Film illumination system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for illuminating a surgical field, said method comprising:
- providing an optical waveguide;
positioning the optical waveguide into the surgical field;
inputting light into the optical waveguide;
applying a first optical film to the optical waveguide while the optical waveguide is positioned within the surgical field;
extracting light from the optical waveguide through the first optical film; and
illuminating the surgical field with the extracted light.
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Abstract
An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for illuminating a surgical field, said method comprising:
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providing an optical waveguide; positioning the optical waveguide into the surgical field; inputting light into the optical waveguide; applying a first optical film to the optical waveguide while the optical waveguide is positioned within the surgical field; extracting light from the optical waveguide through the first optical film; and illuminating the surgical field with the extracted light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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14. A medical illuminator for illuminating a surgical field, said illuminator comprising:
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an optical waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the optical waveguide is configured to convey light therethrough by total internal reflection; a first layer of optical film coupled to the optical waveguide; and a second layer of optical film coupled to the optical waveguide, wherein at least a portion of the first layer is coupled to the second layer without the optical waveguide disposed therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification