Mounting structures

Abstract

Mounting structure 100 for an on-tool imaging system for a surgical tool 601, comprising a first part 101 and a second part 103, each having an inner surface conforming to a portion of an exterior sur

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates, in general, to mounting structures. Aspects relate to mounting structures for use with surgical tools. Background Surgical procedures can be carried out using surgical tools that may require alignment in order to enable a user to operate on the correct part of a patient’s body, thereby ensuring that the procedure is effective and efficient. Some procedures, such as free hand procedures, can use alignment jigs in order to ensure that any surgical tool is correctly positioned before use, and sometimes as the tool in question is in use. For example, a total knee replacement procedure requires a prosthesis to be accurately implanted to ensure that joint surfaces are properly aligned. Inaccurate alignment can lead to failure of the joint. Jigs used to ensure alignment are complex devices and require a significant amount of time to install during a surgical procedure. Furthermore, as a procedure is carried out, misalignment can occur as a result of movement of any one or more of a surgical tool, the patient, and a jig. It can also be the case that a jig is used only at the start of a procedure in order to provide an initial alignment. Accordingly, subsequent removal of the jig during the procedure can lead to the introduction of alignment errors. Such errors and movement may be difficult to detect or rectify during a procedure, leading to mistakes or failures in a procedure. In some cases, a computerised system can be used to guide a surgeon during a procedure. However, the complexity and expense of such systems can be a barrier to their implementation, particularly in respect of some procedures where performance by free hand can be advantageous. Summary An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting structure that enables quick and easy mounting and alignment of an on-tool imaging system to be provided. The foregoing and other objectives are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the Figures. A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a mounting structure for an on-tool imaging system, the mounting structure for use with a surgical tool, the mounting structure comprising a first part comprising an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool, wherein the inner surface of the first part comprises a first conforming shape to a first portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool, a second part comprising an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool, wherein the inner surface of the second part comprises a second conforming shape to a second portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool, a clamping structure configured to releasably secure the first part and the second part together, wherein the clamping structure comprises a first clamping arrangement provided on the first part, and a second clamping arrangement provided on the second part, wherein the first clamping arrangement comprises a locking wing structure configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the second clamping arrangement provided on the second part, wherein the second part comprises a locking structure configured to releasably secure an on-tool imaging system to the mounting structure. The mounting structure provides a quick and secure way to enable a an on-tool imaging system to be mounted to the mounting structure. Inner profiling of the parts of the mounting structure can conform to the outer profile of a surgical tool, thereby minimising any movement of the mounting structure when the first and second parts secured together on the surgical tool. In an implementation of the first aspect, the inner surface of the first part can define a cavity within the first part such that the first part can be slid onto the first portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool. The inner surface of the second part can define a cavity within the second part such that the second part can be slid onto the second portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool. In an example, the locking structure can comprise a base portion comprising a retaining structure configured to receive a foot of an imaging system. The base portion can comprise a lip depending therefrom, wherein the lip is so profiled such that, in use of the mounting structure, the lip and the locking structure can be passed through an opening in part of a sterile drape such that the sterile drape is held in place on the mounting structure. The retaining structure can comprise a wall extending from the base portion and forming a receptacle configured to secure, by way of interference fit, a foot of an imaging system. The receptacle can further comprise at least one aperture provided though the wall of the retaining structure, wherein the at least one aperture is configured to receive a protrusion of a foot of an imaging system, whereby to releasably secure the foot into the receptacle. The first part can comprise a front portion configured to act as a stop for the first part when the first part is slid onto the first portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool, whereby to limit axial movement of the first part. The locking structure can be aligned with a central long axis of the second part. The first part can be cuboidal in form. This can enable a surgical tool, upon which the mounting structure is mounted, to be picked up easily, especially in circumstances where a user may be wearing gloves for example. Similarly, the second part may be cuboidal in form. A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a first part of a mounting structure as provided according to the first aspect, in which the first part comprises an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool, wherein the inner surface of the first part comprises a first conforming shape to a first portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool. A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a second part of a mounting structure as provided according to the first aspect, in which the second part comprises an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool, wherein the inner surface of the second part comprises a second conforming shape to a second portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool. A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for mounting an imaging system, the method comprising providing a mounting structure as provided according to the first aspect, mounting the first part onto the first portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool, mounting the second part onto the second portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool, and securing the first and the part using the clamping structure. In an implementation of the fourth aspect, the method can further comprise passing a lip of the mounting structure, and a locking structure of the mounting structure through an opening in part of a sterile drape such that the sterile drape is held in place on the mounting structure. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiment(s) described below. Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lisa schematic representation of a mounting structure according to an example; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a first part of a mounting structure according to an example; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a second part of a mounting structure according to an example; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a second part of a mounting structure according to an example; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a first part of a mounting structure according to an example; and Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a mounting structure according to an example. Detailed Description Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate. The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term “and / or” is only an association relationship for describing associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist such that A and / or B may indicate that A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, or B exists alone. The character “ / ” generally represents that the associated objects are in an “or” relationship. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. The following contains specific information related to implementations of the present disclosure. The drawings and their accompanying detailed disclosure are merely directed to implementations. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these implementations. Other variations and implementations of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The phrases “in one implementation,” or “in some implementations,” may each refer to one or more of the same or different implementations. The term “coupled” is defined as connected whether directly or indirectly through intervening components and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The expression “at least one of A, B and C” or “at least one of the following: A, B and C” means “only A, or only B, or only C, or any combination of A, B and C.” The terms “system” and “network” may be used interchangeably. For the purposes of explanation and non-1 imitation, specific details such as functional entities, techniques, protocols, and standards are set forth for providing an understanding of the present disclosure. In other examples, detailed disclosure of well-known methods, technologies, systems, and architectures are omitted so as not to obscure the present disclosure with unnecessary details. Persons skilled in the art will immediately recognize that any network function(s) or algorithm(s) disclosed may be implemented by hardware, software or a combination of software and hardware. Disclosed functions may correspond to modules which may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. A software implementation may include machine- and / or computer- readable and / or executable instructions stored on a machine- and / or computer-readable medium such as memory or other types of storage devices. One or more microprocessors or general-purpose computers with communication processing capability may be programmed with corresponding executable instructions and perform the disclosed network function(s) or algori thm(s). The microprocessors or general-purpose computers may include Applications Specific Integrated Circuitry (ASIC), programmable logic arrays, and / or using one or more Digital Signal Processor (DSPs). Although some of the disclosed implementations are oriented to software installed and executing on computer hardware, alternative implementations implemented as firmware or as hardware or as a combination of hardware and software are well within the scope of the present disclosure. The computer readable medium includes but is not limited to Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory, Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or any other equivalent medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions. Figure lisa schematic representation of a mounting structure according to an example. The mounting structure 100 in the example of figure 1, shown in perspective view, is provided for use with a surgical tool (not shown), and comprises a first part 101 and a second part 103. The first part 101 comprises an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool. The inner surface of the first part 101 can comprise a first conforming shape to a first portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool. That is, in an example, the inner surface of the first part 101 can be so profiled as to match the outer surface profile of a portion of a surgical tool. The second part 103 comprises an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool. The inner surface of the second part 103 comprises a second conforming shape to a second portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool. That is, in an example, the inner surface of the second part 103 can be so profiled as to match the outer surface profile of a portion of a surgical tool. A clamping structure that is configured to releasably secure the first part 101 and the second part 103 together is provided. In an example, the clamping structure comprises a first clamping arrangement 105 provided on the first part 101, and a second clamping arrangement 107 provided on the second part 103. The first clamping arrangement 105 comprises a locking wing structure configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the second clamping arrangement 107 provided on the second part 103. The second part 103 comprises a locking structure 109 configured to releasably secure an on-tool imaging system to the mounting structure 100. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a first part of a mounting structure according to an example. The first part 101 of the mounting structure 100 is shown in perspective view in figure 2, and the view is arranged such that the underside of the first part 101 is visible. The inner surface, broadly depicted at 201, of the first part 101 defines a cavity within the first part 101 such that the first part 101 can be slid onto a first portion of the exterior surface of a surgical tool. For example, the first part 101 may be slid or positioned on a surgical tool in a direction A, as will be explained in more detail below. In the example of figure 2, the first clamping arrangement 105 is depicted, and comprises a locking wing structure that comprises two wing portions, with one wing portion 203 on either side of a main body 205 (which defines the cavity as described above) of the first part 101. Each wing portion 203 comprises a toggle latch, which can be an articulating or hinged latch that is effectively in the form of a lever. Each wing portion 203 can be hooked over or otherwise engaged with a corresponding protrusion of the second clamping arrangement 107 provided on the second part 103, which protrusions form tensioning means, and the wing portion 203 is then tensioned towards the main body of the first part 101, thereby closing the toggle latch. This builds up tensile forces that correspond to a multiple of the actuating force. By closing the tensioning mechanism in the toggle latch, a so-called lever dead centre is overcome, which reliably and securely locks the wing portion 203 in a closed state, thereby releasably securing the first and second parts of the mounting structure together. Other suitable fastening mechanisms may be used to releasably secure the first and second parts of the mounting structure together, such as over-centre fasteners, spring claw latches, and draw latches etc. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a second part of a mounting structure according to an example. The second part 103 of the mounting structure 100 is shown in perspective view in figure 3, and the view is arranged such that the underside of the second part 103 is visible. The inner surface, broadly depicted at 301, of the second part 103 defines a cavity within the second part 103 such that the second part 103 can be slid onto a second portion of the exterior surface of a surgical tool. For example, the second part 103 may be slid or positioned on a surgical tool in a direction B, as will be explained in more detail below. In an example, an aperture (just visible in the back portion 111 of the first part as shown in figure 3) may be provided. A surgical tool, such a drill may be canulated, i.e., their motor shaft is hollow. As such, they can be used as wire drivers. In this mode the drill can accept a wire (commonly called k-wire) with a sharp, self-tapping tip, but no flutes. The wires are used to temporarily fixate fragments before a more permanent fixation with plates and / or screws. The usual approach is to drill the wire a short distance, slide the drill “backwards” along the body of the wire, and drill again. The aperture in the second part 103 can therefore be provided in order to enable a canulated tool to be used with, e.g., wire passing through the aperture into the tool. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a second part of a mounting structure according to an example. The second part 103 of the mounting structure 100 is shown in perspective view in figure 4, and the view is arranged such that the locking structure 109 is visible. In an example, the locking structure 109 comprises a base portion 401 comprising a retaining structure 403 configured to receive a foot of an imaging system. The retaining structure 403 depends from the base portion 401. In the example of figure 4, the retaining structure 403 comprises multiple wall portions 405, eight of which are depicted in figure 4 forming an octagonal retaining structure 403. The top portions 407 of one or more of the wall portions 405 can be tapered or profiled. For example, tapering can be provided to enable a foot of an imaging system to be located in the retaining structure 403. That is, such tapering can be provided to guide a foot of an imaging system into the retaining structure 403 should it be misaligned. The foot can be held in the retaining structure 403 by way of interference fit. One or more of the wall portions 405 can comprise an aperture 409. An aperture 409 can be configured to receive a protrusion of a foot of an imaging system, whereby to enable the foot to releasably lock into place within the retaining structure 403. In an example, a retaining structure 403 can comprise more or less wall portions 405 as described with reference to figure 4, and more or less apertures 409. Tapering may be provided on all, some, or no wall portions. In an example, the base portion 401 comprises a lip 411 depending therefrom. The lip 411 is, in the example of figure 4, circular, and extends radially outwards to an overhang between the main body 413 of the second part 103 and the retaining structure 403. The lip 411 is so profiled such that, in use of the mounting structure, the lip 411 and the locking structure 109 can be passed through an opening in part of a sterile drape such that the sterile drape is held in place on the mounting structure. For example, the opening in part of the sterile drape can comprise an aperture that may be cinched underneath the lip 411 (i.e., just above the main body 413 of the second part 103 and beneath the lip 411). Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a first part of a mounting structure according to an example. The first part 101 of the mounting structure 100 is shown from underneath in figure 5 such that the underside of the first part 101 is visible. The first part 101 comprises a front portion 501; 503 configured to act as a stop for the first part 101 when the first part 101 is slid onto the first portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool, whereby to limit axial movement of the first part 101. That is, in an example, as the first part 101 is slid onto a surgical tool, the front portion 501; 503 (see also figure 2) is configured to but against part of the surgical tool, such as a portion of a chuck in the case of a drill for example, to prevent the first part 101 from moving any farther along the tool (such as the barrel of a drill for example). In an example, the locking wing structure can be aligned with a central long axis of the second part. The first part and / or the second part can be cuboidal in form, although it will be appreciated that any suitable shape may be used. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a mounting structure according to an example. In the example of figure 6, a surgical tool 601 is depicted. The surgical tool 601 is a drill in this particular example, although it will be appreciated that the mounting structure can be used with many different surgical tools. In an example, the first part 101 can be mounted onto a first portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool 601. For example, the first part 101 can be slid over the front portion 603 of the surgical tool 601. As noted above, the inner surface of the first part 101 can comprise a first conforming shape to a first portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool 601. That is, in an example of figure 6, the inner surface of the first part 101 can be so profiled as to match the outer surface profile of the front portion 603 of the surgical tool 603, and the front portion 501; 503 is configured to but against part of the surgical tool 601, such as a portion of a chuck 605 in the case of the surgical tool 601. The second part 103 can be mounted onto a second portion 607 of the exterior surface of the surgical tool 601, and the first and the part can be removably secured together using the clamping structure. With reference to figure 3, the second part 103 can comprise an end portion 111 that provides a stop to engage with the surgical tool 601. For example, when the second part 103 is slid onto the barrel of the surgical tool 601, the end portion 111 will but against the end 609 of the barrel 608 of the surgical tool 601, thereby preventing the second part 103 from moving any farther forwards on the barrel. In an example, the clamping structure can be adjustable in order to enable wing portions to engage with the protrusions 107 of the second part 103. In another example, the mounting structure and / or the clamping structure can be preconfigured for the surgical tool 601 so that the first and second parts can be fixed together. For example, the extent to which the first and / or the second parts extend along the barrel of the surgical tool 601 before reaching the portions 501; 503 and / or 111 engage with the surgical tool, thereby preventing further movement of the first and / or second parts, can be preconfigured. The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the instant disclosure.

Claims

1. A mounting structure for an on-tool imaging system, the mounting structure for use with a surgical tool, the mounting structure comprising:a first part comprising an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool, wherein the inner surface of the first part comprises a first conforming shape to a first portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool;a second part comprising an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool, wherein the inner surface of the second part comprises a second conforming shape to a second portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool;a clamping structure configured to releasably secure the first part and the second part together, wherein the clamping structure comprises a first clamping arrangement provided on the first part, and a second clamping arrangement provided on the second part, wherein the first clamping arrangement comprises a locking wing structure configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the second clamping arrangement provided on the second part,wherein the second part comprises a locking structure configured to releasably secure an on-tool imaging system to the mounting structure.

2. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the first part defines a cavity within the first part such that the first part can be slid onto the first portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool.

3. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface of the second part defines a cavity within the second part such that the second part can be slid onto the second portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool.

4. The mounting structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the locking structure comprises a base portion comprising a retaining structure configured to receive a foot of an imaging system.

5. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base portion comprises a lip depending therefrom, wherein the lip is so profiled such that, in use of the mounting structure, the lip and the locking structure can be passed through an opening in part of a sterile drape such that the sterile drape is held in place on the mounting structure.

6. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the retaining structure comprises a wall extending from the base portion and forming a receptacle configured to secure, by way of interference fit, a foot of an imaging system.

7. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the receptaclefurther comprises at least one aperture provided though the wall of the retaining structure, wherein the at least one aperture is configured to receive a protrusion of a foot of an imaging system, whereby to releasably secure the foot into the receptacle.

8. The mounting structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first part comprises a front portion configured to act as a stop for the first part when the first part is slid onto the first portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool, whereby to limit axial movement of the first part.

9. The mounting structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the locking structure is aligned with a central long axis of the second part.

10. The mounting structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first part is cuboidal in form.

11. The mounting structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second part is cuboidal in form.

12. A first part of a mounting structure as claimed in any preceding claim, the first part comprising an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool, wherein the inner surface of the first part comprises a first conforming shape to a first portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool.

13. A second part of a mounting structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, the second part comprising an inner surface configured to engage the surgical tool, wherein the inner surface of the second part comprises a second conforming shape to a second portion of an exterior surface of the surgical tool.

14. A method for mounting an imaging system, the method comprising:providing a mounting structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11;mounting the first part onto the first portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool;mounting the second part onto the second portion of the exterior surface of the surgical tool; andsecuring the first and the part using the clamping structure.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising:passing a lip of the mounting structure, and a locking structure of the mounting structure through an opening in part of a sterile drape such that the sterile drape is held in place on the mounting structure.15

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