Optical waveguide sheath
The illumination system is a cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating a surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for optics and or surgical tools. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at any appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location. Thus, the sheath provides structure-guided illumination resulting in the illumination of the surgical site.
1. A surgical illumination system comprising:
an illumination source;
only a single generally cylindrical non-fiber optic light waveguide formed of homogenous uncoated material having a distal end, a proximal end and an open bore from the proximal end to the distal end, the bore sized to accommodate one or more instruments or tools extending from the proximal end through the distal end, the waveguide conducting illumination energy from the proximal end to the distal end to the distal end by total internal reflection and projecting the illumination energy from a plurality of optical structures on the distal end, wherein the plurality of optical structures comprise facets, microstructures, or lenses; and
an illumination conduit for conducting illumination energy from the illumination source to the proximal end of the light waveguide.
2. The illumination system of claim 1 wherein the light waveguide is flexible.
3. The illumination system of claim 1 wherein the light waveguide is rigid.
4. The illumination system of claim 1 wherein the illumination source comprises a plurality of LEDs.
5. The illumination system of claim 1 wherein the illumination conduit further comprises a reflective surface for directing the illumination energy into the light waveguide.
6. The illumination system of claim 1 wherein the generally cylindrical waveguide is formed by shaping the illumination conduit into a spiral around the waveguide bore.
7. The illumination system of claim 1 further comprising two or more illumination conduits.