WO2017151754A1

WO2017151754A1 - Illumination assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2017151754A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/020179
Authority: WO
Inventors: Randolph J. HAGLER; Joe DOMBROWSKI; Jeff WATERMAN; Vedang KOTHARI; David G. Felty
Original assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-03-01
Filing date: 2017-03-01
Publication date: 2017-09-08

Abstract

A retractor illumination assembly configured to be attached to a retractor is provided. The retractor illumination assembly includes at least one light source, a light guide for propagating the light emitted by the at least one light source, a power source for supplying electrical power to the at least one light source, and a connector for attaching the retractor illumination assembly to the retractor.

Description

ILLUMINATION ASSEMBLY

Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of Application No. 62/301 ,841 filed

March 1 , 2016, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to surgical equipment and more particularly to illumination of a surgical area.

Background

A problem facing deep cavity or minimally open surgery is the need for more adequate light inside the surgical cavity. Traditional headlights and overhead lights, which are commonly used, create shadows inside the cavity or provide an

insufficient amount of light. Headlights are also uncomfortable for surgeons to use for the entire duration of a surgical procedure.

Fiber optic and light guide technology have enabled light to be transmitted into the cavity and the use of plastic fiber optics with certain constructions and optical treatments has enabled the delivery of cool light into the cavity.

Summary

However, fiber optics and light guides typically require connection to a remote light source, often using intermediary cables and adapters that can be bulky, add weight to the surgical retractor, present a safety hazard with the cable on the operating room floor, and require the surgical staff to keep track of, sterilize, and finally assemble additional equipment at the surgical site. A lit retractor without an intermediary cable would be a more convenient, economical, lighter and safer alternative.

By mounting the light source directly on the surgical retractor or immediately adjacent to the surgical site, the device can be untethered from traditional reusable cables and remote light sources. The retractor illumination assembly provides a combination of power, light source, heat dissipation and light delivery in a low-profile module that easily fits in a surgeon's hand, or is attached to or immediately adjacent to the retractor. The retractor illumination assembly simplifies the task of lighting the surgical cavity, while enabling surgeons to move more freely around the surgical site.

The present disclosure provides a retractor illumination assembly including a light source, light guide, power source, and a connector for attaching the retractor illumination assembly to the retractor.

According to one aspect, there is provided a retractor illumination assembly configured to be attached to a retractor. The retractor illumination assembly includes at least one light source, a light guide, a power source, and a connector. The light guide includes a light receiving surface, a body, and a light emitting surface. The light receiving surface optically coupled to the light source and configured to receive light emitted from the at least one light source. The body is configured to propagate the received light. The light emitting surface is configured to emit the propagated light. The power source is configured to supply electrical power to the at least one light source. The a connector is configured to attach the retractor illumination assembly to the retractor.

Alternatively or additionally, the retractor illumination assembly also includes a heat sink thermally connected to the at least one light source.

Alternatively or additionally, the heat sink is additionally thermally connected to the retractor.

Alternatively or additionally, the retractor illumination assembly also includes a housing including an interior volume configured to receive the at least one light source, the heatsink, and the light receiving surface of the light guide. The

connector is attached to the housing.

Alternatively or additionally, the interior volume is further configured to receive the power source.

Alternatively or additionally, the power source is nonsterile and the housing is configured to aseptically receive the power source into the interior volume of the housing.

Alternatively or additionally, the housing includes a cover configured to be operably coupled to the housing. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. The open position provides access to the interior volume of the housing. The closed position segregates the interior volume from an exterior of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the power source and the at least one light source are configured to be removed from the housing, such that the at least one light source is disconnected from the light guide. The power source and the at least one light source are also configured to be inserted into another housing, such that the at least one light source is optically coupled to another light guide.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one light source is configured to be: removed from the housing and disconnected from the light guide and inserted into another housing, such that the at least one light source is optically coupled to another light guide.

Alternatively or additionally, the power source is located remote from the housing.

Alternatively or additionally, the power source includes a fastener configured to secure the power source to a foreign object.

Alternatively or additionally, the fastener comprises a spring and clip mechanism, a casing and a strap, a wedge configured to be placed adjacent the foreign object.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

Alternatively or additionally, the light guide comprises parallel optical fibers, braided optical fibers, or woven optical fibers.

Alternatively or additionally, the light guide comprises a molded plastic panel or optical wave guide.

Alternatively or additionally, the connector comprises at least one of an adhesive, a gripper, a cover including an opening configured to receive the retractor, a mating structure configured to mate with a complementary structure of the retractor, a fastener configured to mate with a corresponding structure of the retractor, a clamp, a hook and loop fastener, or a spring.

Alternatively or additionally, the power source is a battery.

Alternatively or additionally, the light guide propagates light via total internal reflection.

A number of features are described herein with respect to embodiments of the invention; it will be appreciated that features described with respect to a given embodiment also may be employed in connection with other embodiments.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features according to aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various aspects of the invention in which similar reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts in the various views.

FIG. 1A is a bottom view of a retractor illumination system.

FIG. 1 B is a top view of the retractor illumination system of FIG. 1 A.

FIG. 1 C is a side view of the retractor illumination system of FIGS. 1 A and 1 B.

FIG. 1 D is a rear view of the retractor illumination system of FIGS. 1A-1 C. FIG. 1 E is a perspective view of a cut away view of the retractor illumination system of FIGS. 1A-1 D.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the retractor illumination assembly.

FIGS. 3A-3E are perspective views showing alternative connectors of the retractor illumination system.

FIGS. 4A-4D are perspective views of alternative embodiments of a fastener of the power source of the retractor illumination assembly.

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the fastener of the power source of the retractor illumination assembly.

FIGS. 6A-6D are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the fastener of the power source of the retractor illumination assembly.

FIGS. 7A-7C are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the power source of the retractor illumination assembly. Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides a retractor illumination assembly configured to be attached to a retractor. The retractor illumination assembly includes at least one light source, a light guide for propagating the light emitted by the at least one light source, a power source for supplying electrical power to the at least one light source, and a connector for attaching the retractor illumination assembly to the retractor.

Turning to FIGS. 1A-1 E, a retractor illumination system 10 including a retractor 12 and a retractor illumination assembly 14 as shown. The retractor illumination assembly 14 includes at least one light source 20, a light guide 22, a power source 24, and a connector 26. The light guide 22 is configured to receive, propagate, and emit light received from the at least one light source 20. The power source 24 supplies electrical power to the at least one light source 20. The connector 26 is configured to attach the retractor illumination assembly 14 to the retractor 12.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the at least one light source 20 may comprise any suitable light source. For example, the at least one light source 20 may comprise at least one light emitting diode. The present disclosure is not limited to the use of light emitting diodes, but may include

alternative or additional light sources including laser source(s), incandescent source(s), fluorescent source(s), or any other suitable source of light.

The light guide 22 includes a light receiving surface 30, a body 22, and a light emitting surface 34. The light receiving surface 30 is optically coupled to the at least one light source 20, such that the light emitted by the at least one light source 22 is received at the light receiving surface 30. Light received by the light guide 22 at the light receiving surface 30 is propagated along the body 32 from the light receiving surface 30 to the light emitting surface 34. That is, the body 32 is configured to propagated the received light (e.g., via total internal reflection). The propagated light is emitted at the light emitting surface 34. The body 32 and/or the light emitting surface 34 may be configured to cause light propagated by the light guide 22 to be emitted from the light emitting surface 34. That is, the body 32 may include an optical pattern configured to cause light to be emitted from the light emitting surface 34.

The light guide 22 may include a core surrounded by and in contact with a cladding. The cladding may include one or more layers of materials of lower refractive index than the core. The cladding causes light to be confined to the core by total internal reflection at the boundary between the cladding and the core. There may be variations and/or disruptions in the cladding and/or light guide 22 adjacent the light emitting surface 34. The light guide 22 may not be cladded. For example, the light guide 22 may comprise PMMA, a PC film, or any other suitable non-cladded structure for propagating light. As shown in FIG. 2B, the light guide 22 may also include a protective cover 33 surrounding the light guide 22.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the light guide 22 may comprise a clad flat fiber light guide, parallel optical fibers, braided optical fibers, woven optical fibers, molded plastic panel, optical wave guide, or any other suitable structure for propagating light. For example, FIG. 2A depicts a more rigid light guide 22 made from a molded plastic panel. Conversely, FIG. 2B depicts a more flexible light guide 22 made from optical fibers. As described above, the propagation of light by total internal reflection may be facilitated by the light guide 22 being formed of a core and cladding surrounding at least a portion of the core, the core having a different index of refraction than the primary member.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the power source 24 may comprise a battery, capacitor, or any suitable structure for storing and providing electrical power. As described further below, the power source 24 may be

removably connected to other components of the retractor illumination assembly 14, such that the power source 24 is replaceable.

One problem experienced when using a light emitting diode (LED) as a light source is the removal of heat generated by the LED. Normally the heat is dissipated via a heatsink or using active cooling (e.g., forced convection or liquid cooling). To have sufficient optical power to sufficiently illuminate a surgical cavity, one or more LEDs would need to be driven at a power which will typically require some form of heat removal. However, the use of external heatsinks or traditional cooling methods are limited due to the small form factor required to mount the retractor illumination assembly 14 onto a retractor 12 without inhibiting use of the retractor 12 by a surgeon.

Turning to FIG. 1 E, the retractor illumination assembly 14 may include a heat sink 40 thermally connected to the at least one light source 20. The heat sink 40 may be thermally connected to the retractor 12 such that the heatsink 40 receives heat generated by the at least one light source 20 and transfers heat to the retractor 12. That is, as shown in area 42 of FIG. 1 E, the heatsink 40 may be placed in direct contact with the retractor 12. This allows heat to be transferred away from the light source 20 to the heat sink 40 and from the heat sink 40 to the retractor 12. This heat dissipation may be further enhanced by placing a thermal conductive compound (e.g., thermal paste or any suitable heat transfer material) as a medium between the heatsink 40 and the retractor 12. Thermally connecting the retractor 12 and the heat sink 40 allows the retractor illumination assembly 14 to effectively handle heat dissipation while reducing the overall size of the retractor illumination assembly 14. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the heat sink 40 may comprise any suitable structure configured to dissipate heat.

Additionally, the amount of heat transferred to the retractor 12 improves the efficiency of the at least one light source 20, while only minimally increases the temperature of the retractor 12 without posing a risk of harm to the patient.

Turning again to FIG. 1 E, the retractor illumination assembly may additionally include a housing 50. The housing 50 includes an interior volume 54 configured to receive the at least one light source 20 and the heatsink 40. The light receiving surface 30 of the light guide 22 may also be located within the interior volume 54 of the housing 50. The connector 26 may also be attached to the housing 50. The body 32 of the light guide 22 may extend from the housing 50.

The interior volume 54 of the housing 50 may also be configured to receive the power source 24. The power source 24 may be nonsterile and the housing 50 may be configured to aseptically receive the power source 24 into the interior volume 54 of the housing 50. For example, the housing 50 may include a cover 56 configured to be operably coupled to the housing 50. The cover 56 may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, access is provided to the interior volume 54 of the housing 50. In the closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 E), the interior volume 54 is segregated from an exterior of the housing 50.

The retractor illumination assembly 14 may be disposable. That is, the retractor illumination assembly 14 may be pre-sterilized, attached to the retractor 12 at the surgical site, and disposed of following surgery. Alternatively, the power source 24 and the at least one light source 20 may be re-used while the remainder of the retractor illumination assembly 14 may be disposed of.

For example, the components of the retractor illumination assembly 14 may be separately sterilized or sterilized in sub-components. The sterilized components may then be assembled in the operating room. Alternatively, the retractor

illumination assembly 14 may be assembled and then sterilized. Turning to FIG. 2A, the power source 24 and the at least one light source 20 may be configured to be removed from the housing 50, such that the at least one light source 20 is no longer optically coupled to the light guide 22. After being removed, the power source 24 and the at least one light source 20 may be inserted into another housing 50, such that the at least one light source 20 is optically coupled to another light guide 22. For example, the at least one light source 20 and the power source 24 may be included in a light source module 61. The light source module 61 may include an interior housing 62 that the at least one light source 20 and power source 24 are stored within. The at least one light source 20 may be positioned within the light source module 61 such that light emitted by the at least one light source 20 is emitted from a light emission surface 65 of the light source module 61 . The light source module 61 may be removed from the housing 50 of one retractor illumination assembly 14 and placed into another housing 50 including a light guide 22. The light source module 61 may be inserted into the housing 50 such that the light receiving surface 30 of the light guide 22 is positioned adjacent the light emission surface 65 such that the light source 24 and the light guide 22 are optically coupled. In this way, light emitted by the at least one light source 20 is received by the light guide 22.

Alternatively, the at least one light source 20 may be configured to be removed from the housing 50 and disconnected from the light guide 22 and the power source 24 and inserted into another housing 50, such that the at least one light source 20 is optically coupled to another light guide 22 and electrically connected to another power source 24. For example, the light source module 61 may include the at least one light source 20, but not the power source 24.

The housing 50 may include an open position (e.g., FIGS. 2A and 2B) where the interior volume 54 is accessible such that the light source module 61 maybe inserted into the interior volume 54. The housing 50 may also include a closed position (e.g., FIGS. 3B and 3C) where the contents of the interior volume 54 are separated from an exterior of the housing 50 by the housing 50. In the closed position, the interior volume 54 may be separated from the exterior surface 64 of the housing 50 such that the retractor illumination assembly 14 may be sterilized by sterilizing the housing 50 and light guide 22. That is, the housing 50 may prevent the transfer of any contaminants from the interior volume 54 to outside the housing 50. The housing 50 may be formed from one or more components. For example, the housing 50 in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes a first component 50a and a second component (not shown). In FIGS. 3B and 3C, both the first component 50a and the second component 50b are shown. The components 50a, 50b forming the housing 50 may be sealed together to prevent foreign objects from entering the housing 50. For example, the housing 50 may be sealed against environmental ingress or egress of dust, liquids, and/or other contaminates. In this way, the exterior of the housing 50 may be sterilized and any non-sterile components located in the interior volume 54 of the housing do not contaminate the exterior of the housing 50. For example, the light source module 61 may be aseptically transferred to the interior volume 54 of the housing 50.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the housing 50 may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the housing 20 may be formed from plastic, rubber, metal, or a combination thereof. As described, the housing 50 may also be sealed to prevent the ingress or egress of foreign objects or contaminates using any suitable method. For example, the housing 50 may be formed from two or more components 50a, 50b that snap together to form a seal preventing the ingress of foreign objects. In another example, the housing 50 may be formed such that a junction between the two or more components 50a, 50b forming the housing 50 is covered by another material, forming a seal to prevent the ingress of foreign objects.

Turning to FIGS. 3A-3E, the connector 26 is configured to secure the retractor illumination assembly 14 to the retractor 12. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the connector 26 may comprise any suitable structure for attaching the retractor illumination assembly 14 to the retractor 12. For example, the connector 26 may comprise at least one of an adhesive, a gripper, a cover including an opening configured to receive the retractor, a mating structure configured to mate with a complementary structure of the retractor, a screw configured to mate with a corresponding structure in the retractor, a clamp, a hook and loop fastener, and/or a spring.

In FIG. 3A, the connector 26 comprises an adhesive. As shown, the connector 26 may include a pull tab for removing a backing from the connector 26 before adhering the retractor illumination assembly 14 to the retractor 12.

In FIG. 3B, the connector 26 is shown as a gripper. As shown, the connector 26 may include a space for receiving the retractor 12. The connector 26 may include pads for increasing friction between the retractor 12 and the connector 26 to reduce movement between the retractor illumination assembly 14 and the retractor 12. The pads may include adhesive or a material having a high coefficient of friction with the retractor 12 (e.g., rubber). Alternatively or additionally, the connector 26 may include mating features that interface (e.g., snap) together. As an example, the connector 26 may include two surfaces joined by friction/interference fit.

In FIG. 3C, the connector 26 comprises a gripper that also includes a two- stage mating process. That is, the connector 26 includes an overhanging structure that is slid over the retractor 12. Next, a fastener (e.g., a thumb screw) is used to maintain the position of the retractor 12 relative to the retractor illumination assembly 14.

FIG. 3D shows a connector 26 comprising a fastener (e.g., a screw) configured to mate with a corresponding structure of the retractor 12. For example, the connector 26 may comprise multiple screws that pass through or engage with the retractor 12. As an example, the multiple screws may pass through the retractor 12 and engage with the retractor illumination assembly 14. In this way, the position of the retractor illumination assembly 14 relative to the retractor 12 may be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 3E, the connector 26 may comprise one or more structures configured to engage with the retractor 12. In the depicted embodiment, the connector 26 comprises two clips that slide over the retractor 12 and apply a force to the retractor 12 to maintain the position of the retractor illumination assembly 14 relative to the retractor 12.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the connector 26 is not limited to the depicted embodiments, but may comprise any suitable structure for maintaining the position of the retractor illumination assembly 14 relative to the retractor 12. For example, the connector 26 may comprise a top and bottom housing that are placed on opposite sides of the retractor. The top and bottom housing may then be held together by a fastener (e.g., screws) with the retractor located in- between the top and bottom housing. In another example, connector 26 may comprise a railing configured to mate with a corresponding structure of the retractor 12. That is, the connector 26 may comprise a railing where the retractor illumination assembly 14 slides onto a corresponding structure of the retractor 12. In still another example, the connector 26 may comprise a clamp (e.g., C-Clamps, fixture clamps (over the center), or clamps screwing from the side). As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, 5A-5C, 6A-6D, and 7A-7C, the power source 24 may be located remote from the housing 50. That is, the power source 24 may not be located within the interior volume 54 of the housing 50. The power source 24 may include a fastener 66 configured to secure the power source 24 to a foreign object 68. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the fastener 66 may comprise a clamp, strap, tie, or any other suitable structure for affixing the power source 24 to the foreign object 68. The foreign object 68 may comprise a person (e.g., a belt or wrist of a surgeon), table, bed, etc. A connector 70 (e.g., a wire) may electrically connect the power source 24 and the at least one light source 20.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the fastener 66 may comprise a spring and clip mechanism (e.g., an alligator clip). The power source 24 may be housed in the fastener 66 as shown. The fastener 66 may be connected to a frame or other tubing

(i.e., foreign object 68) as shown.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the fastener 66 may comprise a casing and a strap. The strap may comprise a hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro) for attaching the power source 24 to the foreign object 68.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, the fastener 66 may comprise a wedge configured to be placed adjacent the foreign object 68. For example, as shown, the wedge may be placed under a mattress or any other suitable structure (e.g., a bed sheet or patient).

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the power source 24 may have a wedge shape. That is, as opposed to the power source 24 being separable from the fastener 66, the power source 24 itself may instead have a wedge shape. In this example, the wedge may be placed under a mattress or any other suitable structure.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the retractor illumination assembly 14 may be secured to any side of the retractor 12. For example, the retractor illumination assembly 14 may be placed on a top or underside of the retractor 12.

While the power source 24 is shown as separate from the retractor 12, the at least one light source 20 may also be separate from the retractor. For example, both the power source 24 and the at least one light source 20 may be included in the wedge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. In this example, the wedge may comprise the housing 50 and the light guide 22 may extend from the wedge (i.e., the housing 50) to the retractor 12. The connector 26 attaches a portion of the light guide 22 (e.g., the light emitting surface 34) to the retractor 12.

While the above description and figures make reference to a surgical retractor 12, the present disclosure is not limited to illuminating assemblies for use only with retractors. That is, the retractor illumination assembly 14 may be used in

combination with any surgical tool.

All ranges and ratio limits disclosed in the specification and claims may be combined in any manner. Unless specifically stated otherwise, references to "a," "an," and/or "the" may include one or more than one, and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural.

The phrase "and/or" means "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

The word "or" has the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," may refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of."

The phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, means at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another

embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

The transitional words or phrases, such as "comprising," "including,"

"carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," and the like, are open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1 . A retractor illumination assembly configured to be attached to a retractor, the retractor illumination assembly comprising:

at least one light source;

a light guide including:

a light receiving surface optically coupled to the light source and configured to receive light emitted from the at least one light source;

a body configured to propagate the received light; and

a light emitting surface configured to emit the propagated light;

a power source configured to supply electrical power to the at least one light source; and

a connector configured to attach the retractor illumination assembly to the retractor.

2. The retractor illumination assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a heat sink thermally connected to the at least one light source.

3. The retractor illumination assembly of claim 2, wherein the heat sink is additionally thermally connected to the retractor.

4. The retractor illumination assembly of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing including an interior volume configured to receive the at least one light source, the heatsink, and the light receiving surface of the light guide, wherein the connector is attached to the housing.

5. The retractor illumination assembly of claim 4, wherein the interior volume is further configured to receive the power source.

6. The retractor illumination assembly of claim 5, wherein the power source is nonsterile and the housing is configured to aseptically receive the power source into the interior volume of the housing.

7. The retractor illumination assembly of claim 6, wherein: the housing includes a cover configured to be operably coupled to the housing, wherein the cover is movable between:

an open position providing access to the interior volume of the housing; and

a closed position segregating the interior volume from an exterior of the housing.

8. The retractor illumination assembly of any of claims 4-7, wherein the power source and the at least one light source are configured to be:

removed from the housing, such that the at least one light source is

disconnected from the light guide; and

inserted into another housing, such that the at least one light source is optically coupled to another light guide.

9. The retractor illumination assembly of any of claims 4-8, wherein the at least one light source is configured to be:

removed from the housing and disconnected from the light guide; and inserted into another housing, such that the at least one light source is optically coupled to another light guide.

10. The retractor illumination assembly of any of claims 4-9, wherein the power source is located remote from the housing.

1 1 . The retractor illumination assembly of claim 10, wherein the power source includes a fastener configured to secure the power source to a foreign object.

12. The retractor Illumination assembly of claim 1 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a spring and clip mechanism, a casing and a strap, a wedge configured to be placed adjacent the foreign object.

13. The retractor illumination assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

14. The retractor illumination assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the light guide comprises parallel optical fibers, braided optical fibers, or woven optical fibers.

15. The retractor illumination assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the light guide comprises a molded plastic panel or optical wave guide.

16. The retractor illumination assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises at least one of an adhesive, a gripper, a cover including an opening configured to receive the retractor, a mating structure configured to mate with a complementary structure of the retractor, a fastener configured to mate with a corresponding structure of the retractor, a clamp, a hook and loop fastener, or a spring.

17. The retractor illumination assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the power source is a battery.

18. The retractor illumination assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the light guide propagates light via total internal reflection.