Airflow-channeling surgical light system and method

A light system includes a main body defining an internal chamber, a lighting assembly secured to the main body, and an airflow circuit extending around a periphery of the lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes at least one light unit configured to emit light. The airflow circuit is configured to direct airflow out of the main body underneath the lighting assembly.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an airflow-channeling light system and method, such as may be used within a surgical operating room.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Hospital operating rooms typically include a surgical light that is positioned over a surgical site. The surgical light contains one or more light sources that are configured to emit a focused beam of light directly onto a surgical target zone.

Additionally, a supply air array is positioned within a ceiling directly above the surgical light and the surgical site target zone. The supply air array includes vents through which filtered air is supplied and directed toward the surgical site. The vents may include filters to filter the air that passes therethrough. Sidewall vents return contaminated air from the perimeter of the room to an air filtration system positioned upstream of the supply air array. The air filtration system supplies filtered air to the room through the supply air array with unidirectional, downward airflow.

Because the surgical light may be positioned directly over the surgical target zone, the surgical light may block airflow generated by the supply air array and create a low pressure zone underneath the surgical light. The low pressure zone causes air turbulence underneath the surgical light. Due to turbulent airflow, various contaminants generated through a surgical procedure may be circulated within the surgical environment. For example, surgical staff may carry particulate and bacterial contaminants that may be dispersed directly above a surgical site in the absence of filtered, downward, unidirectional flow. Further, bone fragments, biological fluids, and blood may be projected upward toward the surgical light head, which is cleaned and sterilized between surgical procedures.

Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method of providing uninterrupted, reduced turbulence airflow underneath a surgical light. A need exists for a system and method that reduce the possibility of contaminants being dispersed over and within a surgical site.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a light system that includes a main body defining an internal chamber, a lighting assembly secured to the main body, and an airflow circuit extending around a periphery of the lighting assembly. The lighting assembly may include at least one light unit configured to emit light. The airflow circuit is configured to direct airflow out of the main body underneath the lighting assembly.

The airflow circuit may be configured to direct the airflow out of the main body at an angle toward a central imaginary axis extending through and out of the lighting assembly. The airflow circuit may include an airflow outlet having an opening formed through an angled wall.

The light system may also include a protective insert coupled to the main body. The protective insert may include a support frame coupled to an airflow outlet of the airflow circuit. The support frame may include an internal airflow path that connects to one or more airflow passages. In at least one embodiment, the protective insert is removably secured to the main body, such as through a snap-fit, latching, press-fit, interference-fit, or other such connection. The internal airflow path may define at least a portion of a circuitous path that includes at least one turn that re-directs or otherwise shunts the airflow therein.

In at least one embodiment, the protective insert may include a transparent shield coupled to the support frame. The lighting assembly is configured to shine light through the transparent shield. The transparent shield may include a plurality of air passages formed therethrough. The light system is configured to direct airflow around the lighting assembly and out through the plurality of air passages.

The light system may also include a fan disposed within the internal chamber. The fan is configured to draw air into and through the airflow circuit.

The light system may also include a covering cap coupled to the main body. An air inlet passage may be defined between the covering cap and the main body.

The light system may also include an air filter disposed within the internal chamber. The air filter is configured to filter air passing through the airflow circuit.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an operating room that may include a floor connected to walls, and a ceiling connected to the walls. A surgical site is disposed at an area between the floor, the walls, and the ceiling. A supply air array may be coupled to the ceiling. The supply air array may include a plurality of air diffusers that are configured to direct air into the operating room. A surgical light system may be suspended from the ceiling by a support beam and at least one boom arm. The surgical light system may include a main body defining an internal chamber, a lighting assembly secured to the main body, and an airflow circuit extending around a periphery of the lighting assembly. The lighting assembly may include at least one light unit configured to emit light. The airflow circuit is configured to direct airflow out of the main body underneath the lighting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an airflow-channeling surgical light system that may include an airflow circuit having one or more air paths that are configured to channel filtered air to a periphery or outer perimeter of a lighting assembly. The system is configured to deliver air directly under the lighting assembly. In at least one embodiment, the system may include a quick connect perimeter protective insert that includes a plurality of air passages. The positioning of the air passages prevents contaminants from easily entering the air path(s) and allows the perimeter protective insert to easily be removed for cleaning. The perimeter protective insert may also include a protective shield to lend additional support to the insert and also to help protect a light lens of the lighting assembly from contamination.

FIG. 1illustrates a lateral view of an operating room10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operating room10may be defined by walls12, a ceiling14, and a floor16. An operating table18may be supported on the floor16. The operating table18may include a support bed20that is configured to support a patient22. A surgical site19may be located on the patient22.

An airflow-channeling surgical light system100is suspended from the ceiling14above the operating table18, which may define a sterile field. A support beam102extends downwardly from the ceiling14. One or more boom arms104may extend from the support beam102. The airflow-channeling surgical light system100connects to a boom arm104. As shown inFIG. 1, two surgical light assemblies100may be coupled to two separate and distinct boom arms104. Alternatively, more or less surgical light assemblies100than shown may be used.

A supply air array106may be secured above the ceiling104, such as within a plenum. The supply air array106is configured to direct airflow into the operating room10. The supply air array106may include one or more air diffusers108that are connected to one or more return vents110, which may be secured to one or more walls12. For example, the supply air array106directs airflow into the operating room through the diffusers108. The airflow passes into the return vents110, which channel the airflow back into the supply air array106, where the airflow is filtered and directed back into the operating room through the air diffusers108.

FIG. 2illustrates a perspective bottom view of the airflow-channeling surgical light system100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The surgical light system100may include a main body120that is configured to couple to the boom arm104. A lighting assembly122is secured to the main body120and may include one or more light units that are configured to direct light through the sterile field onto the surgical site19. For example, the light units may be or include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Optionally, the light units may be incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, and/or the like.

An airflow outlet124is formed around the periphery of the lighting assembly122. The periphery is the outer perimeter portion of the lighting assembly122. An airflow circuit, including the airflow outlet124, may also extend around other portions of the lighting assembly122, such as top and bottom portions of the lighting assembly122, as described below. The airflow outlet124is configured to direct airflow underneath the lighting assembly122. The airflow outlet124does not extend through the lighting assembly122. In at least one embodiment, an entire airflow circuit, which may include the airflow outlet124, does not extend into or through the lighting assembly122. Instead, the airflow circuit and outlet124extend around an outer perimeter or periphery of the lighting assembly122. That is, the airflow circuit is routed around the lighting assembly122so as not to interfere with operation of the lighting assembly122. A protective insert may be configured to be removably secured to the main body, such as to the airflow outlet124.

FIG. 3illustrates a perspective bottom view of a protective insert130, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The protective insert130may include a support frame132that is configured to be removably secured to and/or within the airflow outlet124, such as within a retaining channel of a peripheral airflow channel. For example, the support frame132may be configured to snapably, latchably, or otherwise removably couple to the airflow outlet124. In at least one embodiment, the support frame132may be configured to be secured within the airflow outlet124through an interference fit, a press fit, and/or the like.

The support frame132may include a plurality of air passages that are configured to receive airflow from the airflow outlet124and direct the airflow underneath the lighting assembly122(shown inFIG. 2). As shown, the support frame132may be shaped as a ring. Optionally, the support frame132may be formed as various other shapes and sizes, depending on the shape and size of the surgical light system100.

The protective insert130may also include a transparent shield134that extends between interior edges of the support frame132. The transparent shield134may be formed of glass, clear plastic, and/or the like. Optionally, the transparent shield134may be tinted. The transparent shield134is configured to extend beneath a lens and/or lower transparent surface of the lighting assembly122. In this manner, the transparent shield134is configured to protect the lighting assembly122from contaminants. Alternatively, the protective insert130may not include the transparent shield134.

In operation, the support frame132of the protective insert130is configured to provide a circuitous airflow path between the airflow outlet124and a volume beneath the surgical light system100. As such, the support frame132reduces the possibility that contaminants (such as bacteria, bodily fluids, and the like) enter the airflow outlet124. Further, the transparent shield134protects the lighting assembly122from contaminants. After a surgical operation, the protective insert130may be removed from the surgical light system100and cleaned in order to remove any contaminants thereon or therein.

Alternatively, the support frame132may be permanently fixed to the main body120. For example, the support frame132may be permanently fixed to or otherwise within the airflow outlet124.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective top view of the airflow-channeling surgical light system100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A covering cap140, such as a dome, may be secured over a portion of the main body120. An air inlet passage142may be defined between a lower surface of the covering cap140and an upper surface of the main body120. In operation, airflow is drawn into the main body120through the air inlet passage142. The airflow is channeled from the air inlet passage142to an internal airflow circuit (such as formed by one or more conduits, pipes, passages, and/or the like), which channels the airflow around the lighting assembly122(shown inFIG. 2) and out of the system100by way of the airflow outlet124(shown inFIG. 2).

FIG. 5illustrates a bottom view of the airflow-channeling surgical light system100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lighting assembly122may include a plurality of light units144above a lens or transparent panel146. The transparent shield134of the protective ring130is disposed underneath the lens or transparent panel146.

The support frame132of the protective insert130is secured within the airflow outlet124. As noted, the airflow outlet124extends around a periphery of the lighting assembly122. The support frame132may include a plurality of air outlet passages148. The air outlet passages148may be disposed at a common level. Optionally, one or more air outlet passages148may be disposed at different levels than one or more other air outlet passages148.

FIG. 6illustrates a lateral internal view of the airflow-channeling surgical light system100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The main body120may include an outer shroud150that defines an internal chamber152. An opening154is formed through a top of the outer shroud150. The covering cap140is secured to the main body120within the opening154such that the air inlet passage142forms (or otherwise is) a gap between a lower surface of the covering cap140and an upper surface of the outer shroud150.

A fan156(such as an electric, piezoelectric, or other such fan) is secured within the internal chamber152underneath the covering cap140. An air filter158, such as a high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter, may be positioned underneath the fan156. An upper air channel160is secured above the lighting assembly122. The upper air channel160may not extend into the lighting assembly122. Instead, the upper air channel160provides an air conduit that extends over the lighting assembly122. The upper air channel160connects to one or more lateral or peripheral air channels162that extend around a periphery of the lighting assembly122. The airflow outlet124connects to the peripheral air channel162. For example, the airflow outlet124may form a terminal end of the peripheral air channel162. The airflow outlet124connects to the support frame132of the protective insert130. Accordingly, an airflow circuit extends from the air inlet passage142through the fan156and the air filter158. The airflow circuit continues from the fan156and the air filter158into the upper air channel160, which connects to the peripheral air channel162, and into the airflow outlet124, which connects to the support frame132, which includes the air outlet passages148. Accordingly, the airflow circuit extends around the lighting assembly122, and may not extend into the lighting assembly122.

The upper air channel160may be one or more linear channels formed above the lighting assembly122. Optionally, the upper air channel160may be an internal cavity that forms a disc shape within the main body120. The peripheral air channels162may include one or more channels connecting to the upper air channel160. For example, a single circumferential air channel162may circumferentially extend from the upper air channel160.

As shown, flowing air (that is, airflow) enters the surgical light system100through the air inlet passage142and is directed out through the air outlet passages148. The fan156is downstream from the air inlet passage142. The air filter158is downstream from the fan156. The upper air channel160is downstream from the air filter158. The peripheral air channel162is downstream from the upper air channel160. The airflow outlet124is downstream from the peripheral air channel162(or otherwise forms a downstream terminal portion of the peripheral air channel162). The air outlet passages148of the protective insert130are downstream from the airflow outlet124.

In operation, as the fan156is activated, the rotation of fan156draws in air outside of the surgical light system100through the air inlet passage142. The fan156moves the air through the air filter158, which filters contaminants from the air. The fan156continues to move the air through the air filter158and into the upper air channel160. The air180is then channeled to the peripheral air channel162and out through the airflow outlet124. The air180then passes through a circuitous air path within the support frame132and out through the air outlet passages148. The air outlet passages148may be angled to shunt and direct the air180out of the system100at an angle towards a central imaginary axis182extending downwardly from a center of the lighting assembly122. The axis182is “imaginary” in that it is a virtual axis that extends through and out of the lighting assembly122.

The circuitous air path includes one or more turns that re-direct the airflow therein. For example, the turn(s) may cause the airflow to turn at a right angle. As another example, the turn(s) may cause the airflow to turn in an opposite direction from a previous direction of travel (for example, in a direction that is 180 degrees from the initial direction of travel).

FIG. 7illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support frame132of the protective insert130removed from the airflow outlet124of the airflow-channeling lighting system100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the airflow outlet124may be formed by an angled wall183that angles downwardly from an inboard area184(that is, closer to the central imaginary axis182) to an outboard area186(that is, further from the central imaginary axis182). An opening188is formed through the angled wall183. The opening188allows air180to pass therethrough in a direction that is angled toward the central imaginary axis182(shown inFIG. 6).

The main body120may include a lower rim190that extends below the airflow outlet124. A retaining channel192may be defined between an outer peripheral portion194of the lighting assembly122and the lower rim190. The lower rim190may include a circumferential retaining divot196.

The support frame132includes an outboard wall200that connects to an upper rim202, which, in turn, connects to an inboard wall204having an opening206formed therethrough. The inboard wall204may connect to a support wall208that connects to an angled wall210having the air outlet passages148formed therethrough. A detent212(such as a ridge, lip, or other such protuberance) extends radially outward from the outboard wall200and is configured to be securely retained within the retaining divot196. In this manner, the support frame132may be removably secured to the main body120. Alternatively, the lower rim190may include the detent, while the support frame132includes retaining divot.

FIG. 8illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support frame132of the protective insert130secured within the retaining channel192that is in fluid communication with the airflow outlet124of the airflow-channeling lighting system100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support frame132defines an internal air path220therein. The air path220extends from the opening206to the air outlet passages148. As shown, air180passes out of the opening180of the airflow outlet124at an angle. The air180winds or otherwise turns around the upper rim202and enters air path220through the opening206. The air180then passes out of the airflow outlet180through the air passages148at an angle defined by the angled surface of the angled wall210. As shown, the air180is directed out of the support frame132at an angle toward the central imaginary axis182(shown inFIG. 6). As such, the airflow is directed underneath the lighting assembly122.

A circuitous air path is formed between the airflow outlet124and the air outlet passages148. The air180passes out of the air flow outlet124toward the central imaginary axis182, but is shunted to double-back toward the outboard wall200of the support frame132. The air180is then re-directed toward the central imaginary axis182by way of the air outlet passages148formed through the angled wall210. The circuitous air path reduces the possibility that contaminants may pass into the peripheral channel162, as there are structures (for example, the upper rim202) that shield the opening188of the airflow passage124from being directly exposed to the surgical site19or any contaminants or debris within the sterile field or the room10.

Referring toFIGS. 1-8, the surgical light system100forces air around a periphery of the lighting assembly120and out through the air outlet passages148of the protective insert130. The forced air is directed underneath the lighting assembly120. The delivery of the forced air underneath the lighting assembly122generates a pressure zone underneath the lighting assembly122, which reduces air turbulence, thereby reducing the possibility of contaminants passing onto or into the surgical site19or back into the surgical light system100.

The fan156and filter158may be interchangeably positioned within the internal chamber152. The surgical light system100may be formed as various other shapes and sizes than shown. For shapes that are not round or symmetrical, a higher concentration of air openings188and/or air outlet passages148may be disposed along shorter lengths of the system100to balance the airflow with the longer sides.

Alternatively, the system100may not include the fan and/or the filter. Instead, the system100may be coupled to a separate, distinct, and remote air delivery source that is configured to move air through the airflow circuit.

As shown and described, the system100is configured to direct pressurized air underneath an entire lower surface of the lighting assembly122without blocking any light that is generated by the lighting assembly. Further, because the air is channeled around the lighting assembly (instead of through the lighting assembly), the density of light units within the lighting assembly may be maintained (instead of spreading light units apart to allow for air channels to be formed therebetween). The pressurized air underneath the lighting assembly122reduces turbulent recirculation of contaminants directly over the patient and surgical site. The protective insert130reduces the likelihood of blood, bone fragments, bodily fluids, or other contaminants from infiltrating into the airflow circuit. The protective ring130may be removed from the system100after a procedure to be cleaned.

Embodiments may be used in relation to a hospital operating room environment. Optionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in various other settings in which pressurized airflow is to be directed underneath a lighting assembly. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in dental offices, manufacturing clean rooms, residential spaces, and the like.

FIG. 9illustrates a cross-sectional view of a support frame300of a protective insert302, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support frame300is similar to the support frame132, except that a single linear wall304extends from the upper rim306to the angled wall308. The support frame300may be sized and shaped differently than shown. For example, a curved airflow path may be formed through therethrough. The support frame300may be used with any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10illustrates a lateral internal view of an airflow-channeling surgical light system400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system400is similar to the system100and is configured to direct airflow403outwardly around a periphery of a lighting assembly402at an angle toward a central imaginary axis404of the system400. The system400includes a fan406and an air filter408that may be offset from the central imaginary axis404. The position of the fan406and the air filter408as shown inFIG. 10may be used with respect to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11illustrates a lateral internal view of an airflow-channeling surgical light system500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, air inlet passages502may be formed through a side (instead of a top) of a main body504. The air inlet passages502as shown inFIG. 11may be used with respect to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12illustrates a lateral internal view of an airflow-channeling surgical light system600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system600may include a protective insert602having a support frame604connected to a transparent shield606. An air chamber608may be defined between a lens or transparent panel610of the lighting assembly612and the transparent shield606. A plurality of air passages may be formed through the transparent shield606. As such, air may be directed into the air chamber608and forced through the air passages underneath the lighting assembly612.

FIG. 13illustrates a bottom view of the protective insert602, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a plurality of air passages612are formed through the transparent shield606. The protective insert602shown and described with respect toFIGS. 12 and 13may be used with any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14illustrates a bottom view of an airflow-channeling surgical light system700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system700may be elliptical, instead of circular.

FIG. 15illustrates a bottom view of an airflow-channeling surgical light system800, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system800may include linear outer edges. In general, the light systems shown and described may be various shapes and sizes, such as square, rectangular, triangular, circular, elliptical, ovoid, irregularly-shaped, and/or the like. Additionally, the light systems may be configured with concentric rings with an air void between or around them.