Blade insert illuminator

A method for illuminating a surgical field, comprising:

• coupling, using a retractor-engagement element, an optical waveguide to a surgical retractor, wherein the retractor-engagement element extends from the optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguide comprises:
• a light input section configured to receive light from an a light source,
• a light transmitting section distal of the light input section and configured to transmit the light distally from the light input section, and
• a light output section distal of the light transmitting section and configured to output the light from the optical waveguide,
• wherein the surgical retractor comprises a slot that receives the optical waveguide, wherein the slot defines a recess on a front side of the surgical retractor, wherein a back side of the surgical retractor is opposite the front side and configured to engage tissue, wherein an entirety of the light transmitting section and an entirety of the light output section of the optical waveguide are on the front side when the optical waveguide is coupled to the surgical retractor;
• and
• transmitting light from the light source to the light input section, from the light input section to the light transmitting section, from the light transmitting section to the light output section, and from the light output section to the surgical field.

A method of making a system for illuminating a surgical field, comprising:

• forming an optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguide comprises:
• a light input section configured to receive light from an illumination element,
• a light transmitting section distal of the light input section and configured to transmit the light distally from the light input section, and
• a light output section distal of the light transmitting section and configured to output the light from the optical waveguide;
• coupling a retractor-engagement element to the optical waveguide, wherein the retractor-engagement element comprises a plate that extends outwardly from the optical waveguide;
• and
• coupling a collar to the light input section of the optical waveguide such that the collar surrounds the light input section of the optical waveguide and defines an annular air gap between the collar and the optical waveguide,
• wherein the retractor-engagement element is configured to couple the optical waveguide to a surgical retractor.