Drape-clamping reference array connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image-guided surgery systems, attaching a reference array while maintaining sterility and accuracy is challenging due to the need for the array to be visible to detectors, which often requires cutting sterile drapes, compromising their sterility and causing positional shifts that render registration results obsolete.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a support below the drape and a clamping element above, using distinct clamps to hold the reference array or adaptor, compensating for positional shifts caused by clamping the drape, ensuring the array remains in a fixed position regardless of draping, thus maintaining sterility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drape is cut to allow the connector to protrude through, then the reference array can be mounted above the drape for visibility, but the sterility of the drape is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A drape interface element with a recess serves as an intermediary component between the connector and the drape. The recess accommodates the connector while the drape can be secured around it, allowing the reference array to be positioned above the drape for visibility while maintaining sterility through proper drape attachment without cutting
2Reliability
If the drape is clamped between the connector interface and the reference array interface, then sterility is maintained, but the positional relationship between the array and connector shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The drape is extracted from the critical clamping zone between the connector and reference array interfaces. Instead of clamping the drape in this zone, the design allows the drape to be secured separately, eliminating the positional shift that would occur during clamping while maintaining sterility through alternative drape attachment methods
3Strength
If the drape is clamped to hold the reference array, then the array remains secure, but wrinkles in the drape alter the positional relationship and render registration results obsolete
Solution Approach 1:
A drape interface element with a recess serves as an intermediary that provides a stable mounting surface for the connector. This recessed structure prevents drape wrinkles from interfering with the connector-reference array interface, ensuring both secure attachment and accurate positional relationship for registration purposes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (1) for attaching a reference array (72) in a fixed positional relationship with respect to a patient, wherein the patient is to be covered by a sterile drape in the attachment area, the connector (1) comprising: a support (12) which is to be situated below the drape (30); and a clamping element (14) which is to be situated above the drape and can directly or indirectly hold the reference array (72) or a reference array adaptor, wherein the clamping element (14) clamps the support (12), with the drape (30) caught between the two, by means of at least two distinct clamps (16) which clamp the support (12) from at least partly opposing directions in such a way that the positional shift in the clamping element (14) as a result of clamping the drape (30) at the clamping position is compensated for, such that its overall positional shift is substantially zero. The invention also relates to a connector arrangement (2) comprising such a connector (1) and to a method for attaching a reference array (72) in a fixed positional relationship with respect to a patient.