General-purpose tracking marker interface parts

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interface part (2) for a tracking marker, comprising at least one first positioning portion (3B), at least one second positioning portion (4B), and at least one fixing portion (5B), wherein the fixing portion (5B) is adapted to hold the interface part (2) and establish a form fit and / or a friction fit along a first spatial axis (Z), wherein the first positioning portion (3B) has a cross section extending along a third spatial axis (Y) perpendicular to the first spatial axis (Z), and the second positioning portion (4B) has a cross section extending along a second spatial axis (X) perpendicular to the first spatial axis (Z) and the third spatial axis (Y).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tracking marker interface component used to attach tracking markers in a statically determined manner to medical instruments and devices for tracking and navigation purposes. In particular, the tracking marker interface component is capable of attaching various types of tracking markers to instruments and devices to accommodate a variety of medical and surgical applications and to enable the use of a variety of tracking technologies. [Background technology]

[0002] During computer-assisted medical procedures and surgical interventions, medical professionals and surgeons use instruments and devices that are specially adapted to be tracked by a medical navigation system. Therefore, the relative position of these instruments can be determined with respect to the patient's anatomy, and the spatial position (spatial location and / or spatial orientation) of the instrument with respect to a graphical representation of the patient's anatomy is displayed to the medical professional or surgeon via a display. Trackable instruments and devices typically include specific types of tracking markers that are spatially recognized by a corresponding medical tracking system. Therefore, changes in tracking technology or changes in the use of the instrument that require different tracking technology require the development and approval of an entirely new instrument or device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a universal tracking marker interface that can spatially track instruments and devices using a variety of tracking technologies.

[0004] The present invention can be used in any medical or surgical procedure that uses medical tracking and navigation systems such as Curve® and Kick®, products of Brainlab AG.

[0005] Aspects, examples and representative procedures of the present invention and their embodiments are disclosed below. Different exemplary features of the present invention can be combined in accordance with the present invention to the extent technically appropriate and possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Illustrative Brief Description of the Invention Below is provided a brief description of certain features of the present invention, but it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to the features or combinations thereof described in this section.

[0007] The present invention provides an interface part for a tracking marker that is detachably and / or statically connectable to a mating interface part of corresponding shape, in particular, the interface part is reproducibly connectable with the mating interface part of corresponding shape, meaning that corresponding first and second interface parts always assume the same relative position with respect to each other immediately after being connected to each other.

[0008] General Description of the Invention In this section, the general features of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0009] In general, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objectives in a first aspect by providing an interface component for a tracking marker, the interface component including at least one first positioning portion, at least one second positioning portion, and at least one fastening portion. In this context, "statically determined" means that the interface components are connected to each other in a manner that does not involve "forcing" the interface components into a position that would cause elastic deformation of either or both of the interface components. In particular, the interface components are adapted to connect with a mating interface component of a corresponding shape such that all six degrees of freedom (exactly three rotational degrees of freedom and three translational degrees of freedom in three-dimensional space) are determined. For example, if the interface components exhibit different thermal expansion, which would cause one interface component to expand faster and / or more than the other when exposed to an increase in temperature, the manner in which the interface components are connected to each other ensures that neither interface component is subjected to a restraining stress. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0010] In the present invention, the interface component is adapted to contact and separate from the mating interface component substantially along the first spatial axis. Furthermore, the fixing portion is adapted to prevent the interface component from separating from the mating interface component. In other words, the interface component can contact the mating interface component by translational motion substantially along the first spatial axis, without requiring additional rotational or translational motion to bring the interface components into contact with each other. The same applies when removing and separating the interface components from each other.

[0011] The first positioning portion has a profile extending along a third spatial axis perpendicular to the first spatial axis, while the second positioning portion has a profile extending along a second spatial axis perpendicular to the first spatial axis and the third spatial axis.

[0012] Furthermore, the corresponding first positioning portion may be adapted to prevent translatory relative movement of the interface components when contacting the mating interface component along a second spatial axis perpendicular to the first spatial axis and to allow translatory relative movement along a third spatial axis perpendicular to the first and second spatial axes, and the corresponding second positioning portion may be adapted to prevent translatory relative movement of the interface components when contacting the mating interface component along the third spatial axis and to allow translatory relative movement along the second spatial axis. It is clear that the first and second positioning portions respectively ensure that the interface components are connected to each other in the statically determined state described above. In this regard, each of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion prevents one translatory relative movement between the interface components when the interface components are connected to each other, with the directions of the translational movements being perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction in which the fixing portion prevents translatory relative movement between the interface components. Because the first positioning portion, the second positioning portion, and the securing portion each prevent translational movement along one of three spatial directions, any translational movement of the interface component is prevented when the interface component is connected to a correspondingly shaped mating interface component. It should be noted in this regard that the securing portion, the first positioning portion, and the second positioning portion prevent translational movement in only one spatial direction, thereby preventing binding stresses and enabling a statically determined connection between the interface components. It should be understood that the spacing of the securing portion, the first positioning portion, and the second positioning portion from one another can prevent any rotational movement between the interface components. Furthermore, any one of the securing portion, the first positioning portion, and the second positioning portion may be adapted or configured to prevent rotational movement of the interface component relative to the correspondingly shaped mating interface component.

[0013] For example, at least one of the first and second positioning portions may be formed as a protrusion that protrudes from the interface component substantially along the first spatial axis. Furthermore, at least one of the first and second positioning portions may be formed as a recess that extends substantially along the first spatial axis. In other words, either one of the first and second positioning portions may be formed as a male connector or a female connector. In this regard, the positioning portion may include a surface shaped to generally allow surface contact with a correspondingly shaped mating positioning portion. However, it is also conceivable that the positioning portion may be formed to substantially allow one or more "line contacts" with a correspondingly shaped mating positioning portion. This means that the positioning portion is formed to generally allow physical contact along one or more lines passing through the surface of the positioning portion. For example, these one or more contact lines may extend along a spatial direction in which the respective positioning portion allows translational movement of the interface component.

[0014] In more specific examples, the protrusions described above include at least one convex, particularly cylindrical, surface portion, and / or the recesses include at least one concave or prismatic surface portion. When the positioning features are represented by convex protrusions or concave recesses with the same curvature as their correspondingly shaped counterparts, it is easy to imagine that the corresponding positioning features will contact each other over substantially the entire surface. The difference in curvature between the recess and the protrusion may result in the corresponding positioning features contacting each other along one or more lines. The same applies when one of the recesses and the protrusions has a curved surface, e.g., a cylindrical surface, while the other includes a prismatic surface, i.e., multiple flat surfaces that meet at an angle to each other.

[0015] Generally, each of the first and second positioning portions may include a rail-shaped protrusion and / or a correspondingly shaped groove extending along a spatial direction in which the respective positioning portion allows translational movement of the interface component.

[0016] For example, the first positioning portion of the interface part consists of two protruding surfaces, in particular extending substantially coaxially along the second spatial axis, in particular extending substantially in opposite directions from the interface part. In a further example, both the rail-like protrusion and the groove-like recess may be interrupted by any conceivable intermediate structure, each formed with an end, and still have the same function as an uninterrupted rail or groove.

[0017] In another example, the second positioning portion of one of the first and second interface components includes, in particular, a protruding surface portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the surface portion(s) of the first positioning portion, specifically along a plane perpendicular to the first spatial axis and defined by the surface portion(s) of the first positioning portion. From this specific example, it becomes clear that the first and second positioning portions are formed by a combination of rails and grooves that extend perpendicular to each other. Thus, translational movement between the interface components permitted by one of the positioning portions is blocked by the other positioning portion, and vice versa, thereby achieving a statically determined connection between the interface components. It should be further noted in this regard that the first and second positioning portions do not necessarily extend along or in the same plane, but may extend along or in parallel planes, both of which may be perpendicular to the first spatial axis. Furthermore, the first and second positioning portions may, for example, to some extent and / or due to manufacturing tolerances, extend in non-parallel planes that are not perfectly perpendicular to the first spatial axis.

[0018] Furthermore, the fastening portions of the interface components are configured to establish a friction fit and / or a form fit. In this regard, any suitable friction fit or form fit connection is contemplated for detachably connecting an interface component to a mating interface component. For example, the interface components may be provided with threaded or tapped holes for receiving threaded bolts, or vice versa, both of which may extend along the first spatial axis. Additionally or alternatively, the interface components may include a connector portion, particularly an elastically deformable snap-in connector, with an undercut extending perpendicular to the first spatial direction. As described below, the interface components may include multiple fastening portions, such as threaded and snap-in connections. This allows for connecting different types of interface components, for example, connecting a metal interface component with a plastic interface component. If both interface components in a pair are metal, it may be beneficial to have corresponding threaded fastening portions, while if both interface components in a pair are plastic, a snap-in fastening portion may be beneficial for manufacturing reasons. If both or more types of fastenings are provided by each interface component, any combination of interface components is possible, even if the interface components are of different types.

[0019] In another specific example, the fixing portion of one of the first interface component and the second interface component has: an internal thread adapted to engage with a thread assigned to the other of the first and second interface parts; and / or an elastically deformable snap-in connector, in particular adapted to engage with the other end of the first interface part and the second interface part and reach behind it; and / or a permanent magnet or electromagnet adapted to attract a corresponding permanent magnet, electromagnet, or ferromagnetic element of the other of the first and second interface parts; Includes:

[0020] Furthermore, the interface component may be connectable to, and in particular may be integrally formed with, a tracking marker adapted to be recognized and spatially tracked by a medical tracking system. The interface component may also be connectable to, and in particular may be integrally formed with, a medical instrument or device.

[0021] In yet another example, at least one of the first and second positioning portions includes a cross section that is at least sectionwise constant along the third and second spatial axes, respectively. In other words, one or more portions of the positioning portion may have substantially the same cross section, shape, or surface along the axis along which it extends.

[0022] In yet another example, at least one of the first and second positioning portions includes at least two portions having identical cross sections along the third and second spatial axes, respectively. In other words, any positioning portion may have at least two portions having substantially identical cross sections, shapes, or surfaces along its axis of extension, while other portions may have different cross sections, shapes, or surfaces.

[0023] Furthermore, the fixing portion may be disposed / positioned between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, which allows for a more even distribution of the holding force acting on the positioning portions.

[0024] In yet another example, the interface components may be made of plastic and / or may be configured as disposable items that are distributed sterile. In particular, the interface components may be injection molded, and in particular -No undercut structure -It is molded in an injection mold without a slider, - to be molded in an injection mold with a single demolding direction; and / or - To be able to release from the mold without elastic deformation It may be configured.

[0025] In this respect, and in order to avoid the reuse of the interface components in a way that would compromise sterility in the surgical environment, the interface components are configured as disposable items and are provided with predetermined breaks, particularly in the fastening portion, that, when broken, disable the functionality of the interface components, and in particular the functionality of the fastening portion. In other words, the following measures are taken to prevent the reuse of the interface components. This can be achieved by making certain portions of the interface components lose their functionality when the interface component is detached from its counterpart and / or when the mating state of the fastening portion is released by some means.

[0026] Furthermore, the predetermined break portion is a force and / or moment acting along the first spatial axis on the fixed part that exceeds a predetermined amount; a force and / or moment exceeding a predetermined amount and acting on the fastener in a direction opposite to the mating direction in which the fastener is configured to move to establish a positive or friction fit; The insulating film may be adapted to be broken by

[0027] The break portion may connect between an interface part, in particular the fixed part, and an element configured to be separated from the interface part, in particular the fixed part, in particular the separable element is adapted to be torn or twisted away from the interface part, in particular the fixed part.

[0028] In particular, the separable element may be configured to prevent the fastening portion from moving in a direction opposite to the mating direction in which the fastening portion is configured to move to establish a form fit and / or friction fit.

[0029] Furthermore, the interface components may be made of metal and / or may be configured to be reusable and sterilizable. In particular, the interface components may be machined, in particular involving a milling process.

[0030] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a tracking marker interface according to any of the embodiments described herein for connecting a medical tracking marker to a medical instrument or device, particularly in a statically determined state, by contacting the tracking marker interface part with a mating interface part of corresponding shape.

[0031] [Definition] This section provides definitions of certain terms used in and constitutes a part of this disclosure.

[0032] marker The function of a marker (i.e., a tracking marker) is to be detected by a marker detection device (i.e., a tracking system, e.g., a camera or an ultrasound receiver, or an analysis device such as a CT or MRI device) in such a way that its spatial position (i.e., spatial location and / or alignment) can be determined. The detection device is, for example, part of a navigation system. The marker may be an active marker. An active marker can emit electromagnetic radiation and / or waves, which may, for example, be in the infrared, visible, and / or ultraviolet spectral range. However, the marker may also be passive, e.g., reflecting electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible, and / or ultraviolet spectral range or blocking X-ray radiation. For this purpose, the marker may be provided with a surface with corresponding reflection properties or may be made of metal to block X-ray radiation. It is also possible for the marker to reflect and / or emit electromagnetic radiation and / or waves in the radio frequency range or ultrasonic wavelengths. The marker preferably has a spherical and / or ellipsoidal shape and is therefore sometimes referred to as a marker sphere, although the marker may also have an angular shape, e.g., a cubic shape.

[0033] Marker array The marker array may be, for example, a reference star, a pointer, a single marker, or multiple (individual) markers, preferably in a predetermined spatial relationship. The marker array may include one, two, three, or more markers, two or more of which are in a predetermined spatial relationship. This predetermined spatial relationship is known, for example, to a navigation system and is, for example, stored in a computer of the navigation system.

[0034] In another example, the marker array includes an optical pattern on a two-dimensional surface. The optical pattern may include multiple geometric shapes, such as circles, rectangles, and / or triangles. The optical pattern is identified from an image captured by a camera, and the size of the pattern in the image, the orientation of the pattern in the image, and the distortion of the pattern in the image can determine the position of the marker array relative to the camera. This allows the determination of relative positions in up to three rotational dimensions and up to three linear dimensions from a single two-dimensional image.

[0035] The position of the marker array can be determined, for example, by a medical navigation system. If the marker array is fixed to an object, such as a bone or a medical device, the position of the object can be determined from the position of the marker array and the relative position between the marker array and the object. This determination of the relative position is also called registering the marker array and the object. The marker array or the object can be tracked, meaning that the position of the marker array or the object can be determined more than once over time.

[0036] Marker Interface Marker interface refers to an interface for each marker that functions to attach the marker to a device, body part, and / or a holding element of a reference star, and can be fixedly attached and preferably removably attached. The marker interface may be provided with a fastener (e.g., a latching mechanism) that aids in force-fit and / or form-fit attachment of the marker array to the device or the like.

[0037] pointer A pointer is a rod-shaped member with one or more (preferably a single) markers fixed thereto and may be used to measure individual coordinates, e.g., spatial coordinates (i.e., three-dimensional coordinates), of a body part. A user can identify the pointer's location using a surgical navigation system that detects the markers on the pointer by guiding the pointer (e.g., a portion of the pointer having a defined, preferably fixed, position relative to at least one marker attached to the pointer) to a location corresponding to the coordinates. The relative position between the pointer's marker and the portion of the pointer (e.g., the tip of the pointer) used to measure the coordinates is, for example, known. The surgical navigation system then allows the location (of the three-dimensional coordinates) to be assigned to a given body structure; this assignment can be done automatically or by user intervention.

[0038] reference star A "reference star" refers to a device having multiple markers, preferably three markers, attached to the reference star in a fixed (e.g., detachable) manner, thereby providing a known (preferably fixed) positional relationship between the markers. The relative positions of the markers can be individually different for each reference star used within the framework of the surgical navigation method, allowing the surgical navigation system to identify the corresponding reference star based on the relative positions of the markers. Accordingly, the object (e.g., instrument or body part) to which the reference star is attached can also be identified and / or differentiated. In the surgical navigation method, the reference star is used to attach multiple markers to an object (e.g., bone or medical instrument), thereby enabling the position (i.e., spatial location and / or orientation) of the object to be detected. Such a reference star may, for example, be attached to the object (e.g., a clamp and / or thread), and / or comprise an interface / retaining element that ensures a distance between the marker and the object (e.g., to facilitate visibility of the marker by a marker detection device), and / or a marker interface that is mechanically connected to the interface / retaining element and to which the marker can be attached.

[0039] Navigation system The present invention also relates to a navigation system for computer-assisted surgery. The navigation system preferably includes a computer for processing data provided by a computer-implemented method. The navigation system preferably includes a tracking system, i.e., a detection device for detecting the positions of detection points representing principal and auxiliary points. The detection device generates detection signals, which are supplied to a computer, allowing the computer to determine absolute principal and auxiliary point data based on the received detection signals. The detection points are, for example, points on the surface of an anatomical structure, detected by a pointer or the like. Absolute point data can then be provided to the computer. The navigation system preferably also includes a user interface for receiving calculation results (e.g., the positions of the principal planes, auxiliary planes, and / or standard planes) from the computer. The user interface provides the received data as information to the user. Examples of user interfaces include a display device such as a monitor and a speaker. The user interface can use any type of display signal (e.g., visual, audio, and / or vibration signals). An example of a display device is an augmented reality device (also known as augmented reality glasses), which can be used as "goggles" for navigation. A specific example of such augmented reality glasses is Google Glass (a registered trademark of Google Inc.) Augmented reality devices can be used to input information into a navigation system computer through user interaction, and also to display information output from the computer.

[0040] Surgical navigation system A navigation system, such as a surgical navigation system, is understood to mean a system that may include the following components: at least one marker array; a transmitter that emits electromagnetic waves and / or radiation and / or ultrasound; a receiver that receives electromagnetic waves and / or radiation and / or ultrasound; and an electronic data processing device connected to the receiver and / or transmitter. Here, the data processing device (e.g., a computer) includes, for example, a processor (CPU) and working memory, and preferably includes a display device that emits a display signal (e.g., a visual display device such as a monitor, an acoustic display device such as a speaker, and / or a tactile display device such as a vibrator) and a permanent data memory. The data processing device can process the navigation data transmitted by the receiver and output guidance information to the user, preferably via the display device. The navigation data may be stored in the permanent data memory and, for example, compared with data previously stored in the memory.

[0041] Fixed (relative) position A fixed position (also called a fixed relative position) means in this document that two objects in a fixed position have a relative position that does not change unless there is an explicit and intentional attempt to change it. A fixed position is given in particular when a force or torque above a certain threshold needs to be applied to change the position. This threshold may be 10 N or 10 Nm. In particular, the position of the sensor device remains fixed with respect to the target while the target is registered or while two targets move relative to each other. A fixed position can be achieved, for example, by rigidly attaching one object to another. The spatial location, which is part of the position, can in particular be described by the distance (between two objects) alone or the direction of a vector (linking two objects) alone. The orientation, which is another part of the position, can in particular be described by the relative orientation angle (between two objects) alone. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which provide background information and illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for purposes of explanation and description, the following reference will be made to two interrelated interface components that make up a tracking marker interface. However, the present invention also relates to any one of these interface components, which may be connected to a tracking marker or to a device or apparatus. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific features disclosed in the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a surgical instrument with different types of tracking markers, both with correspondingly shaped interface parts. [Figure 2] 1 shows a first embodiment of a correspondingly shaped interface part. [Figure 3] 10 shows a second embodiment of a correspondingly shaped interface part. [Figure 4] 1 shows an injection molded interface part. [Figure 5] 5 shows interface components corresponding to those shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an interface part including an electrical connector for energy or data transmission. [Figure 7] 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 together with a tracking marker connected to the device via a correspondingly shaped interface component for the tracking marker. [Figure 8] 1 shows further devices and apparatuses with interface components; [Figure 9A] 13 shows a further tracking marker with interface components. [Figure 9B] 13 shows a further tracking marker with interface components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] 1 shows a pointer device 9 commonly used in surgery to palpate and spatially locate objects or anatomical structures. The pointer 9 includes a first interface part 1 integrally formed with the pointer body, while a different type of tracking marker 8 is provided with a correspondingly shaped second interface part 2 adapted to be detachably connected to the first interface part 1.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of the first interface component 1 and the second interface component 2, which are adapted to be detachably and firmly coupled in a statically determined state. In the illustrated example, both the first interface component 1 and the second interface component 2 are formed from metallic materials and may therefore represent machined components. The first interface component 1 includes two first positioning portions 3A protruding in opposite directions from a central structure of the interface component 1, both of which have cylindrical contact surfaces. Further, a second positioning portion 4A, also having a cylindrical contact surface, is provided on the more distal side of the interface component 1. The correspondingly shaped second interface component 2 includes two first positioning portions 3B and one second positioning portion 4B, both of which are formed as cylindrical recesses to receive the positioning portions 3A and 3B of the first interface component 1. When the first interface part 1 and the second interface part 2 are coupled to each other and the corresponding positioning portions 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B are in contact with each other, the second interface part 2 is fixed to the first interface part 1 via a screw bolt 5B screwed into the screw hole 5A of the first interface part 1.

[0045] As can be seen from FIG. 2 , in the plane spanning the X and Y directions, the first pair of positioning elements 3A and 3B and the second pair of positioning elements 4A and 4B allow one translational movement between the interface components 1 and 2, which is prevented by the other pair. Furthermore, relative movement along the Z direction is prevented by a fastening element, i.e., a threaded bolt 5B engaging in the threaded hole 5A. Because the positioning elements 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B are spaced apart from each other, any relative rotational movement between the interface components 1 and 2 is prevented. As a result, all six degrees of freedom between the first interface component 1 and the second interface component 2 are set to statically determined states. To separate the tracking marker 8 from the device 9, the bolt 5B is loosened from the hole 5A, releasing the second interface component 2 from the first interface component 1.

[0046] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has a similar function to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , except that the fastening portions 5B are represented by tabs (see FIG. 5 ) formed on the second interface component 2, each having a hook-like protrusion adapted to snap into a corresponding recess 5A formed on the first interface component 1. While the first interface component 1 in FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 3 is formed from a metal material by cutting, the second interface component 2 in FIG. 3 is an injection-molded product made from a plastic material. Therefore, the tabs 5B are elastically deformable and bend while the second interface component 2 is pressed against the first interface component 1 until the hook-like protrusions of the tabs 5B fit into the recesses 5A, thereby firmly fastening the interface components 1 and 2 together.

[0047] The first interface component 1 shown in Figure 4 has the same function as the first interface component 1 shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, it is formed as an injection-molded product made of a plastic material.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows a four-view diagram of the injection molded second interface part 2 of FIG.

[0049] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the second interface component 2 that additionally includes a signal and / or power section 7A, 7B with a plurality of electrical contacts for transmitting power and / or electrical signals to and / or from an electromagnetic (EM) sensor 8 used in combination with an EM tracking system. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the fixing portions 5A and 5B have been omitted for clarity of illustration.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows the interconnection between the pointer device of FIG. 1 and a planar (2D) tracking marker 8 via a tracking marker interface component.

[0051] The tracking marker interface of the present invention can be used with any conceivable instrument or device that requires spatial location during a medical or surgical procedure, some of which are shown in FIG. 8 . It should be noted that each of the instruments and devices 9 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a first interface component 1 that provides positioning portions 3A and 4A having the same shape and relative positions. Furthermore, each interface component includes one or more fastening portions 5A and 5B, as described herein. This allows a specific type of tracking marker 8 to be connected to any instrument or device that includes a first interface component 1. Meanwhile, the various tracking markers 8 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9A and 9B include a second interface component 2 that provides the same first and second positioning portions 3B and 4B and at least one of the fastening portions 5B, as described herein. Therefore, any of the tracking markers shown in FIG. 1 or 9A and 9B can be removably attached to any of the instruments shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 .

Claims

1. an interface component (2) for a tracking marker, comprising at least one first positioning portion (3B), at least one second positioning portion (4B), and at least one fixing portion (5B); the fastening part (5B) is adapted to hold the interface part (2) and to establish a form fit and / or a friction fit along a first spatial axis (Z); The first positioning portion (3B) has a cross section extending along a third spatial axis (Y) perpendicular to the first spatial axis (Z), The second positioning portion (4B) has a cross section extending along a second spatial axis (X) perpendicular to the first spatial axis (Z) and the third spatial axis (Y).

2. 2. An interface part for a tracking marker according to claim 1, characterized in that the first positioning portion (3B) and / or the second positioning portion (4B) are formed as protrusions protruding from the interface part (1, 2), in particular protruding along the first spatial axis (Z).

3. 2. An interface part for a tracking marker according to claim 1, characterized in that the first positioning portion (3B) and / or the second positioning portion (4B) are formed as recesses in the interface part (2), in particular recessed along the first spatial axis (Z).

4. 4. An interface part for a tracking marker according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the protrusion comprises at least one convex, in particular cylindrical, surface portion and / or the recess comprises at least one concave or prismatic surface portion.

5. The fixing part (5B) External or internal threads, and / or a connector part having an undercut extending perpendicular to the first spatial axis (Z), and / or a permanent magnet or electromagnet, 5. An interface component for a tracking marker according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The interface component (2) a tracking marker (8) adapted to be recognized and spatially tracked by a medical tracking system; or medical equipment (9) or devices, 6. An interface component for a tracking marker according to claim 1, wherein the interface component is connected to or integrally formed with the tracking marker.

7. 7. An interface component for a tracking marker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the first positioning portion (3B) and the second positioning portion (4B) comprises an at least partially constant cross section along the third spatial axis (Y) in the case of the first positioning portion (3B) and along the second spatial axis (X) in the case of the second positioning portion (4B).

8. 8. An interface component for a tracking marker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the first positioning portion (3B) and the second positioning portion (4B) includes at least two portions having the same cross section along the third spatial axis (Y) in the case of the first positioning portion (3B) and along the second spatial axis (X) in the case of the second positioning portion (4B).

9. 9. An interface component for a tracking marker according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fixing portion (5B) is arranged between the first positioning portion (3B) and the second positioning portion (4B).

10. The interface component (2) is configured as a disposable item, and in particular the fixing portion (5B) includes a predetermined break portion that, when broken, disables the function of the interface component (2), in particular the function of the fixing portion (5B). An interface component for a tracking marker according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The predetermined breaking portion is a force and / or moment acting along the first spatial axis (Z) on the fixed part (5B) exceeding a predetermined amount; a force and / or moment exceeding a predetermined amount and acting on said fastening portion (5B) in a direction opposite to a mating direction in which said fastening portion (5B) is configured to move to establish said form fit and / or said friction fit; 11. The tracking marker interface component of claim 10, wherein the interface component is adapted to be broken by a force.

12. 12. An interface part for a tracking marker according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the breaking part connects the interface part (2), in particular the fixed part (5B), with an element configured to be detached from the interface part (2), in particular the fixed part (5B), the detachable element being particularly adapted to be torn or twisted off from the interface part (2), in particular the fixed part (5B).

13. 13. The interface part for a tracking marker according to claim 12, characterized in that the separable element is configured to prevent the fastening part (5B) from moving in a direction opposite to a mating direction in which the fastening part (5B) is configured to move to establish the form fit and / or the friction fit.

14. Injection molded, especially As a structure without undercuts, As it is molded in an injection mold without a slider, to be molded in an injection mold having a single demolding direction; and / or To be released without elastic deformation, 14. The tracking marker interface component according to claim 1, wherein the tracking marker interface component is configured as follows:

15. 15. Use of a tracking marker interface according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for connecting a medical tracking marker to a medical instrument or device, in particular in a statically determined state, in particular by bringing the tracking marker interface part (2) into contact with a correspondingly shaped counterpart interface part (1).

Images