Illuminated surgical retractor

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.

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.