Head fixation device and apparatus for securing components thereto

Abstract

A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an integrated rail for attaching accessories thereto. One or more clamps are configured to engage with the integrated rail. Additional accessories can be attached to the one or more clamps, which also include a starburst interface and an integrated rail. The clamps use a linear translating closure mechanism to engage the clamps to the integrated rail of the skull clamp. In some versions, the head fixation device is configured with a navigation adapter that attaches to an upper portion of the skull clamp.

I/We claim: 
     
         1 . An accessory for use with a head fixation device during a medical procedure, the accessory comprising at least one axis of rotation for rotational adjustment, wherein the accessory is selectively and adjustably connectable to a portion of the head fixation device that is substantially proximal to a stabilizing feature of the head fixation device, wherein the accessory further comprises an interface for a navigation feature for use during the medical procedure. 
     
     
         2 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises a navigation adapter. 
     
     
         3 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the navigation feature comprises a navigation tracking device. 
     
     
         4 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the navigation feature is configured to provide spatial data by serving as a reference point. 
     
     
         5 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the navigation feature is selectively and adjustably connectable to the accessory. 
     
     
         6 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory extends outward from the head fixation device such that the accessory is generally not coplanar with the stabilizing feature. 
     
     
         7 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory is adjustable about two axes of rotation and further is adjustable along a longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         8 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises a first starburst interface. 
     
     
         9 . The accessory of  claim 8 , further comprising a second starburst interface configured to engage the first starburst interface.