Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; wherein said surgical tool is fixedly connected to an intermediate section of said body portion of said fiber optic member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; wherein said surgical tool is fixedly connected to an intermediate section of said body portion of said fiber optic member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein said light-transmitting member is attached to said port of said surgical tool.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein said light-transmitting member is a window of light-transmitting material having a thickness sufficient to reduce the light density transmitted out said port of said surgical tool and through said window so that a surface temperature of said adjacent surgical region rises less than about 55° C. when light is transmitted through said window to said region.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical tool of claim 3, wherein said window is about 4 mm in thickness.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein said tool is comprised of a malleable stainless steel tube, and further comprising a polymeric sheath of heat-shrinking material surrounding said malleable stainless steel tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical tool of claim 2, wherein said surgical tool is a cannula having a length of between about 4 to 8 inches.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical tool of claim 6, wherein said cannula has an outer diameter of between about 11/2 to 3 mm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical tool of claim 7, wherein said cannula has an inner diameter of between about 1 to 2 mm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein said surgical tool is made from a material that is malleable such that the cannula can be bent to a desired position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
268 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; further comprising a connector for connecting said fiber optic member with said surgical tool, said connector being connected to an intermediate section of the body portion of said fiber optic member spaced away from said light-delivering end, so that a tool-insertable section of said fiber optic member extends between said connector and the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member and said tool-insertable section of said fiber optic member is received within said surgical tool when said surgical tool is connected to said connector.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
268 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; further comprising a connector for connecting said fiber optic member with said surgical tool, said connector being connected to an intermediate section of the body portion of said fiber optic member spaced away from said light-delivering end, so that a tool-insertable section of said fiber optic member extends between said connector and the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member and said tool-insertable section of said fiber optic member is received within said surgical tool when said surgical tool is connected to said connector.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The surgical tool of claim 10, wherein said connector provides a releasable connection between said fiber optic member and said surgical tool.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The surgical tool of claim 10, wherein said fiber optic member is positioned in a corresponding opening through said connector, and said connector is attached to said intermediate section of the body portion of said fiber optic member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The surgical tool of claim 12, wherein said tool has a corresponding connector member which is joinable with the connector attached to said fiber optic member, so as to attach said tool to said fiber optic member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
181 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; wherein said fiber optic member is a single fiber having a diameter of from about 0.1-2 mm.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
181 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; wherein said fiber optic member is a single fiber having a diameter of from about 0.1-2 mm.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical tool of claim 14, wherein said fiber is formed of a plastic material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
11 words
The surgical tool of claim 15, wherein said fiber is flexible.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
186 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; wherein said light-transmitting member is attached to said fiber optic member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
186 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; wherein said light-transmitting member is attached to said fiber optic member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The surgical tool of claim 17, wherein said fiber optic member and said light-transmitting member are both insertable into said surgical tool.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
211 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; further comprising a second light-conveying fiber optic member positioned between said light-receiving end and said source of light, and spaced apart from said light-receiving end, for optically connecting said light-receiving end with said source of light.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
211 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; further comprising a second light-conveying fiber optic member positioned between said light-receiving end and said source of light, and spaced apart from said light-receiving end, for optically connecting said light-receiving end with said source of light.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical tool of claim 19, further including a stainless steel tube surrounding said light-receiving end and at least a portion of said second fiber optic member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
219 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port in said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member: further comprising a second light-conveying fiber optic member positioned between said light-receiving end and said source of light, and spaced apart from said light-receiving end, for optically connecting said light-receiving end with said source of light; and wherein said second fiber optic member is spaced apart from said light-receiving end a distance greater than about 0.01 inch and less than about 0.1 inch.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
219 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port in said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member: further comprising a second light-conveying fiber optic member positioned between said light-receiving end and said source of light, and spaced apart from said light-receiving end, for optically connecting said light-receiving end with said source of light; and wherein said second fiber optic member is spaced apart from said light-receiving end a distance greater than about 0.01 inch and less than about 0.1 inch.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical tool of claim 21, wherein said second fiber optic member is spaced apart from said light-receiving end a distance of about 0.07 inch.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
238 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; wherein said light-transmitting member is a window of light-transmitting material, said window being spaced away from the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member so that light transmitted through said window and out said port of said surgical tool raises the surface temperature of said adjacent surgical region less than about 55° C. when light is transmitted through said window to said region.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
238 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; wherein said light-transmitting member is a window of light-transmitting material, said window being spaced away from the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member so that light transmitted through said window and out said port of said surgical tool raises the surface temperature of said adjacent surgical region less than about 55° C. when light is transmitted through said window to said region.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
189 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; further including an attachment member for attaching said surgical tool to another surgical tool.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
189 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; and d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, said light-delivering end being adjacent said light-transmitting member so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; further including an attachment member for attaching said surgical tool to another surgical tool.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
152 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member and attached to said fiber optic member, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member, the light-transmitting member and light-conveying fiber optic member together forming a light-conveying assembly; and an attachment member for attaching the light-conveying assembly laterally displaced from but generally parallel to an elongated surgical tool so as to provide an illuminated surgical device with illumination for said surgical tool.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
152 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member and attached to said fiber optic member, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member, the light-transmitting member and light-conveying fiber optic member together forming a light-conveying assembly; and an attachment member for attaching the light-conveying assembly laterally displaced from but generally parallel to an elongated surgical tool so as to provide an illuminated surgical device with illumination for said surgical tool.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
231 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying bundle of optical fibers having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said bundle adjacent the light-delivering end of said bundle; c) a connector for connecting said bundle with said surgical tool, said connector being releasably connected to an intermediate section of the body portion of said bundle spaced away from said light-delivering end, so that a tool-insertable section of said bundle extends between said connector and the light-delivering end of said bundle, wherein the light-delivering end of said bundle and said tool-insertable section of said bundle is received within said surgical tool when said surgical tool is connected to said connector; d) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said bundle; and e) said light-delivering end of said bundle being positioned adjacent a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, so that when said light-receiving end of said bundle is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said bundle to said light-delivering end of said bundle, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
231 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying bundle of optical fibers having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid, elongated surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said bundle adjacent the light-delivering end of said bundle; c) a connector for connecting said bundle with said surgical tool, said connector being releasably connected to an intermediate section of the body portion of said bundle spaced away from said light-delivering end, so that a tool-insertable section of said bundle extends between said connector and the light-delivering end of said bundle, wherein the light-delivering end of said bundle and said tool-insertable section of said bundle is received within said surgical tool when said surgical tool is connected to said connector; d) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said bundle; and e) said light-delivering end of said bundle being positioned adjacent a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, so that when said light-receiving end of said bundle is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said bundle to said light-delivering end of said bundle, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical tool of claim 26, wherein said light-transmitting member is attached to said port of said surgical tool.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical tool of claim 26, wherein said light-transmitting member is attached to said bundle.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
63 words
The surgical tool of claim 26, wherein said light-transmitting member is a window of light-transmitting material having a thickness sufficient to reduce the light density transmitted out said port of said surgical tool and through said window so that the surface temperature of said adjacent surgical region rises less than about 55° C. when light is transmitted through said window to said region.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
69 words
The surgical tool of claim 26, wherein said light-transmitting member is a window of light-transmitting material, said window being spaced away from the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member so that light transmitted out said port of said surgical tool, and through said window, raises the surface temperature of said adjacent surgical region less than about 55° C. when light is transmitted through said window to said region.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical tool of claim 26, further including an attachment member for attaching said surgical tool to another surgical tool.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical tool of claim 26, wherein said surgical tool is a cannula having a length of between about 4 to 8 inches.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical tool of claim 32, wherein said cannula has an outer diameter of between about 11/2 to 3 mm.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical tool of claim 33, wherein said cannula has an inner diameter of between about 1 to 2 mm.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical tool of claim 26, wherein said surgical tool is made from a material that is malleable such that the cannula can be bent to a desired position.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
206 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; e) wherein said fiber optic member is a single fiber that is readily flexed to an interior configuration of said tool; whereby said single fiber is connectable to said tool for use and releasable from said tool for disposal or replacement.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
206 words
A surgical tool with surgical field illuminator, comprising: a) a light-conveying fiber optic member having a body portion, a light-receiving end optically connectable to a source of light, and a light-delivering end; b) a rigid surgical tool surrounding part of the body portion of said fiber optic member adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member; c) a light-transmitting member positioned adjacent the light-delivering end of said fiber optic member; d) a light-delivering port formed as an opening through a distal endface of said surgical tool, wherein, when said light-receiving end of said fiber optic member is optically connected to said source of light, light is transmitted through said fiber optic member to said light-delivering end of said fiber optic member, out said port of said surgical tool and through said light-transmitting member at a light density, so as to illuminate a surgical region adjacent said light-transmitting member; e) wherein said fiber optic member is a single fiber that is readily flexed to an interior configuration of said tool; whereby said single fiber is connectable to said tool for use and releasable from said tool for disposal or replacement.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical tool of claim 36, wherein said single fiber has a diameter of from about 0.1-2 mm.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical tool of claim 36, wherein said surgical tool is releasably connected to said body portion of said fiber optic member via a Leur lock connector.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
The surgical tool of claim 38, further including a strain-relieving member formed of flexible material provided proximal to the Luer lock connector.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical tool of claim 34, wherein said single fiber is inserted within said tool in such a manner as to be bend around a longitudinal axis of said fiber.