Light delivery systems and applications thereof

• US 20050171408A1
• Filed: 11/19/2004
• Published: 08/04/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lumitex Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Lumitex Incorporated
• Inventors: Parker, Jeffery R.
• Application Number:
  US10/993,061
• Publication Number:
  US 20050171408A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/249
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0615 for radial illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0638 providing two or more wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/07 using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/02 for holding wounds open; Tractors specula A61B1/32 ; drainage appliances for wounds A61M27/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0206 with antagonistic arms as supports for retractor elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0218 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0281, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0293 with ring member to support retractor elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2812 with a single pivotal connection A61B17/29 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/282 Jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0243 for immobilizing local areas of the heart, e.g. while it beats
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/306 using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/309 using white LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/30 Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/35 Supports therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/36 Image-producing devices or illumination devices not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0001 specially adapted for lighting devices or systems lighting or signalling on vehicles using light guides B60Q1/00; lighting devices for vehicle dashboards B60Q3/10; lighting devices for vehicle interior using light guides B60Q3/62; lighting devices mounted on the vehicle rear part using light guides F21S43/235; measuring arrangements having light conducting pointers G01D13/265; illumination of liquid crystal displays G02F1/1336; illuminated signs G09F13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0008 the light being emitted at the end of the fibre
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/001 the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0036 2-D arrangement of prisms, protrusions, indentations or roughened surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0038 Linear indentations or grooves, e.g. arc-shaped grooves or meandering grooves, extending over the full length or width of the light guide
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0061 : to provide homogeneous light output intensity

Abstract

A light delivery system or device for aiding a medical procedure includes an optical light guide for receiving light from a light source and emitting at least a portion of the light for illuminating a body part of a patient. The light source is capable of generating different frequencies, bandwidths or colors of light for use in different medical lighting applications and the like. Also means are provided for switching the light source between the different frequencies, bandwidths or colors of light on command. The light guide may be in the shape of a rod or panel or may comprise a medical retractor. Alternatively, the light guide may extend along at least a portion of the length of the blade portion of a medical retractor and have a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the retractor blade portion.

Claims

1. A device for aiding a medical procedure comprising an optical light guide for receiving light from a light source and emitting at least a portion of the light for illuminating a body part of a patient, and means for switching the light source between white light for general screening and different frequencies, bandwidths or colors of light to aid in diagnosis of disease.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the light guide is disposable.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a retractor having a handle at one end, the light guide extending along at least a portion of the length of the retractor.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the retractor acts as a back reflector for the light guide.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein the retractor has an elongated blade portion along which at least a portion of the light guide extends.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the light guide has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the retractor blade portion.

7. The device of claim 6 further comprising attachment means for attaching the light guide to the retractor blade portion such that the retractor blade portion and the light guide are substantially parallel.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the attachment means comprises clips on one of the retractor blade portion and the light guide for removably engaging the other of the retractor blade portion and the light guide.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the different frequencies, bandwidths or colors of light fluoresce diseased or precancerous cells.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the light guide comprises a plurality of optical fibers.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the light guide comprises a solid transparent member.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the light guide is flexible.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein the light guide is a rope light or a stick light.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the light guide is flexible.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein the light guide is a retractor.

16. A device for aiding a medical procedure comprising a light source, and an optically transparent retractor for receiving light from the light source and emitting light along at least a portion of the length of the retractor for illuminating a body part of a patient, the light source providing predetermined frequencies, bandwidths or colors of light that when emitted by the retractor fluoresce diseased or precancerous cells of the illuminated body part.

17. The device of claim 16 further comprising means for switching the light source between the predetermined frequencies, bandwidths or colors of light and white light for general screening.

18. The device of claim 16 wherein the retractor includes an elongated blade portion having an illumination input end portion at one end for receiving light from the light source and emission of the light along at least a portion of the length of the blade portion.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein the blade portion emits light along substantially the entire length of the blade portion.