Tissue monitoring surgical retractor system

Abstract

An apparatus for monitoring the characteristics of tissue adjacent a surgical site and communicating that information to a health care provider includes a retractor, a sensor, and a processing system. The sensor is disposed on the retractor and is configured to measure a parameter indicative of at least one characteristic of the tissue adjacent the first or the second blade. The processing system is in communication with the sensor and configured and arranged to receive information from the sensor indicative of the measured parameter. It includes a threshold stored therein indicative of excessive trauma to the tissue and it is configured in a manner such that it compares the received information to the stored threshold and communicates information to the health care provider regarding the comparison.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A sensor system for use on surgical refractor system comprising:
 a detector for receiving a signal or stimulus that creates a signal based on the received signal or stimulus;   an anchor portion shaped to removably attach to a portion of the surgical retractor system.   
     
     
         16 . The sensor system of  claim 15 , wherein the anchor portion comprises a sleeve configured to receive a portion of the retractor therein. 
     
     
         17 . The sensor system of  claim 15 , wherein the anchor portion is a C-shaped clip configured to clip onto the refractor. 
     
     
         18 . The sensor system of  claim 15 , wherein the anchor portion is a flexible patch having an adhesive layer therein. 
     
     
         19 - 20 . (canceled)