Surgical retractor with video cameras
AssigneeCamPlex, Inc.
InventorSteven T. Charles
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
Claims20
A medical apparatus comprising:
- a surgical retractor configured to hold open an incision and thereby provide a pathway for access of surgical tools to a surgical site;
- and
- a plurality of video cameras disposed on the surgical retractor, the video cameras inwardly facing toward the pathway.
A method comprising:
- inserting a retractor into an opening in a body;
- holding open edges of the opening with the retractor, thereby providing a pathway for access of surgical tools to a surgical site;
- and
- inserting a surgical tool at least partially through pathway and to the surgical site,
- wherein the retractor comprises a plurality of video cameras disposed on the surgical retractor, the video cameras inwardly facing toward the pathway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.