Drape-clamping reference array connector

US9706868B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Brainlab AG · DE

Inventors

• Stephan Karasz · Straubing, DE
• Rupert Heigl · Borgo San Lazzaro, DE
• Norman Plassky · Erfurt, DE
• Brian Vasey · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 15, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 18, 2017
• Expiry date: Sep 2, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/571
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

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.