EP2355766B1 - Device for controlling an operation table - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for controlling movements and / or functions of an operating table.

By movements of an operating table is meant the movement of the elements forming the operating table relative to each other. These include the movement of the patient support plate relative to the column, the movement of the column relative to the base. It can also be the movement of the elements constituting the plate relative to each other. The movements of the operating table, that is to say, its displacement towards the front (advanced of the operating table) or its displacement towards the back (recoil of the table of 'surgery).

The functions of an operating table include, but are not limited to, the parameterization of data, the implementation of accessories connected to the operating table.

In a conventional manner, in modern operating tables, the movements of the operating table and / or the components of the table are controlled from a remote control. Existing remote controls, however, have a number of disadvantages.

Indeed, in the current remote controls, it is associated with each authorized movement of the operating table or its constituent elements, a control key. Thus, the more the operating table has important features in terms of movement, the more control buttons will be numerous, and the dimensions of the remote control will be important. The current remote controls are therefore not very ergonomic.

Moreover, the existing models of operating tables are not designed to necessarily achieve the same movements, there is provided a specific remote control by model of operating tables.

Moreover, according to the operating tables, the associated remote controls operate either by wire connection or by non-wire link. Depending on the desired movements, the non-wired mode, for security aspects, is not suitable. It is therefore customary to provide for the same operating table two remote controls, one operating with wire, the other operating wirelessly.

Linked to the model of the operating table, the current remote controls are therefore not very evolutive.
The document US 2003/0195644 discloses a device for controlling simultaneously a plurality of medical equipment (operating table, lighting system, ...), each device being associated with the control device by a wired or wireless link.

The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a "dual-mode" control device for securely controlling the movements of an operating table.

The term "dual mode" means a control device capable of operating in a wired link mode or in a non-wired link mode.

The invention also relates to a control device that can be used independently of the model of the operating table to be controlled.

The invention also relates to an ergonomic control device.

For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention according to claim 1 proposes a device for controlling movement and / or functions of an operating table comprising means for selecting a connection mode with the table d. wired operation or a mode of connection with the non-wired operation table, and a manual activation interface of the movements and / or functions which, in the wired connection mode, makes it possible to control a first set of movements and / or functions of the operating table, and in the non-wired link mode, allows to control a second set of movements and / or functions of the operating table.

Advantageously, the selection means are configured to select the link mode according to the link identified by the control device.

Advantageously, the first set of movements and / or functions of the wired mode comprises at least one movement and / or function not included (e) in the second set of movements and / or functions of the non-wired mode.

According to the invention, the control device comprises means of additional selection of a connection mode by contact with the operating table or with an accessory connected to the operating table, the manual activation interface allowing, in the contact connection mode, to control a third set of movements of the operating table. In this case, it is advantageous to provide that the third set of movements and / or functions of the connected mode comprises at least one movement and / or function not included in the first set of wired mode movements and not included in the second set of motions of the non-wired mode.

Advantageously, the control device comprises means for identifying, preferably in a continuous manner, the link intervening between the control device and the operating table.

Advantageously, the control device comprises alert means in case of loss of connection between the control device and the operating table.

In order to allow its use for different models of operating tables, it is advantageously provided in the control device of the recognition means of an operating table.

According to a particular configuration, the control device comprises a means, of the display screen type, making it possible to follow in real time the link established between the control device and the operating table as well as the movements and / or functions activated (FIG. s of the operating table. Similarly, there may be provided a manual activation interface comprising a first series of command keys for activating predetermined movements of the operating table, and a second series of keys of a command enabling, by interactive navigation on the display screen, to select additional movements of the operating table.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en élévation d'un dispositif de commande selon l'invention;
• la figure 2 représente une vue de dessous du dispositif de commande de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en perspective d'un guidon de déplacement équipé du dispositif de commande de la figure 1 et de la table d'opération associée ;
• les figures 4A, 4B et 4C illustrent des séries de mouvements et/ou fonctions d'une table d'opération activés ou inactivés suivant le mode de liaison mis en oeuvre.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents an elevational view of a control device according to the invention;
• the figure 2 represents a bottom view of the control device of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 represents a perspective view of a displacement handlebar equipped with the control device of the figure 1 and the associated operating table;
• the Figures 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate series of movements and / or functions of an operating table activated or inactivated according to the binding mode used.

For the sake of clarity, identical or similar elements of the various embodiments are marked with identical reference signs throughout the figures.

Commonly, the operating tables 50 comprise a base 51, a column 52 and a support plate 53 of the patient ( figure 3 ). The column 52 and the plate 53 are respectively movable relative to the base 51 and the column 52. Thus, the column 52 is movable relative to the base 51 to allow the adjustment of the height of the support plate 53 of the patient.

The plate 53 is pivotally mounted as a whole relative to the axis of the column 52 and around axes extending transversely to said plate 53.

Advantageously, the plate 53 is movably mounted in its together by sliding relative to the column 52 in a direction transverse to the axis of the column 52.

Depending on the model, the operating tables may have specific features. In particular, there are provided on some models trays consisting of a set of elements articulated with respect to each other. The surface of the operating tables can thus be modified and the patient put in the appropriate position to undergo the procedure. It can also be provided motorized operating tables models.

Each of the moving elements of the operating table, whether it is the column 52, the plate 53 or the constituent elements of the latter, is associated with at least one actuator, each actuator being controlled from a control device. according to the invention. Such a control device, numbered thereafter 1, is represented on the Figures 1 and 2 .

More particularly, the control device 1 comprises in the lower part a manual activation interface 2 of the movements and / or functions of the operating table and in the upper part a display screen 3. As will be seen later, the Screen 3 displays the movements and / or functions of the operating table controlled simultaneously via the manual activation interface 2.

The manual activation interface 2 comprises a first series of control keys 20 which will preferably correspond to the movements generally common to all the operating tables (standard movements), and a second series of control keys 30 making it possible to access, by interactive navigation on the display screen 3, specific movements and functions of the operating table to be controlled.

In the first series, the control keys 20 are provided in pairs, each key controlling each actuator in two opposite directions. Thus, the keys 21A and 21B respectively actuate the tilting of the plate relative to the column upside down (downward) and head up (proclive). The control keys 22A and 22B respectively actuate the raising and lowering of the column relative to the base. The control keys 23A and 23B respectively actuate the left and right lateral tilting of the plate with respect to the column. The first series of control keys 20 furthermore comprise, and advantageously, a patient orientation control key 24 on the table, a control key 25 for locking and unlocking the ground table and a control key 26 for the patient. put back on the plateau.

In the second series of control keys 30, there are provided four keys for interactive navigation, left / right and up / down, in a drop-down menu on the display screen 3.

Advantageously, the manual activation interface 2 comprises a memory key 27 in which are stored specific positions of the operating table (frequent positions). By simply pressing the memory key 27, the operating table is controlled to enter one of the stored memorized positions. In a preliminary programming phase of the control device, it may be provided to block the memorization of certain positions of the table. In particular, these may be positions considered "at risk" for a patient.

From particular combinations of keys, it is also possible to achieve additional features of the control device. It can be for example the calibration of position sensors (described below), the storage of horizontal positions of the plateau, the change of units or languages, the real-time monitoring of the main information, and settings. specific to each user or operating table.

During the movement of the components of the operating table (table in general and constituent elements of the plate), it is necessary to know the position of the elements relative to each other so as to give the alert in case of risk of collision between the elements. In this effect, each actuator is associated with a sensor, such as a potentiometer, for determining the position of the actuator, and thus to deduce the current position of the controlled element relative to the element with respect to which it is mobile. Advantageously, the control device 1 comprises first warning means (tactile, audible and / or visual), warning if there is a risk of collision between elements during the control of movements. Advantageously, the control device comprises second warning means (tactile, audible and / or visual), warning the person manipulating the control device that the controlled movement requires special attention.

The control device 1 is connected to the operating table by a wired connection or by a non-wired connection, of the Bluetooth type, IR, the connection being provided to establish a bidirectional communication between the device and the table. However, depending on the type of connection, movements and / or functions of the operating table will be made available or not. Indeed, for security reasons, certain movements and / or functions can not be authorized in a non-wired link. For example, it is preferable to block access to the menus of the control device for controlling the movement of the operating table or to inactivate the corresponding control keys when the connection between the control device and the table Operation is non-wired.

For this purpose, the control device comprises means for selecting a wired connection mode or a non-wired link mode according to the link identified between the control device 1 and the operating table, each connection mode. being associated with a set of movements and / or functions determined. Thus, by means of the manual activation interface 2, it will be possible to control, in the wired link mode, a first set of movements and / or functions of the operation table, and in the non-binding mode wired, a second set of movements and / or functions of the operating table. The first movement set and the second set are provided either to have no movement and / or common function, or to include common movements and / or functions. In the latter case, however, the first set of motions and / or functions of the wired mode comprises at least one movement not included in the second set of motions of the non-wired mode.

Advantageously, the selection means are configured to allow automatic selection of the link mode according to the connection detected between the control device and the operating table. According to an alternative embodiment, selection means may be provided configured so that the connection mode is manually selected by the operator.

The Figure 4A illustrates an example of movements that can be activated depending on whether one is in wired or non-wired mode. Thus, the operating table allows, in addition to the movements associated with the first series of control key, four additional movements different from the elements of the tray. These movements are named M1, M2, M3 and M4. In the illustrated embodiment, M1, M2, M3 and M4 are accessible in wired mode (data block 4). On the other hand, the M3 and M4 movements are not accessible in non-wired mode. Permitted movements in non-wired mode are identified in data block 5.

In addition to the movements of the constituent elements of the operating table, the control device 1 can also control the movement of the operating table when the latter is motorized. The expression "control motorized movement" includes controlling the orientation of the tray according to whether the patient is positioned on the tray in the desired direction of movement or not, the descent of the motorized wheel of the operating table, the mode of movement of the operating table (forward / reverse) and the speed thereof.

In order to control the distance between the user of the control device 1 and the operating table, it is advantageously provided that the movement commands can only be activated when the control device 1 is in direct contact with the table of operation or an accessory that can be attached to the operating table.

• le mouvement D5 correspondant au mouvement du plateau pour tourner le patient suivant le sens de déplacement souhaité ;
• le mouvement D6 correspondant au mouvement de descente de la roue motorisée de la table d'opération ;
• le mouvement D7 correspondant au mouvement d'avancée de la table d'opération (marche avant/marche arrière) ;
• le mouvement D8 correspondant au mouvement de recul de la table d'opération ;
• la fonction D9 correspondant à la vitesse de la table d'opération.

For this purpose, the control device 1 also comprises means for selecting a mode in which the control device is in direct contact with either the operating table or an accessory that can be connected to the control table. operation such as a displacement handlebar ( figure 3 ). The mode selected in this way is called contact connection mode. The contact connection mode is thus associated with a third set of movements and / or functions of the operating table. As before, the third set of movements and / or functions of the connected mode advantageously comprises at least one movement and / or function not included in the first set of movements and / or functions of the wired mode and not included in the second set of movements and / or functions of the non-wired mode. On the Figure 4B , the third set of movements and / or functions comprises for example:

• the movement D5 corresponding to the movement of the plate to turn the patient in the desired direction of movement;
• the movement D6 corresponding to the downward movement of the motorized wheel of the operating table;
• the movement D7 corresponding to the forward movement of the operating table (forward / reverse);
• the movement D8 corresponding to the recoil movement of the operating table;
• the function D9 corresponding to the speed of the operating table.

Thus, in wired / contact connection modes, the movements of the constituent elements of the table M1 to M4 and the movements and functions of the table D5 to D9 can be activated ( Figure 4B , Block 9); in non-wired mode / contact connection, the movements of the constituent elements of the table M1 and M2 and the movements of the table D5 and D6 can be activated ( Figure 4B , Block 10). In the examples described, it has been chosen to prohibit any displacement of the operating table when the connection between the control device and the table Operation is in non-wired.

In the embodiment described on the figure 3 , it is expected to be able to directly connect the control device 1 on a displacement handle 8 adapted to be fixed on the operating table 50 to be controlled. For this purpose, the control device 1 comprises electrical connectors 6 adapted to cooperate with complementary electrical connectors 7 formed on the displacement handlebar 8 ( figures 2 and 3 ). The operation of such a handlebar, provided with a control device and associated with an operating table, is described in the patent application. WO2007 / 116146 .

After identifying its connection to the handlebar 8, the control device 1 is ready to receive the commands and information from the handlebar and relating to the direction of the patient, the descent of the wheel, the mode of movement and at the speed of movement of the wheel. When a movement command or other is actuated at the displacement handle 8, the displacement requested and, if appropriate, the movements and functions of the associated operating table, are displayed on the display screen 3. Indeed, the operating table must fulfill, in addition to the connection condition of the control device 1 to the table or the associated accessory, four conditions to be moved motorized.

The first condition is that the operating table must not be connected to the mains. If the control device does not identify that this first condition is fulfilled, a pictogram indicating the absence of connection to the sector appears on the display screen 3, thus warning the user.

The second condition is that the operating table must be on its wheels. If the control device does not identify that this second condition is fulfilled, a pictogram indicating the non-presence of the wheels appears on the display screen 3, thus warning the user.

The third condition is that the motorized wheel must be lowered completely before requesting a move. If the device command does not identify that this third condition is met, a pictogram indicating the absence of a complete descent of the motorized wheel appears on the display screen 3, thus warning the user.

The fourth condition is that the tray must be centered with respect to the column or extend on the side of the base when it is off-center with respect to the column, in order to ensure the stability of the table. If the control device 1 does not identify that this fourth condition is fulfilled, a pictogram indicating the problem appears on the display screen 3, thus warning the user.

Advantageously, the "standard" movements available from the operating table remain accessible during control of the operating table.

Advantageously, the control device 1 can operate independently in wired mode or in non-wired mode. For the purposes of this latter configuration, the control device 1 comprises an internal battery. This can advantageously be recharged, or at least be maintained in charge, during the wired connection of the control device 1 to the table.

Advantageously, the control device 1 comprises means for identifying the link intervening between the control device and the operating table. To warn immediately when an automatic switch from a wired mode to a non-wired mode following a disconnection of the control device 1 vis-à-vis the link table or during a loss of connection following an unloading of the internal battery of the control device 1, the latter comprises means of alert in case of loss of connection between the control device and operating table or an internal battery having a low load. In order to prevent a prolonged interruption from being detected immediately, a continuous check is made of the link established between the control device 1 and the operating table.

Advantageously, the data relating to all the movements authorized by an operating table are pre-recorded in a storage unit provided either at the control device or directly at the operating table. This information is related to the associated operating table templates. Thus, it is possible to pre-register for each operating table template the corresponding authorized movements. Thus, when the control device is linked to an operating table, an information processing unit will, by means of recognition means, identify the operating table model and, depending on the model, identified, select the associated movements authorized by the identified table. Depending on the connection mode selected, all or part of the movements authorized by the table can be controlled via the manual activation interface.

Just as the control device is "programmed" to control movements of different models of operating tables, the control device can, in a particularly advantageous configuration, order accessories or extensions connected to the table to the extent that these have been previously identified in the control device, the protocol may be a wired or wireless protocol. Advantageously, the associated functions are advantageously prerecorded in a specific storage unit for accessories or operating table extensions.

This application of the control device according to the invention is particularly important because it allows an extension of the functionality of the operating table. Thus, it may be provided to integrate in an operating table electronic equipment, such as an electronic knife, which are usually arranged near the table, and control the integrated equipment directly by the control device.

In the particular application of the electrosurgical unit, it is advantageously integrated in the base of the operating table. The lancet having been previously identified on the control device 1, it can be adjusted by means of the manual activation interface 2. More particularly, the setting of the knife is made using the keys of command 30 allowing navigation on the display screen 3 in a specific drop-down menu. According to an advantageous configuration, it may be provided a complementary manual activation interface, corresponding to a "spare interface", formed directly on the base. It can also be provided on the base a display screen of the control values controlled from the control device. Given the power consumption of the lancet, it is preferable that the operating table is connected to a mains socket during the procedure. Thus, the operation table functions relating to the electrocautery will be activated if the control device identifies a connection of the operating table to a power outlet, and inactivated otherwise. Advantageously, the pedal of the scalpel is connected directly to the base so as to avoid the presence of electric cables on the ground. In the case of the lancet, it is preferred to allow its activation only when the control device is in wire mode ( figure 4C , data block 11, where B1 and B2 characterize functions of the scalpel).

In the same way, it is possible to order equipment arranged near the operating table by means of the remote control, which equipment has been previously prepared to communicate with the control device, and whose protocol will have been previously integrated into the control device (protocol only wireless). This may be for example an operating light or a video camera.

The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that the skilled person is able to achieve different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (9)

1. A control device (1) for controlling movements and/or functions of an operating table, the device having means for selecting a wired mode of connection with the operating table and a wireless mode of connection with the operating table, and a manual activation interface (2) for activating movements and/or functions that, in the wired connection mode, enables a first set of movements and/or functions of the operating table to be controlled, and in the wireless connection mode enables a second set of movements and/or functions of the operating table to be controlled, the device being characterized in that it comprises means for selecting a contact mode of connection with the operating table or with an accessory connected to the operating table, the manual activation interface (2) making it possible, in the contact connection mode, to control a third set of movements and/or functions of the operating table.
2. A control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection means are configured to select the connection mode matching the connection identified by the control device (1).
3. A control device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first set of movements of the wired mode includes at least one movement and/or function that is not included in the second set of movements and/or functions of the wireless mode.
4. A control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the third set of movements of the contact mode include at least one movement and/or function that is not included in the first set of movements and/or functions of the wired mode and that is not included in the second set of movements and/or functions of the wireless mode.
5. A control device (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it includes means for identifying the wired or wireless connection involved between the control device and the operating table.
6. A control device (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it includes means for issuing a warning in the event of losing the connection between the control device (1) and the operating table.
7. A control device (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it includes means for recognizing an operating table.
8. A control device (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it includes means making it possible, in real time, to track the connection established between the control device (2) and the operating table, and also to track the movements and/or functions of the operating table that are activated.
9. A control device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the manual activation interface (2) includes a first set of control keys (20) for activating predetermined movements of the operating table, and a second set of control keys (30) that make it possible, by interactive navigation on the display screen (3), to select additional movements of the operating table.

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