Retractor illumination

Abstract

An illuminating system emits light through a retractor. The system includes a tubular retractor and fiberoptic cable that is positioned in the tubular retractor and the fiberoptic cable is capable of illuminating at least an entire circumference of a distal end of the tubular retractor when attached to a light source.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An illuminating system for emitting light through a retractor, the illuminating system comprising: 
 a tubular retractor having a distal end;    a fiberoptic cable, wherein the fiberoptic cable is disposed within the tubular retractor; and    wherein light from the fiberoptic cable illuminates substantially an entire circumference of the distal end of the tubular retractor.    
     
     
         2 . The illuminating system of  claim 1  wherein an end of the fiberoptic cable is positioned at least about one-half inch from the distal end of the tubular retractor.  
     
     
         3 . An illuminating system for transmitting light to a surgical site, the illuminating system comprising: 
 a tubular retractor having a distal end;    a fiberoptic cable;    a light-carrying case, wherein the light-carrying case at least partially encases the tubular retractor;    wherein the fiberoptic cable is at least partially disposed within the light-carrying case; and    wherein the fiberoptic cable is at least capable of illuminating an entire circumference of the distal end of the tubular retractor.    
     
     
         4 . The illuminating system of  claim 3  wherein the tubular retractor is an extendable tubular retractor.  
     
     
         5 . The illuminating system of  claim 3  wherein the extendable tubular retractor is a dilator.  
     
     
         6 . A retractor apparatus, the retractor apparatus comprising: 
 an adjustable arm;    a carriage;    an activating device disposed in the carriage;    a tubular retractor distally attached to the adjustable arm, wherein the tubular retractor includes a fiberoptic cable for providing light to a surgical site;    a microscope proximally attached to the tubular retractor;    the activating device capable of causing movement of at least the adjustable arm to selectively stiffen or release the adjustable arm;    the activating device further comprising an engagement mechanism, the engagement mechanism capable of causing movement of at least the carriage to selectively move the carriage; and    the engagement mechanism further comprising a camming structure and an engagement member, the camming structure capable of forcing the engagement member into engagement with the carriage.    
     
     
         7 . The retractor apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the fiberoptic cable is positioned at least about one-half inch from the distal end of the tubular retractor.  
     
     
         8 . The retractor apparatus of  claim 6  wherein light is emitted along substantially an entire circumference of a distal end of the tubular retractor when light is transmitted through the fiberoptic cable.