Integrated access device and light source for surgical procedures
AssigneeDePuy Spine, Inc.
InventorsDale Whipple, Timothy Beardsley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes an access device defining a channel and an integrated light source for illuminating the channel. A lens focuses light produced by the integrated light source along the channel. The light source may be a light emitting diode disposed in a sidewall of the access device, an electroluminescent surface forming at least a portion of the sidewall or other suitable light source capable of being integrated with the access device. An integrated power source may be integrated with the access system for independently powering the light source.
Claims22
An access system for providing access to a patient during surgery, comprising
- an access device comprising at least one sidewall and defining a path therethrough forming a port for accessing the patient;
- and
- a light source integrated with the sidewall for producing at least one light beam to illuminate the port of the access device.
An access system for providing access to a patient during surgery, comprising
- a tubular body comprising a sidewall, an open first end, and an open second end and a path extending between the open first end and the open second end for accessing the patient;
- and
- a light source comprising one of a light emitting diode and an electroluminescent surface integrated with the sidewall for producing light to illuminate the open second end of the tubular body.
A method of accessing a surgical site in a patient comprising the steps of:
- providing an access device comprising at least one sidewall and defining a path therethrough forming a port for accessing the patient and a light source integrated with the sidewall for producing at least one light beam to illuminate the port of the access device;
- powering the light source to produce light;
- and
- directing the light through the port towards the surgical site.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.