Method and apparatus for soft tissue retraction

Abstract

A soft tissue retractor includes a retractor body and a proximal projection extends generally perpendicular to the proximal end of the retractor body. An illumination waveguide engages a slot in the retractor blade to provide illumination to a surgical site while maintaining total internal reflection in the waveguide. An illumination input is formed into the proximal end of the illumination waveguide for conducting light from a source to the illumination waveguide. The proximal projection is configured for application of counter traction without the need for squeezing the retractor body. The proximal projection may be weighted to balance the soft tissue retractor as well as enabling the retractor to provide counter traction by itself. The configuration of the proximal projection further enables self-retraction by including a flat foot to prevent rolling and sliding of the retractor when it is providing self-retraction.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An illuminated soft tissue retractor comprising:
 a retractor body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having a proximal projection extending generally perpendicular to the retractor body, the distal end including a retractor blade;   an illumination waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end, the illumination waveguide engaging the retractor blade to provide illumination to a surgical site surrounding the retractor blade, the illumination waveguide configured to conduct light from the proximal end to the distal end by total internal reflection; and   an illumination input formed into the proximal end of the illumination waveguide for conducting light from a source to the illumination waveguide.   
     
     
         2 . The retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the retractor body includes a source of illumination and a portable source of energy to generate illumination. 
     
     
         3 . The retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal projection is weighted to control the center of mass of the illuminated soft tissue retractor. 
     
     
         4 . The retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination waveguide comprises a light input and a collar disposed thereover such that an air gap is maintained around the light input. 
     
     
         5 . The retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination waveguide comprises a light input having a generally cylindrical proximal portion transitioning into a rectangular distal portion, the distal portion optically coupled with the illumination wavegiude. 
     
     
         6 . The retractor of  claim 1 , further comprising a shield disposed over the illumination waveguide, thereby protecting the illumination waveguide from damage caused by other surgical instruments, and wherein the shield prevents glare from shining back into a surgeon's eyes. 
     
     
         7 . The retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the retractor blade comprises a substantially rectangular portion and a flared distal tip. 
     
     
         8 . The retractor of  claim 1 , wherein the retractor blade forms a drop angle with the retractor body, and wherein the drop angle ranges from 5 to 35 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . The retractor of  claim 1 , further comprising a flat foot disposed on the proximal projection which facilitates self-retraction by preventing rolling and sliding of the retractor.