Surgical visualization systems

Abstract

A surgical retractor includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. One such retractor includes a tubular retractor and an insert supporting said plurality of cameras can be disposed within a tubular retractor.

1 .- 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A medical apparatus comprising:
 a camera;   a flexible cable, the camera attached to the flexible cable;   a rigid platform, the camera supported on the rigid platform; and   a housing, the housing and rigid platform forming a unit, wherein the camera is contained in the housing such that the flexible cable extends from the unit formed by the housing and the rigid platform with the camera therein, wherein the camera and the unit are configured to be lowered or raised within a surgical site formed by an incision in the body by lowering or raising the flexible cable with respect to the surgical site.   
     
     
         45 . The medical apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the camera is disposed at a distal end of the unit. 
     
     
         46 . The medical apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the camera is configured to be tilted. 
     
     
         47 . The medical apparatus of  claim 46 , wherein the camera is configured to be tilted inward and downward into the surgical site. 
     
     
         48 . The medical apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the camera comprises a sensor and optics arranged with respect to the sensor. 
     
     
         49 . The medical apparatus of  claim 48 , wherein the housing comprises a window through which an image can be taken via the optics and sensor. 
     
     
         50 . The medical apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the housing extends upward at a distal end of the housing. 
     
     
         51 . The medical apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the housing is thicker at a distal end. 
     
     
         52 . The medical apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the housing comprises smooth curves. 
     
     
         53 . The medical apparatus of  claim 44 , further comprising a port configured to provide fluid to clean the camera. 
     
     
         54 . The medical apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the port is configured to provide liquid and air to clean the camera.