attachment of the components. A non-slip connection means that the two components of the connection, in this case the surgical handpiece and the input attachment, are attached to one another in such a way that the relative position of the two components does not change, even with only slight force applied during normal use of the handpiece. This means that as long as excessive force is not applied, which does not occur during normal use, the two components will not slip relative to one another.Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing. According to a preferred development, the mounting interface has a receiving area. The receiving area is designed to form a positive and / or non-positive connection between the input attachment and the surgical handpiece when the input attachment is placed on the surgical handpiece. This enables a non-slip and one-piece handle between the input attachment and the surgical handpiece.According to a preferred development, the positive and / or non-positive connection contains at least one of the following connections: at least one clip for clipping the receiving area to the surgical handpiece, at least one magnet for magnetically coupling to an opposite-pole magnet on the surgical handpiece, an adhesive connection between the receiving area and the surgical handpiece, an adhesive connection for adhering the receiving area to the surgical handpiece; or a positive dovetail connection or dovetail-like positive connection to the surgical handpiece. Each of these connections enables a firm, non-slip, and solid, one-piece handpiece for use in surgery. According to a further preferred development, the positive and / or non-positive connection is detachable. This enables the input attachment and the surgical handpiece to be exchanged and reused.The interchangeability of the input attachment allows it to be attached to other surgical handpieces without the need for an additional attachment. According to a further preferred development, the receiving area of ​​the mounting interface is designed to insert the surgical handpiece, in a non-assembled state, into an interior area of ​​the receiving area and to enclose it in the receiving area, and to clamp the surgical handpiece, in the assembled state, in the interior area of ​​the receiving area so that it cannot slip. This development also enables a firm and solid, one-piece handheld device, in particular for attachment to a larger device such as a mapping suction device. According to a further development, the non-slip connection is formed by anti-slip elements provided in the receiving area.The anti-slip elements make it difficult and, in particular, prevent the input attachment from slipping off the surgical handpiece when assembled. According to a further preferred development, the non-slip connection is formed by knobs provided in the receiving area, which, when assembled, engage in inlets of the surgical handpiece and at least make it difficult and, in particular, prevent the input attachment from slipping off the surgical handpiece. The knobs are designed to be sufficiently deformable to, on the one hand, enable engagement with the inlets, and, on the other hand, to make it difficult or fundamentally prevent the attached input attachment from slipping. According to a further preferred development, the electrical interface has a bipolar electrical connection.The input signal to the surgical device can be received directly via this connection, and a response signal from the surgical device can also be received. The response signal is therefore usually a response, for example a stimulus response to the stimulation or output emitted by the surgical handpiece to the site to be treated, for example in the brain tissue. Such a connection enables fast and latency-free transmission of signals. According to a further preferred development, the electrical interface is designed to couple the surgical handpiece to the input attachment via a direct cable connection. The cable connection enables secure and stable data exchange with, for example, the surgical device.According to a preferred development, the electrical interface is designed to wirelessly couple the surgical handpiece to the input attachment via an air interface. This connection enables increased freedom of movement for those involved, such as the surgeon, without having to worry about an additional cable. According to a further preferred development, the air interface is an optical connection. The optical connection can be designed as an infrared connection. The connection can also be designed as a radio connection, for example as a WLAN or mobile radio connection and / or as a Bluetooth connection. These connections enable sufficiently secure and fast data transmission depending on the requirements of the specific application. According to a further preferred development, the electrical interface is arranged in the region of the mechanical mounting interface.Furthermore, the mechanical mounting interface is designed to be coupled, in the mounted state, to a corresponding electrical interface of the surgical handpiece, in order to transmit the input signal via the surgical handpiece to the surgical device and to receive a response signal from the surgical device. In this way, signals from and to the surgical handpiece and the input attachment can be sent and received via the same connection, for example a cable connection with only one cable. This simplifies the complexity of the arrangement. According to a further development, the input device has at least one button, a keyboard, a touchpad, a rotary knob, and / or a scroll wheel, via which user inputs can be received. This allows the surgeon to control the surgical handpiece in a simple and flexible manner.According to a further development, the input device is designed to output haptic feedback about a user input. In this way, for example, a haptic signal can be output when the surgeon has successfully made an input, so that the surgeon knows that the input has been received. This increases the safety of using the handset. According to a further development, the input device and the control device are designed to receive an input parameter for stimulation in the field of interoperative neuromonitoring as user input and to convert it into a corresponding control signal. The parameter is in particular a current intensity or a frequency, which are frequently varied parameters.However, the parameter can just as easily be a pulse width, an energy, a stimulation frequency, for example, 1 Hz or 30 Hz, a pulse shape, or a switch from a monopolar to a bipolar signal, or simply switching the stimulation on and off. The latter is preferred when using a mapping suction device. In this way, the surgical handpiece can be effectively used in intraoperative neuromonitoring. According to a further development, the input device and the control device are designed to select at least one parameter from a parameter set, record the selected parameter as the user input, and convert it into a corresponding control signal. Switching between a parameter set can also occur automatically depending on a completed step in the workflow.In this way, the surgical handpiece can be used particularly flexibly and user-friendly in intraoperative neuromonitoring (I-OM). According to a further development, the control device is designed to use the control signal to control at least one device-specific parameter of the surgical handpiece or the surgical device. This includes, in particular, a comment, a workflow, a volume, a baseline, switching forward and back in the workflow, opening a comment menu with subsequent setting of a standardized comment, or other parameters relevant to the working environment. This can create an improved working environment for the surgeon, which reduces treatment errors. According to a further preferred development, a display device is provided which is designed to output a reaction signal.The reaction signal is picked up by the surgical handpiece and sent to the input attachment directly or indirectly, for example via the surgical device, where it is converted into the corresponding reaction signal. Such a reaction signal can in particular be an optical reaction signal. This is clearly visible to the surgeon, so that he or she quickly notices the reaction of, for example, the stimulated nerve and adapts the treatment accordingly. According to a further development, the display device is designed to display a received reaction signal which is based on a reaction to a stimulation or output emitted by the surgical handpiece and based on the user input. The reaction signal thus provides information about which reaction was generated with the control signal in, for example, the stimulated area of ​​a patient.According to a further development, the display device has a display and / or at least one LED for outputting the reaction signal. The LED can be designed as an RGB LED for displaying different colors, in particular according to a traffic light scheme. Furthermore, the LED can be configured to flash and to illuminate statically. The display can be designed in particular as a mini-display, optionally with haptic feedback. This type of display forms a particularly easily recognizable and flexibly usable display. According to a further development, the display device is designed to display at least one selected parameter and / or a parameter value and / or a parameter range and / or an optical warning signal. Useful information can thus be provided to the surgeon.According to a further development, the display device is designed to display at least one parameter of the surgical handpiece, the surgical device, and / or a third-party device connected to the input attachment. If a probe of the surgical handpiece were to be navigated using a corresponding device, the response could be displayed in relation to the current location. In this way, the surgeon can recognize the size of the parameter currently being used and continue the treatment accordingly. The surgeon can thus recognize suitable parameter ranges, which increases the safety and precision of the treatment. According to a further development, the display device is designed to output haptic feedback and / or an acoustic response signal. In this way, special attention can be generated for the treating surgeon.This can be used, for example, if parameter ranges are exceeded. Overall, this increases both parameter setting and treatment safety. According to a further development, the display device is coupled to the control device, via which the display device can be controlled. This allows the display of various reaction signals to be flexibly and individually adjusted for the surgeon, which improves the applicability and usability of the input attachment. According to a further development, the surgical device is designed as an interoperative neuromonitoring (IOM) device. This enables neurological applications, such as stimulating tissue in the brain in order to perform brain mapping to locate areas in the brain that control speech or motor skills. Alternatively, the surgical device can also be an RF or cryotherapy device.According to a further development, the surgical device is electrically connected to the input attachment and the surgical handpiece for transmitting and receiving signals. Inputs made via the input attachment can thus initially be transmitted as a control signal to the surgical device, from which, for example, a corresponding stimulation signal can be transmitted to the surgical handpiece. Furthermore, the surgical handpiece can be mechanically fastened to the input attachment in such a way that the input attachment is attached to the surgical handpiece in a position corresponding to the receiving area of ​​the input attachment. The thus assembled, one-piece handpiece is then particularly easy to handle, which is essential when treating a patient. According to a further development, the surgical handpiece is designed as a monopolar or bipolar stimulation probe.According to a further development, the surgical handpiece is designed as a monopolar or bipolar mapping suction device. These devices enable more effective intraoperative neuromonitoring. The above embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. In particular, all features of the input attachment and the surgical device can be transferred to the arrangement, and all features of the input attachment can be transferred to the use for intraoperative neuromonitoring, and vice versa. Further possible embodiments, developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that were not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. There show: Fig. 1 a schematic illustration of an arrangement comprising an input attachment, surgical handpiece and surgical device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic illustration of an input attachment of a further embodiment; Fig. 3 a cross section of the input attachment from Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a schematic illustration of a surgical handpiece with the input attachment of Figs. 2 and 3 attached; Fig. 5 a schematic illustration of an input attachment of a further embodiment; Fig. 6 a cross section of the input attachment of a further embodiment; Fig. 7 a schematic illustration of a surgical handpiece with the input attachment of Figs. 5 or 6 attached;Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of an arrangement comprising an input attachment, a surgical handpiece, and a surgical device according to a further embodiment; Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of an arrangement comprising an input attachment, a surgical handpiece, and a surgical device according to a further embodiment; Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of an arrangement comprising an input attachment, a surgical handpiece, and a surgical device according to a further embodiment; Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of an arrangement comprising an input attachment, a surgical handpiece, and a surgical device according to a further embodiment; and Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of an arrangement comprising an input attachment, a surgical handpiece, and a surgical device according to a further embodiment. The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention.They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the aforementioned advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. In the figures of the drawings, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement 100 comprising input attachment 1, surgical handpiece 2 and surgical device 3 according to a first embodiment; Fig. 1 shows an arrangement 100 for intraoperative use. The arrangement has an input attachment 1, a surgical device 3 electrically connected thereto, and a surgical handpiece 2 connected to the surgical device 3.During an operation, the input attachment 1 and the surgical handpiece are sterile. The input attachment 1 is designed to control at least one function of the surgical handpiece 2 via the surgical device 3. The input attachment 1 has an input device 4, for example buttons or a rotary control. The input device 4 is designed to receive a user input and transmit it to a control device 5 of the input attachment 1. The control device 5 is designed to generate a control signal for controlling the surgical handpiece 2 from the received user input. This control signal is sent to an electrical interface 6, via which the control signal is transmitted to the surgical device 3. The electrical interface 6 has a monopolar electrical connection, via which the input signal can be transmitted to the surgical device 3.In this embodiment, this is achieved by a first connection 12 designed as a cable connection. The input attachment 1 also has a mechanical mounting interface 7. This is designed to form a non-slip connection with the surgical handpiece 2 when the input attachment 1 is mounted, such that the input attachment 1 assembled with the surgical handpiece 2 can be handled as a one-piece handpiece. The mounting interface 7 has a receiving area 8, which is designed to form a positive and / or non-positive connection between the input attachment 1 and the surgical handpiece 2 when the input attachment 1 is placed on the surgical handpiece 2. In this embodiment, the mechanical connection is designed as a positive connection and contains at least one clip for clipping the receiving area 8 to the surgical handpiece 2.In further embodiments, the positive and / or non-positive connection contains at least one magnet for magnetic coupling to an opposite-polar magnet on the surgical handpiece 2, an adhesive connection between the receiving area 8 and the surgical handpiece 2, an adhesive connection for adhering the receiving area 8 to the surgical handpiece 2, a positive dovetail connection or a dovetail-like positive connection to the surgical handpiece 2. In particular, the positive and / or non-positive connection is designed to be detachable. The medical surgical device 3 shown in Fig. 1 has an electrical device interface 9, which has a first interface 10 and a second interface 11. The first interface 10 is designed to receive control signals from an input attachment 1 coupled to the surgical device 3 via the electrical device interface 9.The second interface 11 is designed to transmit stimulation signals based on the received control signals to a surgical handpiece 2 coupled to the surgical device 3 via the electrical device interface 9. This is achieved via a second electrical connection 13, which in this embodiment is designed as a cable connection. This makes it possible for the input entered by the surgeon at the input attachment to be converted into a stimulation or an output in the surgical handpiece and output. The input device 4 and the control device 5 are designed to receive an entered parameter for stimulation in the field of interoperative neuromonitoring as user input and to convert it into a corresponding control signal. The parameter is, in particular, a current intensity.In further embodiments, the parameter is a frequency, a pulse width, a pulse shape, a voltage, an energy, or an on / off switching of a function. The input device 4 and the control device 5 are also designed to select at least one parameter from a parameter set, receive the selected parameter as the user input, and convert it into a corresponding control signal. In this way, it is possible to switch back and forth between different parameters, for example between a current strength or a frequency. Fig. 2 shows a schematic illustration of an input attachment 1 of a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the input device 4 has at least one button 14 via which user inputs can be received. In further embodiments, the input device has a keyboard, a touchpad, a rotary knob, and / or a scroll wheel.Furthermore, the input device 4 is designed to output haptic feedback about a user input. This occurs here by vibrating the button 14 during the input. The receiving area 8 of the mechanical interface 7 is designed here as a curve for a cylindrical surgical handpiece 2. In this embodiment, the input attachment also has a display device 24 which is designed to output a reaction signal. The reaction signal output here is output as an optical reaction signal via two LEDs 15. The electrical interface 6 (not shown in Fig. 2) is correspondingly designed to receive the reaction signal from the surgical device 3. The display device 24 is designed to display the received reaction signal.This signal is received and displayed here as a reaction to a stimulation or output emitted by the surgical handpiece 2 and based on the user input. The display device 24 is coupled to the control device 5 and can be controlled or adjusted via the control device 5 (also not shown here). In further embodiments, the display device 24 has a display. Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the input attachment 1 from Fig. 2. Snap-in nubs 16 can be seen for snapping into corresponding recesses on the outside of the surgical handpiece 2. This creates a secure, non-slip, and releasable mechanical connection between the input attachment 1 and the surgical handpiece 2. Fig. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a surgical handpiece 2 with the input attachment of Figs. 2 and 3 attached.In this embodiment, the surgical handpiece 3 is designed as a monopolar stimulation probe. In further embodiments, the surgical handpiece 3 is designed as a bipolar stimulation probe. The surgical handpiece therefore has a probe 17 that is angled at its tip. In further embodiments, the probe is angled at different angles. Likewise, shorter or longer probes are possible depending on the area of ​​application. The input attachment 1 is used for intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM). The assembled state of the input attachment with the surgical handpiece 2 can be clearly seen in Fig. 4.In particular, it can be seen that the mechanical mounting interface 7 is designed to form a non-slip connection with the surgical handpiece 2 when the input attachment 1 is in the assembled state, such that the input attachment 1 assembled with the surgical handpiece 2 can be handled as a simple and practical one-piece handpiece. Fig. 5 shows a schematic illustration of an input attachment 1 of a further embodiment. In this further embodiment of the input attachment 1, a receiving area 8 of the mounting interface 7 is designed to insert the surgical handpiece 2 in a non-assembled state into an inner area 18 of the receiving area 8 and to enclose it in the receiving area 8, and to clamp the surgical handpiece 2 in the assembled state in the inner area 18 of the receiving area 8 in a slip-proof manner. Fig. 6 shows a cross section of an input attachment of a further embodiment.In this embodiment of the input attachment 1, the non-slip connection is formed by anti-slip elements 19 provided in the receiving area 8, which, in the assembled state, at least make it difficult for the input attachment 1 to slip off the surgical handpiece 2 and practically prevent it during normal use. The anti-slip elements 19 can be made of a plastic, for example. Here, the anti-slip elements 19 are implemented as inlets for the surgical handpiece 2. In further embodiments, the non-slip connection can be formed by nubs provided in the receiving area, which, in the assembled state, engage in inlets of the surgical handpiece 2 and at least make it difficult and, in particular, prevent the input attachment from slipping off the surgical handpiece 2. Fig. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a surgical handpiece 2 with the input attachment 1 of Figures 5 or 6 attached.In this embodiment, the surgical handpiece 2 is designed as a monopolar mapping suction device. In further embodiments, the surgical handpiece 2 is designed as a bipolar mapping suction device. Thus, in this embodiment, the input attachment 1 is used for interoperative neuromonitoring (IOM). Analogous to Fig. 4, in which the input attachment 1 is designed for use with a stimulation probe, the assembled state of the input attachment 1 designed for the mapping suction device with the surgical handpiece 2 is clearly visible here. It can thus be seen that the input attachment 1 assembled with the surgical handpiece 2 can be handled as a practically usable one-piece handpiece. Fig. 8 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement 100 comprising input attachment 1, surgical handpiece 2 and surgical device 3 according to a further embodiment.The input attachment 1 and the surgical handpiece are connected to the surgical device 3, which is designed as an interoperative neuromonitoring (IOM) device. The surgical device 3 is electrically connected to the input attachment 1 and the surgical handpiece 2 via the first and second electrical connections 12, 13, both of which are designed as cable connections here, for transmitting and receiving signals. The surgical handpiece 2 is mechanically fastened to the input attachment 1 such that the input attachment 1 is fastened to a position of the surgical handpiece 2 corresponding to the receiving area 8 of the input attachment 1. This creates a handpiece that is easy for the surgeon to handle. In this embodiment, the control device 5 is also designed to use the control signal to control at least one device-specific parameter of the surgical handpiece 2 or the surgical device 3.For example, a comment or a workflow of the surgical device 3 can be controlled here. For example, comments such as "Operation start", "before left resection", "after left resection" can be set during thyroid operations, or a workflow or a wizard or device navigation can be switched back and forth between different action steps. In further embodiments, the electrical interface 6 is designed to couple the surgical handpiece 2 to the input attachment 1 via a direct cable connection. Fig. 9 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement 100 comprising input attachment 1, surgical handpiece 2, and surgical device 3 according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrical interface 6 is designed to wirelessly couple the surgical handpiece 2 to the input attachment via an air interface.The air interface is designed as a radio connection in the form of a Bluetooth connection. In further embodiments, the air interface is designed as an optical connection, in particular an infrared connection. In further embodiments, the radio connection is designed as a WLAN or mobile radio connection. Fig. 10 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement 100 comprising input attachment 1, surgical handpiece 2, and surgical device 3 according to a further embodiment. In this arrangement 100, the surgical handpiece 3 is designed as a mapping suction device. A surgical suction device 20 is connected to the surgical handpiece 2 in order to suction out tissue suctioned out via a hose 21, for example, during an operation. The display device 24 is designed to display at least one parameter of a third-party device connected to the input attachment 1, such as the surgical suction device in this case. Fig.Fig. 11 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement comprising input attachment 1, surgical handpiece 2, and surgical device 3 according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the first electrical connection 12 is again designed as a Bluetooth connection. Further embodiments use other wireless connections, as already described above in Fig. 9. Fig. 12 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement 100 comprising input attachment 1, surgical handpiece 2, and surgical device 3 according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrical interface 6 of the input attachment 1 is arranged in the region of the mechanical interface.The electrical interface 6 is designed to be coupled, in the assembled state, to a corresponding electrical interface 22 of the surgical handpiece 2, in order to transmit the input signal via the surgical handpiece 2 to the surgical device 3 and to receive a response signal from the surgical device 3. Thus, the communication of the first and second electrical connections 12, 13 between the surgical handpiece 2 and input attachment 1, on the one hand, and the surgical device 3, on the other hand, takes place via a common cable 23. Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in many different ways.

[0002] List of reference symbols 1 Input attachment 2 Surgical handpiece 3 Surgical device 4 Input device 5 Control device 6 Electrical interface of the input attachment 7 Mounting interface 8 Receiving area 9 Device interface of the surgical device 10 First electrical interface of the surgical device 11 Second electrical interface of the surgical device 12 First electrical connection 13 Second electrical connection 14 Button 15 LED 16 Snap-in knobs / knobs 17 Probe 18 Interior of the input attachment 19 Anti-slip element 20 Surgical suction device 21 Hose 22 Receiving area of ​​the surgical handpiece 23 Common cable 24 Display device 100 Arrangement

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Input attachment (1) for controlling at least one function of a sterile surgical handpiece (2) via an external surgical device (3) coupled thereto, wherein the input attachment (1) comprises: an input device (4) designed to receive a user input, a control device (5) designed to generate a control signal for controlling the surgical handpiece (2) from the received user input, an electrical interface (6) via which the generated control signal is transmitted to the surgical device (3), and a mechanical mounting interface (7) designed to form a non-slip connection with the surgical handpiece (2) in the mounted state of the input attachment (1) such that the input attachment (1) assembled with the surgical handpiece (2) can be handled as a one-piece handle. 2.Input attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting interface (7) has a receiving area (8) which is designed to form a positive and / or non-positive connection between the input attachment (1) and the surgical handpiece (2) when the input attachment (1) is placed on the surgical handpiece (2).

3. Input attachment according to claim 2,. characterized in that the positive and / or non-positive connection contains at least one of the following connections: - at least one clip for clipping the receiving area (8) to the surgical handpiece (2); - at least one magnet for magnetically coupling to an opposite-pole magnet on the surgical handpiece (2); - an adhesive connection between the receiving area (8) and the surgical handpiece (2); - an adhesive connection for adhering the receiving area (8) to the surgical handpiece (2); - a positive dovetail connection or dovetail-like positive connection to the surgical handpiece (2).

4. Input attachment according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the positive and / or non-positive connection is detachable. 5.Input attachment according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a receiving area (8) of the mounting interface (7) is designed in such a way to insert the surgical handpiece (2) in a non-assembled state into an inner area of ​​the receiving area (8) and to enclose it in the receiving area (8), and to clamp the surgical handpiece (2) in the assembled state in the inner area of ​​the receiving area (8) in a slip-proof manner.

6. Input attachment according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the slip-proof connection is designed by anti-slip elements (19) provided in the receiving area (8), which prevent the input from slipping in the assembled state. attachment (1) from the surgical handpiece (2).

7. Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-slip connection is formed by knobs (16) provided in the receiving area (8), which, in the assembled state, engage in inlets of the surgical handpiece (2) and at least make it more difficult and in particular prevent the input attachment (1) from slipping from the surgical handpiece (2).

8. Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical interface (6) has a bipolar electrical connection, via which an input signal can be transmitted to the surgical device (3) and a response signal can be received from the surgical device (3).Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical interface (6) is designed to couple the surgical handpiece (2) to the input attachment (1) via a direct cable connection.

10. Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical interface (6) is designed to wirelessly couple the surgical handpiece (2) to the input attachment (1) via an air interface.

11. Input attachment according to claim 9, characterized in that the air interface is an optical connection, in particular an infrared connection, a radio connection. for example, a WLAN or mobile radio connection, and / or a Bluetooth connection.

12. Input attachment according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrical interface (6) is arranged in the region of the mechanical mounting interface (7) and is designed to be coupled, in the mounted state, to a corresponding electrical interface of the surgical handpiece (2), in order to transmit the input signal via the surgical handpiece (2) to the surgical device (3) and to receive a response signal from the surgical device (3).

13. Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (4) has at least one button (14), a keyboard, a touchpad, a rotary knob, and / or a scroll wheel, via which user inputs can be received. 14.Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (4) is designed to output haptic feedback via a user input.

15. Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (4) and the control device (5) are designed to receive an input parameter for stimulation in the field of intraoperative neuromonitoring, in particular a current intensity or a frequency, as a user input and to convert it into a corresponding control signal.

16. Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (4) and the control device (5) are designed to select at least one parameter of a parameter set, to receive the selected parameter as the user input, and to convert it into a corresponding control signal.

17. Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (5) is designed to use the control signal to control at least one device-specific parameter of the surgical handpiece (2) or the surgical device (3), in particular a comment or a workflow.

18. Input attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display device (24) is provided which is designed to output a response signal, in particular an optical response signal. 19.Input attachment according to claim 18, characterized in that the display device (24) is designed to display a received response signal based on a response to a stimulation output by the surgical handpiece (2) and based on the user input.

20. Input attachment according to one of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the display device (24) has a display and / or at least one LED for outputting the response signal.

21. Input attachment according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that. that the display device (24) is designed to display at least one selected parameter and / or a parameter value and / or a parameter range and / or an optical warning signal.

22. Input attachment according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the display device (24) is designed to display at least one parameter of the surgical handpiece (2), the surgical device (3) and / or a third device connected to the input attachment (1).

23. Input attachment according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the display device (24) is designed to output haptic feedback and / or an acoustic reaction signal.

24. Input attachment according to one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the display device (24) is coupled to the control device (5), via which it can be controlled. 25.Surgical device (3) with an electrical device interface (10) which has a first interface (10) and a second interface (11), - wherein the first interface (10) is designed to receive control signals from an input attachment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 24 which is coupled to the surgical device (3) via the electrical device interface, and - wherein the second interface (11) is designed to receive control signals based on the received control signals. To transmit stimulation signals to a surgical handpiece (2) coupled to the surgical device (3) via the electrical device interface (9).

26. Surgical device according to claim 25, characterized in that the surgical device (3) is designed as an intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM) device.

27. An arrangement for intraoperative use, the arrangement comprising: at least one input attachment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 24, a surgical device (3) according to claim 25 or 26, and at least one surgical handpiece (2). 28.Arrangement according to claim 27, characterized in that the surgical device (3) is electrically connected to the input attachment (1) and the surgical handpiece (2) for transmitting and receiving signals, and in that the surgical handpiece (2) can be mechanically fastened to the input attachment (1) in such a way that the input attachment (1) is fastened to a position of the surgical handpiece (2) corresponding to the receiving area (8) of the input attachment (1).

29. Arrangement according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the surgical handpiece (3) is designed as a monopolar or bipolar stimulation probe.

30. Arrangement according to one of claims 27 or 28, characterized in that the surgical handpiece (3) is designed as a monopolar or bipolar mapping suction device.

31. Use of the input attachment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 24 for intraoperative neuromonitoring (I-OM).

Images