Apparatus and methods for surgical lighting
An apparatus for surgical lighting is disclosed. The apparatus includes a light emitting element formed with a light source encapsulated within an outer layer. The outer layer includes a biocompatible material. A power supply is coupled to the light source. The apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that controls power from the power supply to the light source to emit light along a surgical area. The light emitting element provides enhanced illumination and other surgical advantages.
1 . An apparatus for surgical lighting of a surgical area, comprising:
an outer layer, the outer layer being biocompatible and the outer layer including a textile material configured to establish a barrier to fluids along a surgical area and provide a protective barrier for tissue; and
a light source enclosed within the outer layer;
wherein the apparatus is configured for removeable placement in the surgical area;
wherein the outer layer comprises a memory-retaining metal, such that the outer layer is deformable or may be morphed to predetermined shape configurations and temporarily retains such configurations during deployment.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is packaged in a folded configuration suitable for communication through a surgical port.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode tape, the light emitting diode tape being malleable and memory-retaining.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a power supply connected to the light source.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising:
an actuating mechanism configured to activate the power supply for emitting light from the light source.
6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising:
an antennae connected to the power supply, the actuating mechanism configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal to the antennae to activate the power supply and emit the light from the light source.
7 . The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising an insulated electrical conduit coupled between the light source and the power supply.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light source emits the light at a predefined wavelength corresponding to a predefined surgical function.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a substrate enclosed within the outer layer, the substrate being malleable and having the light source mounted thereon.
10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the substrate includes a flexible printed circuit board.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a retrieval tether coupled to the outer layer configured for removing the apparatus from a surgical area.
12 . A method of forming an apparatus for surgical lighting of a surgical area, comprising:
providing a light source, the light source configured to illuminate a surgical area; and
encapsulating the light source within an outer layer, the outer layer being biocompatible and the outer layer including a textile material configured to establish a barrier to fluids along a surgical area and provide a protective barrier for tissue;
wherein the apparatus is configured for removeable placement in the surgical area;
wherein the outer layer comprises a memory-retaining metal, such that the outer layer is deformable or may be morphed to predetermined shape configurations and temporarily retains such configurations during deployment.
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
folding the apparatus into a folded configuration suitable for communication through a surgical port.
14 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
connecting the light source to a power supply.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the power supply is encapsulated within the outer layer and positioned adjacent the light source.
16 . An apparatus for surgical lighting of a surgical area, comprising:
an outer layer, the outer layer being biocompatible and the outer layer including a textile material configured to establish a barrier to fluids along a surgical area and provide a protective barrier for tissue;
a substrate enclosed within the outer layer, the substrate being oriented in a generally central position along a body of the apparatus;
a light source mounted to the substrate and enclosed within the outer layer;
wherein the apparatus is configured for removeable placement in the surgical area;
wherein the outer layer comprises a memory-retaining metal; and
wherein the outer layer includes one or more layers including non-absorptive fibers woven near borders of the outer layer to form a uniform surface and to enclose the substrate and the light source within the generally central position along the body of the apparatus.