Retaining element for surgical microscope drapes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a retaining element for a drape for a surgical microscope, the retaining element having a retaining ring and a recess arranged in the retaining ring for a fitting of the surgical microscope, the retaining ring having an asymmetrical contour that delimits the recess so that, when the retaining element is fastened to the surgical microscope, there is only one possible fastening position of the retaining element on the fitting of the surgical microscope that corresponds to the contour of the retaining ring, defining the orientation of the retaining element relative to the surgical microscope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding element for a drape for an operating microscope and to a system comprising the holding element and an operating microscope.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional operating microscopes generally have a symmetric, usually circular (main) objective lens that may be covered during operation of the operating microscope, specifically to avoid contamination of the operating microscope and / or of the wound being treated.

[0003] To cover it, a sterile protective shroud or so-called sterile drape is attached to the operating microscope, specifically to the light input and / or output on the objective lens, using a holding element equipped with a holding ring that is specifically welded to the drape. The drape is then slid or pulled onto the operating microscope and fixed to the operating microscope using, for example, adhesive tape. The drape is generally replaced with a new one before each surgical procedure, and as a result, it is a disposable product.

[0004] Attachment to the objective lens, which can be achieved, for example, by clamping, must be ensured so that the holding ring or clamping ring with the drape does not accidentally fall during the surgical procedure, specifically to prevent this.

[0005] The objective lens protective glass may be designed as a replaceable part and is conventionally fitted within or onto the holding ring. The objective lens protective glass is pushed into the holding ring using a guide and held there. The objective lens protective glass may be aligned parallel to the objective lens or defined obliquely with respect to the objective lens, so that reflections generated by the objective lens protective glass can be prevented or minimized. This enables the surgeon to see essentially without reflections, and as a result, to work ergonomically.

[0006] A known drawback of drapes, and specifically their retaining rings, is that the retaining rings can and must rotate freely on the primary objective lens until the proper or predetermined position of the retaining ring is found during fitting.

[0007] Furthermore, additional optical systems may be required in addition to the main objective lens, and therefore, in the case of conventional drapes, it is necessary to provide an additional separate window or gap for additional objective lens protective glass.

[0008] Furthermore, if a conventional surgical microscope operator finds that the reflection is too strong to reliably manipulate the microscope while using it, the operator must manually reposition the conventional retaining ring. One consequence of this is that the drape may become non-sterile, requiring the drape to be replaced, i.e., the surgical microscope to be covered with another drape that is still sterile. Another consequence is that the drape may be pulled during repositioning, potentially resulting in damage. This can negatively impact the procedure when performing surgical operations and should therefore be avoided. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device designed to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] Specifically, the aim is to provide a solution that allows for easier, more accurate, and / or more reliable positioning of the drape holding elements on the surgical microscope, and more specifically, to prevent the different optical systems of the surgical microscope from interfering with each other.

[0011] This objective is achieved in accordance with the present invention by the device according to the independent claim, and a favorable configuration is specified in the dependent claim. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Accordingly, the objective is achieved by a retaining element for the drape of the surgical microscope, which includes a retaining ring and a gap positioned within the retaining ring for the joint of the surgical microscope.

[0013] The retaining ring has a contour that defines the boundary of the gap.

[0014] In this case, the contour is formed such that, with the retaining element attached to the surgical microscope, there is only one possible mounting position for the retaining element at the joint of the surgical microscope corresponding to the contour of the retaining ring. At the mounting position, the retaining element is fixed in place, aligned with the surgical microscope.

[0015] To achieve this, the retaining element is distinguished by the fact that the contour is formed such that part of the contour is asymmetric, and the (asymmetrical) part is bounded by an interior angle of at least 90°.

[0016] In this case, the contour has an opening angle of 360° in total. That is, it is an enclosing contour that completely encloses the gap. In at least part of the contour defined or bounded by the interior angles, the contour is formed to be asymmetrical as a whole. In other words, the contour is formed to be asymmetrical over the entire area bounded by the interior angles. That is, in this part, the asymmetry is not only in a small area provided, for example, in the form of a gap or groove, but the contour describing the one-dimensional set of points along the outer perimeter of the gap is inherently asymmetrical. It is assumed that the contour is formed to be completely asymmetrical in the asymmetrical part.

[0017] In this method, the specified mounting position of the retaining element at the surgical microscope joint corresponding to the contour of the retaining ring can be automatically reached during the mounting of the retaining element. Specifically, in this method, the user can easily identify the need to align the retaining element with its mounting position. As a result, the retaining element can be mounted in a time-saving manner.

[0018] The interior angle may be formed in a plane that is perpendicular to an axis running parallel to the mounting direction of the retaining element.

[0019] For example, the asymmetrical portion may be defined by an interior angle of at least 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, 180°, 270°, or 360°.

[0020] In this case, “asymmetric” may be understood to mean a contour defining the boundary of a gap that is not rotationally symmetric, specifically not symmetric in terms of rotation, specifically not symmetric in terms of rotation with respect to an axis running parallel to the mounting direction of the retaining element, in at least a portion of which the boundary is defined by an interior angle of at least 90°, and optionally at least 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, 180°, 270°, or 360°. However, it is assumed that the contour of this portion is formed as mirror symmetry. However, it is also assumed that the contour of this portion is formed as neither rotationally nor mirror symmetry.

[0021] In other words, the asymmetry of the contour defining the gap boundary, i.e., the internal contour of the retaining ring, has the effect of positioning the retaining element itself centered with respect to the reference axis of the surgical microscope and fixing it laterally. The retaining element is spatially positioned in its axial position on the retaining ring by its axial contact surface. As a result, the position of the retaining element is defined by three degrees of freedom.

[0022] Furthermore, the retaining ring can no longer rotate freely while mounted on the surgical microscope or after mounting. The correct or desired position is automatically achieved. This avoids the need to reposition the retaining element, for example, due to stronger reflections found while using the surgical microscope. As a result, the need to apply a new drape can be avoided due to improper sterilization of the drape caused by repositioning, and consequently and / or caused by repositioning, for example by pulling on the drape.

[0023] As a result, the above-described holding element avoids the confusion that could potentially affect the surgical procedure in the case of conventional holding elements.

[0024] The drape may also be referred to as a protective shroud, and in this case, it may be understood as a sterile disposable shroud. Such a disposable shroud is used, for example, in surgery to cover devices with poor sterility, such as surgical microscopes, so that there is no risk that a person wearing sterile clothing will come into contact with the surface with poor sterility by operating the device. The drape may be connected to the holding element by welding.

[0025] Within or on the holding ring, the objective lens protective glass may be mounted as a replaceable part. Through the gap and the objective lens protective glass, the light input and / or output of the surgical microscope can be directed above the operating band. The gap can accordingly modify the size or dimensions of the optical window through which the optical axis of the optical unit of the surgical microscope passes. The gap is also sometimes referred to as the optical window.

[0026] The feature of "an asymmetric contour defining the boundary of the gap" may, in this case, be understood to mean that in a cross-section, i.e., a cross-section of a plane perpendicular to the mounting direction of the holding element, with the holding element mounted on the surgical microscope, the holding ring has an asymmetric shape in the region where it contacts the junction of the surgical microscope.

[0027] The term "ring" or "holding ring" may be understood to mean a continuously formed object or a continuously formed device having a gap formed as a through-hole for the junction of the surgical microscope. The outer dimension of the through-hole or gap is defined by the above-described contour.

[0028] The holding ring may have a structure that is widened or widening at a predetermined angle in the mounting direction of the holding element. This widened structure is also sometimes referred to as a conical or tapered structure.

[0029] In its above-described asymmetric form, the retaining ring contains clear information for the user from the perspective of the direction in which the retaining element should be positioned on the operating microscope. Furthermore, the structure that is inclined and widened in the mounting direction or the wearing direction helps the user to more easily position the retaining element.

[0030] The retaining ring may have a rubber coating on its inner surface facing the gap for the joint of the operating microscope. As a result, the retaining element can be attached by static friction at the joint of the operating microscope corresponding to the contour of the retaining ring at the only possible attachment position of the single retaining element.

[0031] In other words, the retaining ring may have a material that can attach the retaining element by static friction at the joint of the operating microscope in the area where the retaining element contacts the joint of the operating microscope when the retaining element is attached to the operating microscope.

[0032] As an addition or as an alternative, the retaining element may have a magnetic material and / or a magnetizable material for attaching the retaining element to the operating microscope. The material may be, for example, iron or an iron-containing alloy.

[0033] In other words, the retaining ring may be fixed or attached at the joint of the operating microscope by the magnetic force acting between the operating microscope, specifically its joint, and the retaining element when the retaining element is attached to the operating microscope.

[0034] That is, the attachment may be performed using a rubber coating with adhesion and / or using a magnet. Attachment using a magnet has the advantage of allowing or making it easier to position the retaining ring or the adapter ring at the joint of the operating microscope with one hand without using additional components.

[0035] The retaining ring may have a guide that can insert the objective lens protection glass therein and hold the inserted state.

[0036] The guide may have several retaining elements, specifically four, configured such that the objective lens protection glass is fixed or mounted on the retaining elements in the mounting direction of the retaining elements. Furthermore, the guide may have elements that fix the objective lens protection glass in the insertion direction of the objective lens protection glass. These elements may be designed as latching elements. Specifically, a gap may be provided that allows a latching element on the objective lens protection glass to engage with the objective lens protection glass when it is inserted. In this way, the objective lens protection glass can be prevented from falling out while the surgical microscope is in operation.

[0037] The guide is expected to be positioned and configured such that the objective lens protective glass can be pushed into the retaining ring from a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction. In other words, the guide may allow the user to push the objective lens protective glass laterally into the retaining ring. The guide may also be envisioned to have a stopper so that the objective lens protective glass can only be pushed to a predetermined endpoint at most during insertion. This makes it easier to insert and position the objective lens protective glass.

[0038] The guide may be asymmetrical such that, with the objective lens protective glass inserted into the retaining ring, there is only one positionable position for the objective lens protective glass, and the objective lens protective glass is fixed in that position, aligned with the retaining element. This makes it even easier to insert the objective lens protective glass.

[0039] "Asymmetry" in this case means that the guide is formed in a way that is not rotationally symmetric. However, it is assumed that it is formed as mirror symmetry. However, it is also assumed that the guide is formed in a way that is neither rotationally symmetric nor mirror symmetric.

[0040] In other words, the retaining ring may have an insertion portion into which an objective lens protective glass or protective plate can be pressed and secured. The objective lens protective glass and its position, specifically its tilted position or inclination, can be adapted to the surgical microscope and / or an optional observation optical unit, specifically a tracking camera, in such a way that it does not obstruct the beam path or avoid predetermined reflections. The proper positioning and inability of the protective plate to rotate can be ensured by the asymmetrical internal contour of the retaining ring.

[0041] The "asymmetrical" feature of the guide may be understood in this case to mean that, in the cross-section, i.e., the cross-section of the plate perpendicular to the mounting direction of the retaining element, the guide has an asymmetrical shape or contour within the area that contacts the objective lens protective glass when the objective lens protective glass is inserted.

[0042] The asymmetrical contour that defines the boundary of the gap in the retaining ring may have a circular portion.

[0043] In this method, specifically in conjunction with the use of the magnet described above, the retaining ring may also be attached to a surgical microscope at a joint that is not asymmetrical or does not have a joint formed as an upward portion.

[0044] The retaining ring is expected to have a protrusion or pin on the surface that contacts the surface of the surgical microscope's joint when the retaining element is attached to the surgical microscope, for fixing and engaging with the corresponding gap on the surface of the surgical microscope's joint. The two surfaces may each be called the contact surface, and the mounting direction can be perpendicular to each contact surface.

[0045] The asymmetrical contour defining the gap boundary of the retaining ring may have a groove. The groove may also be called an elongated recess, which extends along the mounting direction of the retaining element. The joint of the surgical microscope may have a projection corresponding to the groove, which engages within the groove when the retaining element is mounted to the surgical microscope. As a result, to secure the retaining element to the joint of the surgical microscope, This allows for even more precise connections through fitting together to match the shape. .

[0046] A drape is also provided having a flexible portion and the aforementioned retaining elements connected to the flexible portion. The flexible portion may be a sheet, specifically a sterile sheet. The sheet may also be called a protective shroud. The flexible portion may be configured in such a way that it can be attached to the optical input and / or output of a surgical microscope using retaining rings of the retaining elements. It is envisioned that the flexible portion can be slid or pulled over the surgical microscope after attachment, and perhaps as a result fixed on the surgical microscope.

[0047] The above applies to retaining elements and surgical microscopes as well as to drapes, and vice versa.

[0048] A system including retaining elements for drapes and a surgical microscope is also provided.

[0049] The retaining element has a retaining ring and a gap positioned within the retaining ring for the joint of the surgical microscope.

[0050] The surgical microscope has a connector for attaching the retaining element to the surgical microscope.

[0051] The retaining ring has an asymmetrical contour that defines the boundary of the gap.

[0052] The joint has an asymmetrical contour that defines a boundary on the outside of the joint and contacts an asymmetrical contour that defines the boundary of the gap in the retaining ring when the retaining element is attached to a surgical microscope.

[0053] The asymmetrical contour defining the gap boundary of the retaining ring corresponds to the asymmetrical contour of the joint that defines the boundary outside the joint of the surgical microscope, such that, with the retaining element attached to the surgical microscope, there is only one possible mounting position for the retaining element on the asymmetrical contour of the joint that defines the boundary outside the joint of the surgical microscope. At the mounting position, the retaining element, aligned with the surgical microscope, is fixed in place.

[0054] The system may include the above-described retaining element, which can be connected to the drape. The above descriptions regarding the retaining element, drape, and surgical microscope also apply to systems including the retaining element and surgical microscope. Specifically, the retaining element may be attached at the joint of the surgical microscope.

[0055] The joint of the surgical microscope may have at least two optical inputs and / or outputs. The gap positioned within the retaining ring for the joint of the surgical microscope may be formed to such an extent that, with the retaining element attached to the surgical microscope, at least two optical inputs and / or outputs of the surgical microscope are positioned within the gap.

[0056] In other words, specifically, in addition to the optical inputs and / or outputs for the main optical unit of the surgical microscope, the surgical microscope may need to have further or additional optical inputs and / or outputs. To avoid interaction or mutual influence of individual optical inputs and / or outputs, the optical inputs and / or outputs may need to be spaced apart from each other, but as close as possible to the optical axis of the main optical unit.

[0057] The main optical unit may be an objective lens with a fixed or variable focal length. Specifically, a movable, replaceable optical unit is envisioned.

[0058] The fact that the gap for the joint of the surgical microscope positioned within the retaining ring can be formed such that, with the retaining element attached to the surgical microscope, at least two optical inputs and / or outputs of the surgical microscope are positioned within the gap means that a common optical window can be formed on the surgical microscope for one or more optical inputs and / or outputs. The optical axes of multiple or all of the optical inputs and / or outputs can, as a result, pass through the optical window defined by the gap.

[0059] In other words, in this case, it may suffice for a single objective lens protective glass to have at least two light inputs and / or outputs. In this way, the light inputs and / or outputs can be prevented from influencing each other by reflection due to different angles or positions of the objective lens protective glass, as can be the case in conventional systems. Furthermore, the inaccurate positioning that can occur in conventional systems, which may involve multiple individual windows, can be avoided.

[0060] It is assumed that at least one of the two optical inputs and / or outputs is intended for the (main) optical unit of a surgical microscope, and the second at least two optical inputs and / or outputs are intended for a system for overlaying an illumination element, a camera system, and / or at least one item of information onto the working area, specifically configured to emit light at a predetermined wavelength.

[0061] In other words, one or more additional optical inputs and / or one or more outputs may enable further applications on a surgical microscope, in addition to the main optical units such as illumination of specific wavelengths that may need to be combined with filters for visualization, provision of camera systems, and / or structures that overlap the working region or working band.

[0062] The system may specifically have an objective lens protective glass with a coating. The coating may be an anti-reflective coating, which may be configured to suppress reflections on the objective lens protective glass and optionally increase its transmission.

[0063] The retaining ring may have a guide that allows the objective lens protective glass to be inserted into it and held in place, as described above.

[0064] The guide on the retaining ring may be asymmetrical such that, with the objective lens protective glass inserted into the retaining ring, there is only one positionable position for the objective lens protective glass, and the objective lens protective glass is fixed in that position, aligned with the retaining element.

[0065] The retaining ring guide and / or objective lens protective glass may be formed such that, with the objective lens protective glass inserted into the retaining element, the objective lens protective glass is positioned parallel to the joint of the surgical microscope or inclined at a predetermined angle.

[0066] As a result, the alignment of the objective lens protective glass can be adapted to the surgical microscope in a manner that minimizes the generation of any reflections that may interfere with the user of the surgical microscope.

[0067] Embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 1-4. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0068] [Figure 1] This shows a perspective view of one side of the retaining element in an embodiment where the back is facing the surgical microscope. [Figure 2] This shows a perspective view of one side of the retaining element, derived from Figure 1, which is facing the surgical microscope. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view of the joint of a surgical microscope according to an embodiment intended for the retaining element. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the retaining element shown in Figures 1 and 2, which is attached to the joint shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0069] A retaining element 1 for a drape (not shown) for a surgical microscope 4 (see Figures 3 and 4) is shown in Figure 1.

[0070] The side of the retaining element 1 shown in Figure 1 is the side facing the working area when the retaining element 1 is attached to the surgical microscope 4, with its back to the microscope 4. This side of the retaining element 1 will be referred to as the front side below.

[0071] Figure 2 shows the retaining element 1 in a similar manner. The side of the retaining element 1 shown in Figure 2 faces the surgical microscope 4 and is the side that contacts the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4 when the retaining element 1 is attached to the surgical microscope 4 (see also Figures 3 and 4).

[0072] This side of the retaining element 1 consequently forms a contact surface on the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4, and is hereafter referred to as the back side.

[0073] The Cartesian coordinate system is also shown in Figures 1 and 2, where the y-axis of the coordinate system corresponds to the mounting or attachment direction of the retaining element 1 at the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4. The back side is the opposite side of the front side in the mounting direction Y of the retaining element 1.

[0074] The retaining element 1 has a gap 3 located within the retaining ring 2 for the joint 41 of the retaining ring 2 and the surgical microscope 4 (see also Figure 3). The gap 3 is designed as a through-hole and extends from the front to the back of the retaining element 1.

[0075] Figure 3 shows the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4. As in Figures 1 and 2, Figure 3 also shows a Cartesian coordinate system, and here again, the y-axis of the coordinate system corresponds to the mounting or attachment direction of the retaining element 1 at the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4.

[0076] To mount or attach the retaining element 1, the retaining element 1 is pressed along the mounting direction Y on the joint 41 such that a surface 421 having an asymmetrical contour 42 with boundaries defined in the X and Z directions outside the joint 41 contacts a surface 22 of the retaining ring 2 having similarly asymmetrical contour 21 with boundaries defined in the X and Z directions outside the gap 3 of the retaining element 1. These two surfaces 22, 421 after mounting Each shape Fitting It will be done .

[0077] The contour 21 completely encloses the gap 3 formed within the retaining ring 2, and thus has an opening angle β of 360° in Figure 1, the opening angle β in this case being defined by the X direction or X-axis and the Z direction or Z-axis, and positioned in a plane perpendicular to the mounting direction Y.

[0078] The contour 21 can be substantially subdivided into two parts, an interior angle α1 of substantially 140° and an interior angle α2 of substantially 220°, corresponding to an opening angle β totaling 360°, with interior angles α1 and α2 formed on planes defined by the X and Z axes, respectively.

[0079] In the portion defined or bounded by the interior angle α1, which together forms a continuous section of substantially 140°, the contour 21 is formed to be asymmetrical as a whole. That is, the contour 21 has individual small portions within the region defined by the interior angle α1 that are mirror-symmetric and / or rotationally symmetric (for example, the straight portion 211 of the contour 21 located on the right in Figure 1 is at least partially axially symmetric with respect to the Z-axis), but the contour 21 as a whole is not symmetric within the region defined by the interior angle α1. Consequently, the overall asymmetry in this case relates to the entire extension of the contour 21 within the region defined by the interior angle α1, which lacks rotational symmetry with respect to each axis running parallel to the mounting direction Y, and also lacks axial symmetry with respect to each axis perfectly aligned in the plane defined by the X and Y axes.

[0080] In the further portion of the contour 21 defined by the interior angle α2, the contour 21 is substantially circular and, as a result, is formed to be substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the Y axis by the circular portion 26 (the circle shown as a dashed line in Figure 1). The further portion of the contour 21 defined by the interior angle α2 is consequently substantially (rotationally) symmetric as a whole. In this case, the contour 21 is not detrimental by the fact that it has asymmetry or asymmetrical location in the form of a groove 27 within a small area. The asymmetrical location, here the groove 27, is assumed to be formed in an angular range of at most 30°, preferably 20° to 30°, and more preferably 26°. In each case as described above, specifically in portion α1, the asymmetrical configuration of both the outer surface 421 of the joint 41 and the inner surface 22 of the retaining ring 2, having contours 21, 42 that are asymmetrical in the area that comes into contact with the other components after mounting, means that a predetermined mounting position of the retaining element 1 to the surgical microscope 4 is automatically achieved during mounting of the retaining element 1. Specifically, the fact that the contour 21 is formed to be asymmetrical as a whole in an area of ​​at least 90°, and in this case substantially 140°, means that the predetermined mounting position of the retaining element 1 to the surgical microscope 4 is ensured during mounting in an ergonomically convenient manner, which cannot be achieved solely by the formation of asymmetrical locations such as grooves 27.

[0081] In other words, with the retaining element 1 attached to the surgical microscope 4, there is only one possible attachment position for the retaining element 1 at the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4 that corresponds to the contour 21 of the retaining ring 2. At this attachment position, the retaining element 1, aligned with the surgical microscope 4, is spatially fixed.

[0082] This makes it easier for the operator of the surgical microscope 4 to attach the retaining element 1 accurately in a relatively short amount of time.

[0083] To achieve a more efficient effect, and thus further enhance the more ergonomic fit of the retaining element 1 achieved by the configuration of the joint 41 of the retaining element 1 and the surgical microscope 4, the retaining ring 2 has a structure 22 that is widened at a predetermined angle in the mounting direction Y of the retaining element 1, or that is conical. The joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4 shown in Figure 3 has a structure 421 that is similarly widened at a predetermined angle. This structure 421 formed on the joint 41 is sometimes called an insertion bevel and corresponds to the widened structure 22 of the retaining ring 2.

[0084] To attach or mount the retaining element 1 to the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4, the retaining element 1 is placed on the joint 41 and pressed against the joint 41 along the mounting direction Y, so that the respective spread structures 22 and 421 come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to guide and mount the retaining element 1 onto the surgical microscope 4 until it reaches its specific mounting position.

[0085] Even in a joint (not shown) that has a substantially circular contour and no asymmetrical contour, the asymmetrical contour 21 that defines the boundary of the gap 3 of the retaining ring 2 has a circular portion 26 to center the retaining element 1, in order to facilitate the possible positioning of the retaining element 1 during installation. Furthermore, a raised portion 29 is formed on the contact surface or back side of the retaining ring 2, and the raised portion 29 engages with a corresponding recess 49 in the joint 41 when the retaining element 1 is mounted on the joint 41, in order to ensure that the retaining element 1 rotates relative to the joint 41 (specifically, see Figures 2 and 3).

[0086] As described above, the retaining ring 2 has a groove 27 in its circular portion 26. The projection 48 of the joint portion 41 may engage with this groove 27.

[0087] The end position or mounting position where the retaining element 1 is attached or mounted on the joint 41 is shown in Figure 4. At this position, the joint 41 and the retaining ring 2 are Each shape Fitting by They are connected to each other.

[0088] More precisely, in Figure 4, the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4 is shown with the retaining element 1 mounted or attached to it. As in Figures 1, 2, and 3, a Cartesian coordinate system is also shown in Figure 4, and here again the y-axis of the coordinate system corresponds to the mounting or attachment direction of the retaining element 1 at the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4.

[0089] Since the retaining element 1 can be held by the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4, there are two possible configurations of the retaining element 1 and the joint 41, which may be provided separately or in combination.

[0090] Accordingly, the retaining ring 2 may have a rubber coating on its inner surface 22 that faces the gap 3 for the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4.

[0091] This rubber coating is provided to at least the area of ​​the retaining ring 2 that contacts the joint 41 at the mounting position, specifically the area where the expanded structure 22 is formed on the retaining ring 2. In this case, this area is adjacent to the back side of the retaining element 1.

[0092] The rubber coating allows the retaining element 1 to be attached and held at the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4, which corresponds to the contour 21 of the retaining ring 2, by static friction generated by the clamping force between the retaining ring 2 and the joint 41, at the position where the single retaining element 1 can be attached.

[0093] Conversely, this configuration also envisions that, as an addition or alternative, the joint 41 may also have a rubber coating in the area 421 that contacts the retaining ring 2 at the mounting position of the retaining ring 2.

[0094] In addition to or otherwise, the retaining element 1 may have a magnetic material 24 for attaching the retaining element 1 at the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4.

[0095] In this case, it is assumed that the magnetic material 24 is positioned at many locations on the retaining ring 2, in this case at two locations (see Figure 1). The magnetic material 47 may similarly be positioned at locations on the joint 41 corresponding to one or more locations on the retaining ring 2 where the magnetic material 24 is positioned. The retaining element 1 may be attached to the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4 and held there by the magnetic force acting between the magnetic materials 24 and 47.

[0096] The objective lens protective glass 5, which is pressed into a guide 25 attached to the retaining ring 2 of the retaining element 1, is also shown in Figure 4. This glass is held in the mounting direction Y by the guide 25 so that it is prevented from falling in the direction of the working area. For this purpose, the guide 25 has at least one retaining element, in this case four retaining elements 28 positioned on the guide 25 (see Figure 1 specifically), which hold the objective lens protective glass 5 in the inserted state.

[0097] To insert the objective lens protective glass 5, it is pushed into the guide 25 in the lateral direction, specifically along the Z direction, after the retaining element 1 is attached to the joint 41. Since the guide 25 has a (end) stop portion in the insertion direction Z of the objective lens protective glass 5, the end position of the objective lens protective glass 5 in the insertion direction Z is fixed.

[0098] Furthermore, since the retaining or guiding element 28 has a latching element integrated with the objective lens protective glass 5 in each case (see Figure 2 for specifics), the objective lens protective glass 5 is prevented from falling or sliding in the insertion direction Z while the surgical microscope 4 is in operation. In addition to fixing the objective lens protective glass 5 in its end position, the guide element 28 with the integrated latch allows for the objective lens protective glass 5 to be guided in a play-free manner.

[0099] The four retaining elements 28, in pairs, together with the guide 25 perpendicular to the mounting direction Y and the left and right sides (i.e., opposite each other on the x-axis) of the bearing surface on the retaining ring 2, form longitudinal grooves to guide the objective lens protective glass 5.

[0100] In the same manner as the joint 41 and the retaining ring 2, the guide 25 and the objective lens protection glass 5 also have an asymmetrical shape, so that when the objective lens protection glass 5 is inserted into the retaining ring 2, there is only one position where the objective lens protection glass 5 can be positioned. With the objective lens protection glass 5 inserted, the objective lens protection glass 5 aligned with the retaining ring 2 is fixed. In this way, the objective lens protection glass 5 aligned with the surgical microscope 4 is also fixed.

[0101] In this case, the junction 41 of the surgical microscope 4 has three optical inputs and / or outputs 43. One of the three optical inputs and / or outputs 43 is configured for the (main) optical unit of the surgical microscope 4. The other two of the three inputs and / or outputs 43 are configured specifically for illumination elements 46 configured to emit light at a predetermined wavelength, and for the camera system 45. The fourth optical input and / or output 43 is presumably configured for a system to overlay at least one item of information onto the surgical field.

[0102] The gap 3 positioned within the retaining ring 2 for the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4 is formed such that, with the retaining element 1 attached to the surgical microscope 4, the three optical inputs and / or outputs 43 of the surgical microscope 4 are positioned within the gap 3.

[0103] Therefore, it is sufficient to provide three optical inputs and / or outputs 43 to a single objective lens protective glass 5.

[0104] In particular, this prevents the light input and / or output 43 from influencing each other due to reflections caused by different angles or positions of the objective lens protective glass. Furthermore, it avoids inaccurate positioning that can occur in conventional systems involving multiple individual windows.

[0105] As can be seen in Figure 4, in this case, the objective lens protective glass 5 is formed such that, with the objective lens protective glass 5 inserted into the holding element 1, the surface 51 of the objective lens protective glass 5 facing the working area is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined with respect to the joint 41 of the surgical microscope 4.

[0106] The inclination of the objective lens protective glass 5 is also expected to be generated by the corresponding structural configuration of the guide 25.

[0107] The aforementioned advantage of avoiding reflection can be further enhanced by providing a slope. The objective lens protective glass 5, and specifically its surface 51 facing the working area, may also be envisioned to have an anti-reflective coating for this purpose. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Holding elements for draping 2 Retaining rings 21 Asymmetrical contours that define the boundaries of gaps 211 Axisymmetric part 22 Surface on the retaining ring having a rubber coating and a structure that is widened in the mounting direction 24 Magnetic Materials 25 Guide for objective lens protective glass with end stop in the insertion direction 26 Circular part of the contour 27 Grooves within the contour that define the boundary of the gap 28 Retaining element for objective lens protective glass 29. Protrusions or bumps on the retaining ring 3. Gap for the joint of the surgical microscope 4. Surgical microscope 41 Joint for retaining element 42 Asymmetrical contour defining the boundary outside the joint 421 Surface of a joint having a structure that is widened in the mounting direction 43 Optical input and / or output of surgical microscope 44. (Main) Optical Units of Surgical Microscopes 45 Camera System 46 Lighting Elements 47 Magnetic Materials 48 Projection at the joint for the groove on the retaining ring 49 Recess in the joint corresponding to the protrusion in the retaining ring 5 (Replaceable) Objective Lens Protective Glass 51 Surface of the objective lens protective glass facing the working area α1, α2 Interior angles of the contour that define the boundary of the gap β The aperture angle of the contour that defines the boundary of the gap

Claims

1. A retaining element (1) for a drape for a surgical microscope (4), The retaining element (1) has a gap (3) positioned within the retaining ring (2) for the joint (41) of the retaining ring (2) and the surgical microscope (4), and the joint (41) includes an outer surface (421) that defines a boundary outside the joint (41) with respect to a first direction (X) and a second direction (Z). The retaining ring (2) has an inner surface (22) with an asymmetrical contour (21), the inner surface defining a boundary outside the gap (3) in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Z), and the contour (21) completely encloses the gap (3) formed in the retaining ring (2), in the retaining element (1), The contour (21) is divided into two parts, one of which has a first interior angle (α1) of at least 90°, and the other of which has a second interior angle (α2), the sum of the first interior angle (α1) and the second interior angle (α2) corresponds to an opening angle (β) of 360°, the first interior angle (α1) and the second interior angle (α2) are formed on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Z), respectively, and the mounting direction (Y) of the retaining element (1) is perpendicular to the plane. The other portion includes a groove (27) and at least one circular portion (26), and in the other portion, the contour (21) is formed to be rotationally symmetric with respect to a predetermined axis running parallel to the mounting direction (Y) of the retaining element (1). In one of the aforementioned portions, the contour (21) is formed so as not to have rotational symmetry with respect to the predetermined axis, and as a result, when the retaining element (1) is attached to the surgical microscope (4), there is only one position in which the retaining element (1) can be attached to the joint (41) of the surgical microscope (4) corresponding to the contour (21) of the retaining ring (2), and the outer surface (421) of the joint (41) of the surgical microscope (4) and the inner surface (22) of the retaining ring (2) are fitted together according to their respective shapes so that the retaining element (1), which is aligned with the surgical microscope (4), is fixed in that position. The retaining ring (2) has a structure in which it is widened at a predetermined angle in the mounting direction (Y) of the retaining element (1), characterized in that the inner surface (22) of the retaining ring (2) is inclined at the predetermined angle with respect to the mounting direction (Y) of the retaining element (1), At the center of the at least one circular portion (26), the first direction (X), the mounting direction (Y), and the second direction (Z) are mutually orthogonal. Holding element (1).

2. The retaining element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining ring (2) has a rubber coating on its inner surface (22) facing the gap (3) for the joint (41) of the surgical microscope (4), so that the retaining element (1) can be attached by static friction at the single attachable position of the retaining element (1) at the joint (41) of the surgical microscope (4).

3. The retaining element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining element (1) has a magnetic material and / or a magnetizable material (24) for attaching the retaining element (1) to the surgical microscope (4).

4. The retaining element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining ring (2) has a guide (25), and the objective lens protective glass (5) is inserted into the guide (25) and the inserted state is maintained.

5. A drape comprising a flexible portion which is a sheet, and a retaining element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 connected to the flexible portion, A drape, wherein the flexible portion can be fastened to the joint (41) of the surgical microscope (4) by the retaining element (1), and is connected to the flexible portion so as to be pulled upward when fastened to the surgical microscope (4).

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