Retractor with integrated light source
A surgical retractor that comprises an integrated light source for creating a working space for the access of dissecting instruments employed during an open surgical procedure is described. The retractor is of the type that comprises two elongated arms mechanically connected by a pivot that allows the retractor to move between a closed and an open configuration. The described retractors further comprise adjustable paddle assemblies located at the distal end of the elongated arms and a unique locking mechanism that allows for the relative separation of the paddle assemblies to be set at any position between the closed and open configuration of the retractor. The design of the retractor provides them with increased functionality while allowing them to be cost effectively produced so that they can simply be disposed of after use.
1. A retractor suitable for creating a working space for open surgery, the retractor comprising:
two elongated arms mechanically connected to each other by a pivot that allows the retractor to move between a closed and an open configuration;
each elongated arm comprising a paddle assembly located at a distal end, and at least one of the two elongated arms forming a hermetically sealed housing and comprising a plurality of struts transverse to a length of the at least one elongated arm;
a light source carried within the hermetically sealed housing, said light source being one of adjacent or within said paddle assembly and configured to illuminate the working space;
a first power source carried within the hermetically sealed housing and coupled to said light source; and
an electrical conductor coupling said light source and said first power source;
said plurality of struts having recesses for said first power source and said electrical conductor.
2. A retractor as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a switch adapted to selectively illuminate the light source.
3. A retractor as claimed in claim 2 wherein the switch comprises a non contact switching mechanism.
4. A retractor as claimed in claim 3 wherein the switching mechanism is located within at least one of the elongated arms.
5. A retractor as claimed in claim 2 wherein the switch comprises a reed switch adapted to open when a magnet is removed from proximity thereto.
6. A retractor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light source is mounted within the paddle assembly such that a normal to the light source forms an acute angle with a substantially planar first surface of the paddle assembly.
7. A retractor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retractor further comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising a lever arranged to mechanically communicate with a unidirectional clutch arranged to prevent the retractor from moving towards the closed configuration.
8. A retractor as claimed in claim 7 wherein the unidirectional clutch comprises a wrap spring clutch.
9. A retractor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retractor further comprises handles located at the proximal ends of each of the elongated arms.
10. A retractor as claimed in claim 9 wherein the handles comprise glass filled nylon.
11. A retractor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongated members comprise glass filled nylon.
12. A retractor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one paddle assembly comprises a sparked translucent polycarbonate.
13. A retractor as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a second light source adjacent another paddle assembly, and a second power source coupled to said second light source.
14. A retractor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light source is within said paddle assembly and in the form of a panel.
15. A disposable retractor suitable for creating a working space for open surgery, the disposable retractor comprising:
two elongated arms mechanically connected to each other by a pivot that allows the retractor to move between a closed and an open configuration;
each elongated arm comprising a paddle assembly located at a distal end, and at least one of the two elongated arms forming a hermetically sealed housing and comprising a plurality of struts transverse to a length of the at least one elongated arm;
a light source carried within the hermetically sealed housing, said light source being adjacent said paddle assembly and configured to illuminate the working space;
a first power source carried within the hermetically sealed housing and coupled to said light source; and
an electrical conductor coupling said light source and said first power source;
said plurality of struts having recesses for said first power source and said electrical conductor.