Patents by Inventor Claus Schaffrath

Claus Schaffrath has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10335247
    Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The instrument includes a shaft and a reference element adapter, wherein the reference element adapter is directly couplable to the shaft and rotatable about the shaft. A selectively operable mechanical retainer provides retention of the reference element adapter to an instrument shaft adapting interface of the instrument shaft. The instrument also includes a reference element orientating mechanism arranged at an interface between the instrument shaft adapting interface and the reference element adaptor. The reference element orienting mechanism is capable of fixing at least one angular position of the reference element. The instrument also includes a grip piece interface on the instrument shaft, and a grip piece is selectively couplable to the grip piece interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Christian Lechner, Claus Schaffrath
  • Publication number: 20170000583
    Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The instrument includes a shaft and a reference element adapter, wherein the reference element adapter is directly couplable to the shaft and rotatable about the shaft. A selectively operable mechanical retainer provides retention of the reference element adapter to an instrument shaft adapting interface of the instrument shaft. The instrument also includes a reference element orientating mechanism arranged at an interface between the instrument shaft adapting interface and the reference element adaptor. The reference element orienting mechanism is capable of fixing at least one angular position of the reference element. The instrument also includes a grip piece interface on the instrument shaft, and a grip piece is selectively couplable to the grip piece interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Christian Lechner, Claus Schaffrath
  • Patent number: 9393039
    Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The instrument includes a shaft and a reference element adapter, wherein the reference element adapter is directly couplable to the shaft and rotatable about the shaft. A selectively operable mechanical retainer provides retention of the reference element adapter to an instrument shaft adapting interface of the instrument shaft. The instrument also includes a reference element orientating mechanism arranged at an interface between the instrument shaft adapting interface and the reference element adaptor. The reference element orienting mechanism is capable of fixing at least one angular position of the reference element. The instrument also includes a grip piece interface on the instrument shaft, and a grip piece is selectively couplable to the grip piece interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Christian Lechner, Claus Schaffrath
  • Patent number: 8231554
    Abstract: A method for registering an asymmetrical femur implant having a shaft and a collar includes ascertaining a position of a shaft axis associated with the shaft and ascertaining a position of a collar axis associated with the collar. A device for registering an asymmetrical femur implant connected to at least one reference marker is provided. The device includes a detection device for detecting a spatial position of the at least one reference marker and a database in which a geometry of the asymmetrical femur implant is stored. A processor ascertains the spatial position of the asymmetrical femur implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: BrainLAB AG
    Inventors: Gregor Tuma, Mario Schubert, Peter Drumm, Claus Schaffrath
  • Patent number: 8059878
    Abstract: A method for registering a non-patient-characteristic three-dimensional magnetic resonance data set (MR data set) to patient-characteristic data includes: producing or providing a non-patient-characteristic three-dimensional generic model of a body or body part containing body structure data; ascertaining or providing two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data of a patient; using a transformation protocol for data-linking the body structure data of the three-dimensional generic model to the two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data to change or adapt the generic model of the body or body part based on the ascertained two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data, wherein the three-dimensional generic model is at least correlated with a three-dimensional MR reference data set; and changing or deforming at least a part of the three-dimensional MR reference data set by using the transformation protocol to generate a patient-characteristic three-dimensional MR data set that is regis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Thomas Feilkas, Claus Schaffrath
  • Publication number: 20110270072
    Abstract: A method for registering a non-patient-characteristic three-dimensional magnetic resonance data set (MR data set) to patient-characteristic data includes: producing or providing a non-patient-characteristic three-dimensional generic model of a body or body part containing body structure data; ascertaining or providing two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data of a patient; using a transformation protocol for data-linking the body structure data of the three-dimensional generic model to the two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data to change or adapt the generic model of the body or body part based on the ascertained two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data, wherein the three-dimensional generic model is at least correlated with a three-dimensional MR reference data set; and changing or deforming at least a part of the three-dimensional MR reference data set by using the transformation protocol to generate a patient-characteristic three-dimensional MR data set that is regis
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Feilkas, Claus Schaffrath
  • Patent number: 8043295
    Abstract: A vertebral spreading instrument for moving apart two vertebrae of a spine includes a plurality of spreading fingers and a spreading mechanism for adjusting a distance between the spreading fingers. The spreading mechanism includes a first and a second part, the first and second parts each including a respective marker trackable by a navigation system. Relative positions of the first and second parts change when the distance between the spreading fingers is adjusted, and different relative positions are unequivocally assigned to different distances of the spreading fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Pete Reed, Claus Schaffrath, Gerhard Kleinszig, Gunther Becht
  • Patent number: 7787932
    Abstract: A method for computer-assisted medical navigation and/or pre-operative treatment planning includes detecting the current position of a patient or a part of a patient's body and the positions of medical treatment devices or treatment-assisting devices. The detected positional data can be assigned to body structure data, in order to jointly use the body structure data in assignment with the positional data, within the context of assisting the treatment. The body structure data can be used which is obtained based on a three-dimensional generic model, where the model is adapted by two-dimensional data linking with patient-characteristic, two-dimensional detection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: BrainLAB AG
    Inventors: Stefan Vilsmeier, Mario Zeiss, Claus Schaffrath, Thomas Feilkas
  • Patent number: 7776000
    Abstract: A fixing system and method for fixing a navigational reference array for image-assisted medical treatment with respect to a patient, wherein the reference array is arranged the patient's body with the assistance of an immobilizing device, and wherein the immobilizing device is a vacuum mattress or a vacuum mattress patient jacket, and at least one anchoring for the reference array is provided on or in the vacuum mattress or a vacuum mattress patient jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: BrainLAB AG
    Inventors: Claus Schaffrath, Gerhard Kleinszig, Christoph Schenkel
  • Patent number: 7463823
    Abstract: A system for visually combining patient image data from transillumination and/or tomographic imaging methods and/or object image data with video images includes an image display device having an auto-stereoscopic monitor, at least one camera and a computer-assisted navigation system. The navigation system is operable to detect spatial positions of a part of the patient's body via a first tracking device attached to the body, and spatial positions of said image display device and/or said at least one camera via a second tracking device attached to the image display device or the camera, wherein the image display device and the at least one camera are assigned to each other and are formed as a portable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: BrainLAB AG
    Inventors: Rainer Birkenbach, Robert Schmidt, Richard Wohlgemuth, Holger-Claus Roβner, Nils Frielinghaus, Claus Schaffrath, Swen Wörlein
  • Publication number: 20080139916
    Abstract: A marker navigation system for determining a length of at least one flexible instrument having a first end and a second end, wherein portions of the at least one flexible instrument can be both linear and curved, the marker navigation system includes: a holder for holding the instrument, said holder comprising a first marker device, wherein the second end of the instrument is attached to the holder; a calibrating apparatus including a second marker device and at least one opening for inserting the first end of the instrument, said at least one opening having a predetermined shape and depth; a detection device for detecting a first location of the first marker device and a second location of the second marker device; and a data processing device for determining the length of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Maier, Claus Schaffrath
  • Publication number: 20080039711
    Abstract: A method for registering a non-patient-characteristic three-dimensional magnetic resonance data set (MR data set) to patient-characteristic data includes: producing or providing a non-patient-characteristic three-dimensional generic model of a body or body part containing body structure data; ascertaining or providing two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data of a patient; using a transformation protocol for data-linking the body structure data of the three-dimensional generic model to the two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data to change or adapt the generic model of the body or body part based on the ascertained two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data, wherein the three-dimensional generic model is at least correlated with a three-dimensional MR reference data set; and changing or deforming at least a part of the three-dimensional MR reference data set by using the transformation protocol to generate a patient-characteristic three-dimensional MR data set that is regis
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Feilkas, Claus Schaffrath
  • Patent number: 7292037
    Abstract: A method and device generating a computer tomography data set CT* of an object, wherein a nuclear spin tomography recording MR of said object is obtained, and a transformation or mapping protocol f(MRR) for a nuclear spin tomography reference data set MRR is ascertained. The nuclear spin tomography reference data set MRR can be mapped onto said recorded nuclear spin tomography data set MR, wherein said ascertained transformation or mapping protocol f is applied to a computer tomography reference data set CTR corresponding to the nuclear spin tomography reference data set MRR to determine a virtual computer tomography data set CT*=f(CTR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: BrainLAB AG
    Inventors: Stefan Vilsmeier, Claus Schaffrath, Thomas Feilkas
  • Patent number: 7203277
    Abstract: A device for visually combining patient image data from transillumination and/or tomographic imaging methods with object image data comprising video images includes an image display device and at least one video camera associated with the image display device as a portable unit. A computer-assisted navigation system can detect the spatial positions of the image display device and/or the video camera as well as the spatial positions of a part of the patient's body via tracking means. An input device can be provided on the image display device, which enables inputs for image-assisted treatment or treatment planning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: BrainLAB AG
    Inventors: Rainer Birkenbach, Robert Schmidt, Richard Wohlgemuth, Holger-Claus Rossner, Nils Frielinghaus, Claus Schaffrath, Swen Wörlein
  • Publication number: 20070019936
    Abstract: A system for visually combining patient image data from transillumination and/or tomographic imaging methods and/or object image data with video images includes an image display device having an auto-stereoscopic monitor, at least one camera and a computer-assisted navigation system. The navigation system is operable to detect spatial positions of a part of the patient's body via a first tracking device attached to the body, and spatial positions of said image display device and/or said at least one camera via a second tracking device attached to the image display device or the camera, wherein the image display device and the at least one camera are assigned to each other and are formed as a portable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Inventors: Rainer Birkenbach, Robert Schmidt, Richard Wohlgemuth, Holger-Claus Rossner, Nils Frielinghaus, Claus Schaffrath, Swen Worlein
  • Publication number: 20060264963
    Abstract: A vertebral spreading instrument for moving apart two vertebrae of a spine includes a plurality of spreading fingers and a spreading mechanism for adjusting a distance between the spreading fingers. The spreading mechanism includes a first and a second part, the first and second parts each including a respective marker trackable by a navigation system. Relative positions of the first and second parts change when the distance between the spreading fingers is adjusted, and different relative positions are unequivocally assigned to different distances of the spreading fingers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Peter Reed, Claus Schaffrath, Gerhard Kleinszig, Gunther Becht
  • Publication number: 20060074293
    Abstract: A method and device generating a computer tomography data set CT* of an object, wherein a nuclear spin tomography recording MR of said object is obtained, and a transformation or mapping protocol f(MRR) for a nuclear spin tomography reference data set MRR is ascertained. The nuclear spin tomography reference data set MRR can be mapped onto said recorded nuclear spin tomography data set MR, wherein said ascertained transformation or mapping protocol f is applied to a computer tomography reference data set CTR corresponding to the nuclear spin tomography reference data set MRR to determine a virtual computer tomography data set CT*=f(CTR).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Stefan Vilsmeier, Claus Schaffrath, Thomas Feilkas
  • Publication number: 20060041206
    Abstract: A fixing system and method for fixing a navigational reference array for image-assisted medical treatment with respect to a patient, wherein the reference array is arranged the patient's body with the assistance of an immobilizing device, and wherein the immobilizing device is a vacuum mattress or a vacuum mattress patient jacket, and at least one anchoring for the reference array is provided on or in the vacuum mattress or a vacuum mattress patient jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Claus Schaffrath, Gerhard Kleinszig, Christoph Schenkel
  • Publication number: 20050154296
    Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The instrument includes a shaft and a reference element adapter, wherein the reference element adapter is directly couplable to the shaft and rotatable about the shaft. A selectively operable mechanical retainer provides retention of the reference element adapter to an instrument shaft adapting interface of the instrument shaft. The instrument also includes a reference element orientating mechanism arranged at an interface between the instrument shaft adapting interface and the reference element adaptor. The reference element orienting mechanism is capable of fixing at least one angular position of the reference element. The instrument also includes a grip piece interface on the instrument shaft, and a grip piece is selectively couplable to the grip piece interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Lechner, Claus Schaffrath
  • Publication number: 20050004451
    Abstract: A method for computer-assisted medical navigation and/or pre-operative treatment planning includes detecting the current position of a patient or a part of a patient's body and the positions of medical treatment devices or treatment-assisting devices. The detected positional data can be assigned to body structure data, in order to jointly use the body structure data in assignment with the positional data, within the context of assisting the treatment. The body structure data can be used which is obtained based on a three-dimensional generic model, where the model is adapted by two-dimensional data linking with patient-characteristic, two-dimensional detection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Stefan Vilsmeier, Mario Zeiss, Claus Schaffrath, Thomas Feilkas