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Publication Number
US-12201287-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
An illuminated surgical retractor, comprising: a blade; a handle connected to the blade; an illumination assembly comprising at least one direct source provided on an external surface of the blade; a smoke evacuation channel defining a path for evacuating fluids and extending along the at least a portion of the blade, wherein the path partially encloses the at least one direct light source and the smoke evacuation channel is formed around the at least one direct light source.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an illuminated surgical retractor that integrates a direct light source on an external surface of a blade. The retractor includes a smoke evacuation channel defining a path for evacuating fluids, with the channel extending along at least a portion of the blade, and the smoke evacuation path partially encloses the direct light source so that the light source is positioned within the path defined by the smoke evacuation channel.
The described smoke evacuation arrangement extends through a barrel/saddle portion into a hollow handle. A vacuum source is connected through a vacuum fitting/connector, and the suction removes smoke away from the physician’s field of view. The smoke evacuation channel routing is configured to reduce obstruction and to address problems associated with prior retractors that require auxiliary lighting and can create shadowing/cross-contamination.
The invention further includes illumination assembly and blade construction features intended for single-use disposable operation. A recessed cavity and housing are provided for the light assembly, with a viewing slot having a rounded/arcuate configuration. The described retractor body is integrally molded from a polymer including glass-fiber reinforced polyarylamide, with radiolucency for imaging and nonconductivity for patient safety, along with mechanical/impact properties supporting thin blade operation.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001 and clm-00011, together covering an illuminated surgical retractor combining a blade-mounted direct light source with smoke evacuation that positions and partially encloses the light source, and further covering a hollow, integrally formed handle with a separate end cap assembly that holds power sources and provides a smoke evacuation fitting connectable to a suction source. The inventive features include channel-based enclosure of the light source, specific smoke evacuation routing/connectivity to a suction source, and structural integration of the power source within the handle using an end cap and cover.
Smoke evacuation channel partially enclosing the blade light source
A smoke evacuation channel defining a path for evacuating fluids extends along at least a portion of the blade, wherein the path partially encloses the at least one direct light source and the at least one direct light source is positioned within the path defined by the smoke evacuation channel.
Direct light source provided on an external surface of the blade
An illumination assembly comprising at least one direct light source provided on an external surface of the blade.
Illuminated retractor with blade and handle forming an integrated hollow handle
A handle integrally formed with the blade and extending from the proximal end of the blade to the distal end forming an opening, wherein the handle is hollow.
End cap assembly with power source held within the handle
An end cap assembly separately formed from the handle and partially inserted into the opening in the handle, wherein the end cap assembly is configured to have at least one power source at least partially inserted therein and held within the handle by the end cap assembly.
Cover with smoke evacuation fitting connectable to a suction source
The end cap assembly includes a cover covering the opening in the handle, the cover including a smoke evacuation fitting configured to connect to a suction source.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is an illuminated surgical retractor where smoke evacuation channel geometry places the blade-mounted direct light source inside a partially enclosing evacuation path (clm-00001), and where a hollow, integrally formed handle is closed by a separately formed end cap assembly that holds at least one power source and provides a cover with a smoke evacuation fitting connectable to a suction source (clm-00011).
Stated Advantages
Evacuates smoke while partially enclosing the light source to reduce obstruction.
Reduces problems associated with prior breast retractors that require auxiliary lighting, including shadowing.
Addresses cross-contamination risk associated with prior retractors.
Supports single-use disposable operation via thin blade mechanical/impact properties.
Provides radiolucency for imaging compatibility.
Provides nonconductivity for patient safety.
Documented Applications
Breast retraction procedures addressed by solving prior problems of auxiliary lighting requirements and shadowing/cross-contamination in breast retractors.
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