Abstract: An instrument advancing apparatus for translationally and/or rotationally driving at least one first instrument is disclosed. The instrument advancing apparatus includes a guide device having at least one first axis body extending in a translational driving direction of the at least one first instrument. The apparatus further includes at least one first motor configured to be motor-driven along the first axis body and at least one second motor being motor-driven along the first axis body or along a second axis body which is aligned parallel to the first axis body. The first motor is connected or connectable to a first holding means for holding and/or moving the at least one first instrument. The second motor is connected or connectable to a second holding means for holding and/or moving the at least one first instrument or a second instrument. A use of a spindle device with double threads is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motorized positioning arm is disclosed for positioning instruments, in particular medical instruments, wherein the motorized positioning arm includes at least two arm elements connected to one another so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis by means of a central joint. At least one of the arm elements includes a further joint at an end opposite to the central joint. The motorized positioning arm includes a blocking mechanism for blocking and releasing the central joint and the at least one further joint. The blocking mechanism includes a central shaft arranged coaxially with the pivot axis, and at least one transmission device from the central shaft to the at least one further joint. The blocking mechanism includes an electrical blocking device configured to engage with the central shaft to enable blocking and unblocking of the joints. The electrical blocking device is configured to move along the central shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient immobilization apparatus (100) comprising a planar element (105) made of a non-woven fabric. The planar element (105) has an elongate middle section (110) and a plurality of arms (120; 130), which extend out laterally on both sides of the middle section (110). The patient immobilization apparatus (100) can be provided to the end user, preferably in a folded state. In the folded state, each of the arms (120; 130) is folded laterally on the elongate middle section (110). Parts of the elongate middle section (110), having the arms (120; 130) folded laterally thereon, are advantageously additionally foldable onto each other in the longitudinal direction. Each arm (120; 130) can be folded laterally in part on itself before it is folded laterally on the elongate middle section (110).

Abstract: In order to create a simple device for immobilizing the human body or parts of the body in a manner that is gentle on the patient, in particular for arranging medical targeting devices, markers or surgical instruments for image-guided, minimally invasive surgery, said device having at least one immobilization element (1) which can be positioned on the surface of the body, the immobilization element (1) is made of a bonded nonwoven fabric (2) which can be fastened by means of a micro hook-and-loop fastener (3).

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a device for arranging medical targeting devices, markers, probes or surgical instruments for image-assisted, minimally invasive operations, which has a simple construction and is easy to use. Said device according to the invention has at least one carrier element (1) that can be positioned preferably with an adhesive layer on the surface of the body, and a fine-positioning unit (2). It is proposed that the carrier element (1) comprises at least one interlocking mount (3) for the fine-positioning unit (2) which has a matching complementary shape (3c).

Abstract: For variable use and simple construction of an instrument guide, particularly for inserting a puncture needle into patients, wherein the instrument guide (1) has a main body (2), which is mounted pivotably in a plurality of axes preferably on two adjusting arms (3, 4), according to the invention the instrument guide (1) has two or more guide cheeks (5), which are centrally adjustable and coupled to one another. This ensures that, when changing between instruments or needles of different thicknesses, the centre of the needle channel remains precisely on the target or central axis (6a).

Abstract: A device for immobilizing a patient for a medical test or operation includes a molding element that is convertible from a flexible, elastic form to a rigid form by the application of a vacuum. The molding element is attached to the patient by an elastic layer while in the flexible, elastic form where it conforms to the contours of the patient's body. Then the molding element is converted to its rigid form thereby immobilizing the patient. Auxiliary devices can be attached to the immobilizing device and these devices, such as a pivot arm suspension can be used to fix the immobilized patient to an operating table.

Abstract: A solid-state video camera is equipped with pixel addition logic such that, if the measured object brightness falls below a certain threshold value, a brightening of the image is effected without increasing the noise component accepting a loss in real-time representation. The pixel addition by way of the pixel addition logic is coupled to the gain control of the camera in a manner such that, in each case, the gain control compensates for jumps in brightness which arise by way of the pixel addition and creates for the user a flowing transition without noticeable jumps in brightness.