Nir/red light for lateral neuroprotection

A retractor system, comprising:

• a first component adapted to retract tissue;
• a second component adapted to retract tissue, the second component being movable relative to the first component to provide a working channel through tissue, the second component including an electrode in electrical connection with a neuromonitoring system adapted to monitor nerve status or health;
• and
• a light delivery device inserted through the working channel, the light delivery device being connected to an endoscope.

A surgical method, comprising:

• making an incision in a patient,
• inserting a retractor into the patient through the incision to provide a working channel through tissue of the patient, the retractor being inserted such that first and second components of the retractor are in contact with tissue of the patient, the first and second components being movable with respect to one another,
• irradiating nervous tissue of the patient adjacent to the retractor using a light delivery device inserted through the working channel,
• visualizing the nervous tissue using an endoscope connected to the light delivery device,
• moving the first and second components of the retractor relative to one another to retract the nervous tissue, and
• monitoring a heath or status of the nervous tissue using an electrode of the second component, the electrode being in electrical connection with a neuromonitoring system.