US20130197313A1 - Surgical retractor with light - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft and the blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. A plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. The retractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Also disclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, at least one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler for releaseably mounting the retractor to the ring.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• A surgical retractor with a light is disclosed herein below.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Surgical retractors with lights are known. For example, see: U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,832 (Wilder), US Publication No. 2007/0060795 (Vayser), and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,384,392 & 8,012,089 (both to Bayat). Wilder discloses a retractor with a flexible light pipe. Vayser, inFIG. 1, shows a retractor1 with a LED (light emitting diode) light3 and abattery4. The LED and battery are “all mounted on a strip of tape8.” Vayser,Paragraph 10. Thus, as the invention is described in the independent claims, the lighting components are ‘releasably securable’ to the retractor. Bayat, on the other hand, shows inFIG. 7, a plurality of LED's120 along the longitudinal axis of the blade and discloses that the LEDs may be located ‘within the profile of the blade.’ Bayat '392,column 4, lines 45-58; and Bayat '089, theparagraph bridging columns 5 and 6. Bayat goes on to say that the ‘blade near the light is constructed of a translucent or transparent material to allow the light to pass through the blade.’ Ibid. Bayat '089 also discloses a camera136, seeFIG. 7, as part of the retractor.
• While these retractors are a solution to the problem of providing a light on a retractor, there is room for improvement. The retractor disclosed below is an improvement over these known retractors with a light.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft and the blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. A plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. The retractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Also disclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, at least one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler for releaseably mounting the retractor to the ring.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged illustration of a part of the first embodiment.
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration of the first embodiment with parts shown in phantom to illustrate certain internal components.
• FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along section lines4-4 ofFIG. 2.
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along section lines5-5 ofFIG. 2.
• FIG. 6 is an illustration of a second embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is an illustration of the second embodiment with a power source attached thereto.
• FIG. 8 is an illustration of a third embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Referring to the figures, where like numerals refer to like elements, there is shown inFIG. 1 a first embodiment of thesurgical retractor10.Retractor10 has ashaft12 and ablade14.Shaft12 andblade14 are joined together at an angle, are integral, and the angle may be adjustable (that is the angle between the blade and the shaft may be changed by, for example, bending by hand or by the inclusion of a pivoting mechanism (not shown)). In this embodiment, the angle may be 90° (but may be at other angles, e.g., 45-135°, or 55-115°, or 55-85°). Additionally,shaft12 may be telescoping (not shown), so that it's length may be changed. The material may be opaque (i.e., non-light transmitting or non-transparent). The blade and shaft may be made of any material, metal or plastic. The material may be chosen so that the retractor is autoclaveable. The plastics may be: polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), polyamides, perfluoroelastomers, polycarbonates, polyetheretherketones (PEEKs), polyphenyl sulfones, acetals, and/or thermoplastic elastomers (e.g., EDPM rubber crosslinked with polypropylene). One such material may be ULTEM HU1004 (PEEK) available from Sabic Innovative Plastics of Pittsfield, Mass.
• Theblade14 has anupper surface16 that may be concave (or flat, or convex). A plurality (at least two) of LED (light emitting diode)lights18 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis of theblade14. In this embodiment, fourlights18 are shown in-line along the axis; however, other configurations of these lights are possible (e.g., multiple rows and/or columns or other geometric configurations). TheLED lights18 face up from theupper surface16. Face up as used herein means that the major axis of the LED light may be at any angle from 1 to 179° (or 45 to 135°) from the plane of theupper surface16. TheLED lights18 may each face up at differing angles.
• Asecond surface20 may also be associated with theupper surface16 and is located on that portion of theupper surface16 closer to theshaft12. Thissecond surface20 is disposed on theupper surface16 at an angle and is located behind theLED lights18. The angle may be such thatsecond surface20 faces away from theupper surface16.
• Theshaft12 and theblade14 have a commonlower surface21. Achannel22 is cut into thelower surface21 of theblade14 and theshaft12. Thechannel22 houses electrical connectors26 (for example, seeFIG. 3) that connect theLED lights18 with a power source. Thechannel22 is closed and sealed with aclosure member26. Theclosure member26 may be flush with thelower surface21. Theclosure member26 may be sealed in thechannel22 by use of an adhesive. The adhesive may be any adhesive, it may be autoclaveable. Such adhesives may be epoxies or polyurethanes. One such adhesive maybe Locite's HYSOL M-21HP or M-121HP available from Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Conn.
• The lower surface of the blade (not shown) may also have either a smooth surface or a gripping surface. The gripping surface may be used to maintain the retractor in place when inserted into the patient. The gripping surface (e.g., non-skid) may be, for example, roughened or ribbed.
• In thefirst embodiment10, theelectrical connectors26 may be in communication with acord30 that is used to connect with a remote power source, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill. Alternatively, the first embodiment may be battery powered as discussed below with regard to the second embodiment (and all of the variants of the second embodiment, discussed below, may be incorporated with the first embodiment).
• A grippingsurface28 is located at the lower end of theshaft12. The grippingsurface28 may be adapted for gripping by hand or with clamps.
• Referring toFIGS. 2,4, and5, the placement ofLED lights18 is explained. InFIG. 4,LED light18 has alens32 mounted on abase34. At least a portion of thelens32 of theLED light18 may be exposed atsurface16. The outer surface of thelens32 may be flush withupper surface16 or may protrude above upper surface16 (as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5). TheLED light18 is sealed within theblade14 and there is no cover or blade material enclosing theLED light18. The base34 may be contained withinchannel22. Theelectrical connectors26 may be attached to thebase34.
• TheLED light18 may be sealed in thechannel22 by use of an adhesive. The adhesive may be any adhesive, it may be autoclaveable. Such adhesives may be epoxies or polyurethanes. One such adhesive maybe Loctite's HYSOL M-21 HP or M-121HP available from Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Conn.
• The LED lights18 may produce at least 90 lumens (or at least 180 lumens of light). The LED lights18 may be autoclaveable. The LED lights18 may be on a dimmer switch. The LED light may be a LUXEON Rebel LXML-PWC1-0090 available from Philips Lumileds Lighting Co. of San Jose, Calif.
• Acamera23 may be included in the retractor10 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3).Camera23 may be a still camera or a motion camera. This camera may be based upon CCD (charged-coupled device) technology. In this embodiment, thecamera23 may be placed in theblade14 on thesecond surface20 behind LED lights18. In this placement, the camera's field of vision is directed generally down the length ofblade14 and angled away from theupper surface16, so that thecamera23 is looking at the operative field. This angle (as measured from behind surface20) may be from 5-90°, or 15-80°, or 30-75°. Thus, the LED lights18 illuminate, while thecamera23 sees the illuminated area. Thecamera23 may transmit/store images in any fashion, i.e., via cable, or wireless transmission, or retained in a memory device for later retrieval.
• Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of thesurgical retractor10′ is shown. Generally,second embodiment10′ is similar tofirst embodiment10; accordingly, the discussion of thefirst embodiment10 is included herein. This embodiment may be used ‘hands-free,’ that is the retractor remains in place without additional securement (hand-held or mechanical) by the weight of the retractor when the blade is inserted into an orifice (such as a vagina or an anus).
• Surgical retractor10′ has ashaft12 and ablade14.Shaft12 andblade14 are joined together at an angle, are integral, and the angle may be adjustable (that is the angle between the blade and the shaft may be changed by, for example, bending by hand or by a pivoting mechanism (not shown)). Additionally, a pair ofre-enforcing wings36 may be located at the intersection of theshaft12 and theblade14. In this embodiment, the angle may be 45-135°, or 55-115°, or 55-85° (but may be at other angles, e.g., 90°. Additionally,shaft12 may be telescoping (not shown), so that it's length may be changed. The blade and shaft may be made of any material, metal or plastic. This material may be opaque (i.e., non-light transmitting or non-transparent). The material may be chosen so that the retractor is autoclaveable. The plastics may be: polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), polyamides, perfluoroelastomers, polycarbonates, polyetheretherketones (PEEKs), polyphenyl sulfones, acetals, and/or thermoplastic elastomers (e.g., EDPM rubber crosslinked with polypropylene). One such material may be ULTEM HU1004 (PEEK) available from Sabic Innovative Plastics of Pittsfield, Mass.
• Theblade14 has anupper surface16 that may be concave (or flat or convex). A plurality (at least two) of LED (light emitting diode) lights18 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis of theblade14. In this embodiment, fourlights18 are shown in-line along the axis; however, other configurations of these lights are possible (e.g., multiple rows and/or columns or other geometric configurations). The LED lights18 face up from theupper surface16. Face up as used herein means that the major axis of the LED light may be at any angle from 1 to 179° (or 45 to 135°) from the plane of theupper surface16. The LED lights18 may each face up at differing angles. Further, details on the placement of the LED lights18 may be found in the discussion ofFIGS. 2-5 above.
• Asecond surface20 may also be associated with theupper surface16 and is located on that portion of theupper surface16 closer to theshaft12. Thissecond surface20 is disposed on theupper surface16 at an angle and is located behind the LED lights18. The angle may be such thatsecond surface20 faces away from theupper surface16.
• Theshaft12 and theblade14 have a commonlower surface21. Achannel22 is cut into thelower surface21 of theblade14 and theshaft12. Thechannel22 houses electrical connectors26 (for example, seeFIG. 3) that connect the LED lights18 with a power source. Thechannel22 is closed and sealed with aclosure member26. Theclosure member26 may be flush with thelower surface21. Theclosure member26 may be sealed in thechannel22 by use of an adhesive. The adhesive may be any adhesive, it may be autoclaveable. Such adhesives may be epoxies or polyurethanes. One such adhesive maybe Locite's HYSOL M-21HP or M-121HP available from Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Conn.
• The lower surface of the blade (not shown) may also have either a smooth surface or a gripping surface. The gripping surface may be used to maintain the retractor in place when inserted into the patient. The gripping surface (e.g., non-skid) may be, for example, roughened or ribbed.
• In thesecond embodiment10′, theelectrical connectors26 are in communication with apower source38 removeably mounted onshaft12.Power source38 may containbatteries42 and may be removeably mounted ontoshaft12 via aclamp40. Additionally, this power source provides a weight, so that theretractor10′ may be used hands-free, as discussed above. Furthermore, thispower source38 is removeable fromshaft12. Thus,retractor10′ may be autoclaved without thepower source38.Power source38 may be autoclaved without thebatteries42. In this situation, a sterile sleeve (not shown) may be used to insertbatteries42 into thesterile power source38.
• A camera (not shown), as discussed above, may be included in theretractor10′. This camera may be a still camera or a motion camera. This camera may be based upon CCD (charged-coupled device) technology. In this embodiment, the camera may be placed in theblade14 on thesecond surface20 behind LED lights18. In this placement, the camera's field of vision is directed generally down the length ofblade14 and angled away from theupper surface16, so that thecamera23 is looking at the operative field. This angle (as measured from behind surface20) may be from 5-90°, or 15-80°, or 30-75°. Thus, the LED lights18 illuminate, while thecamera23 sees the illuminated area. Thecamera23 may transmit/store images in any fashion, i.e., via cable, or wireless transmission, or retained in a memory device for later retrieval.
• Additional variants of the second embodiment (not shown) may include: the battery source permanently fixed to the retractor; the battery source and retractor being a single, integral unit; a remote power source (as described above) with a removable weight; a remote power source (as described above) with a non-removable weight.
• Referring toFIG. 8, a third embodiment of thesurgical retractor10″ is shown. All of the features of thefirst embodiment10 and thesecond embodiment10′ may be included in thethird embodiment10″. Thethird embodiment10″ may be generally referred to as the speculum embodiment.Retractor10″ includesretractor10 and asecond arm43 moveably affixed toretractor10.Retractor10 may be the same as previously describedretractors10 and/or10′; accordingly, further detail discussion may be found above.
• Thesecond arm43 includes asecond shaft46 joined tosecond blade44. Construction of these mating shafts should be such that visualization by the medical professional is not unduly obstructed. In this regard, reference is made to a standard ‘duck bill’ speculum, incorporated herein by reference.Second arm43 may be moveable alongshaft12 ofretractor10, so thatblades14 and44 may be spaced apart. Further,blades14 and44 may be hinged (not shown) onshafts12 and46, respectively; so that the distal tips ofblades14 and44 may be spread apart further than the hinged portions of theblades14 and44.Blade44 is shown as having a concave surface with LED lights, but other configurations are possible (e.g., no lights and no concave surface).
• Referring toFIG. 9, a fourth embodiment, asurgical retractor kit48 is shown. All of the features of thefirst embodiment10, thesecond embodiment10′, and thethird embodiment10″ may be included in thesurgical retractor kit48. Thesurgical retractor kit48 may be generally referred to as a self retaining retractor system. Thesurgical retractor kit48 generally includes a plurality (at least two) retractors10 (previously discussedretractor10′ may used instead), and a holder set49. Holder set49 may include astand50,arm52, clamps54 for fixing and securing thestand50 andarm52 in place, mountingring56 for placement of theretractors10,ring clamp58, andcouplers60 for fixing the retractors in place on mountingring56.
• The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

I claim:

1. A surgical retractor comprising:

a shaft with an integral blade, the shaft and the blade being joined at an angle, the blade having an upper surface, a plurality of LED lights being embedded within the blade and exposed at the upper surface, the blade surrounding the LED lights being opaque.

2. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein each of the LED lights comprises a lens and a LED, the lens being exposed at the upper surface.

3. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein each of the LED lights being flush with the upper surface or protruding above the upper surface.

4. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of LED lights emit at least 90 lumens.

5. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein the blade and shaft having a lower surface with an integral channel therein and a closure member covering the channel.

6. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein the channel houses electrical connectors for the LED lights.

7. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 further comprising a power source for the LED lights in communication with the electrical connectors, and the power source being either carried on the shaft or remote from the shaft.

8. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 further comprising a gripping surface on the shaft.

9. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein the angle between the shaft and the blade being adjustable.

10. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein the shaft being telescoping.

11. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 further comprising a second blade facing the first mentioned blade and being moveable to and from the previous mentioned blade.

12. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein the upper surface being concave.

13. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 further comprising a camera being mounted on the blade.

14. The surgical retractor ofclaim 13 wherein the camera being mounted in a second surface adjacent to the upper surface.

15. A surgical retractor kit comprising a mounting ring, at least one surgical retractor according toclaim 1, and a coupler for releaseably mounting the retractor to the ring.

16. A surgical retractor comprising:

a shaft with an integral blade, the shaft and the blade being joined at an angle, the blade having an upper surface, a plurality of lights facing up from the upper surface, a second surface at an angle to the upper surface, and a camera disposed in the second surface, wherein the camera faces down the blade and away from the upper surface.

17. The surgical retractor ofclaim 16 where the camera being a CCD camera.

18. The surgical retractor ofclaim 16 where the lights being LED lights.

19. The surgical retractor ofclaim 16 where the angle being 5-90°.

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