Illuminated surgical retractor

• US 20060217596A1
• Filed: 06/01/2006
• Published: 09/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lumitex Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Lumitex Incorporated
• Inventors: Williams, Jeffrey B.
• Application Number:
  US11/445,426
• Publication Number:
  US 20060217596A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/245
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0615 for radial illumination
• 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 2090/061 for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
• 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 90/36 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

Illuminated surgical retractors include at least one retractor blade and a light delivery system. The light delivery system may include an array of lights which may be attached directly to the retractor blade or to a support in the shape of an elongated blade that extends along the length of the retractor blade for illuminating all or a portion of the length of the retractor blade.

Claims

1. An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle portion, an elongated blade portion having one end connected to said handle portion and another end remote from said handle portion, and an array of lights along at least a portion of a length of said blade portion for illuminating said blade portion.

2. The retractor of claim 1 further comprising a heat sink to which said lights are thermally coupled.

3. The retractor of claim 2 wherein said heat sink includes said blade portion.

4. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said lights are attached directly to said blade portion.

5. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said lights are attached to a support extending along the length of said blade portion.

6. The retractor of claim 5 wherein said support is in the shape of a blade.

7. The retractor of claim 5 wherein said support is a printed circuit.

8. The retractor of claim 5 wherein said support is disposable, further comprising an attachment member for removably attaching said support to said blade portion.

9. The retractor of claim 8 wherein said attachment member includes at least one clip.

10. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said lights are powered by an integral power source.

11. The retractor of claim 10 wherein said power source comprises at least one of a battery and a fuel cell contained within said handle portion.

12. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said lights are oriented along the length of said blade portion for directing light away from a user'"'"'s eyes and toward a viewing area in proximity to said blade portion.

13. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said handle portion includes a mounting post.

14. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said lights comprise light emitting diodes.

15. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said blade portion is flexible.

16. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said blade portion is rigid.

17. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said array of lights illuminate said blade portion along substantially the entire length thereof.

18. The retractor of claim 1 wherein said blade portion includes an angled tip for retaining or gripping tissue.

19. The retractor of claim 18 wherein said tip is serrated.