Patent Publication Number: US-2011054574-A1

Title: Ultraviolet sterilizer for surgery

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Reference is hereby made to provisional patent application titled, “Method and Apparatus For Sanitizing and Sterilization In Surgery Using an Ultraviolet Coherent Light Source;” filed by Perry Dean Felix, of Houston, Tex., on Aug. 26, 2009, Ser. No. 61/275,135. The prior application is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of ultraviolet sterilization, and more particularly to sanitizing and sterilizing for medical and surgical applications by using an ultraviolet coherent light source or a high intensity focused ultraviolet light source. 
     Surgery has become commonplace worldwide in medical practice to maintain the health and save the lives of patients. Surgery to repair, remove, or replace damaged organs, blood vessels, and tissues. Surgery to remove cancerous growths. Surgery to enhance appearance cosmetically. This includes surgery of all kinds including, but not limited to, general surgery, dental and oral surgery, open heart surgery, laparoscopic surgery, arthroscopic surgery, and veterinary surgery. In the course of these surgical procedures, open incisions and exposed tissues render the patient vulnerable to infection by bacteria and viruses. Maintenance of a sterile operating environment has proven to be difficult. Oral and intravenous antibiotics and topical antiseptics are not always effective in preventing infections. 
     Introducing topical antiseptics during surgery can interrupt the surgeon&#39;s concentration. Introducing topical antiseptics during laparoscopic and arthroscopic surgery is difficult through the tiny incisions. Covering the entire exposed tissue area with an antiseptic during general surgery is not always possible. Many people are allergic to certain intravenous antibiotics, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. Topical antiseptics sterilize only the applied surfaces, and do not penetrate the tissues. 
     Accordingly, there is a need to provide an ultraviolet sterilizer for use during surgery that can be administered while the surgeon operates, as well as during a pause in the procedure, as desired. 
     There is a further need to provide an ultraviolet sterilizer of the type described for use during surgery and that can be administered during laparoscopic and arthroscopic surgery through tiny incisions. 
     There is a yet further need to provide an ultraviolet sterilizer of the type described for use during surgery and that will consistently cover the entire exposed tissue area, and penetrate through layers of tissue to destroy bacteria beneath the surface. 
     There is a still further need to provide an ultraviolet sterilizer of the type described for use during surgery and that will reliably destroy every class of bacterial and viral germs, without harming the patient. 
     There is another need to provide an ultraviolet sterilizer of the type described for use during surgery and that is completely non-allergenic to every patient. 
     There is yet another need to provide an ultraviolet sterilizer of the type described for use during surgery and that can be manufactured cost-effectively while maintaining standards of high quality. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an ultraviolet sterilizer for use during surgery  20 . The ultraviolet sterilizer  20  comprises a base  22 , and an ultraviolet (UV) light source  24  received within the base  22 . The UV light source  24  can be of any type, for example a UV vertical cavity surface emitting laser, a UV light emitting diode (LED), a UV vertical light emitting diode, an edge emitting laser, a fiber laser, or a lamp. UV light wavelengths for the application may range from 90 nm to 400 nm. UV light in the band of wavelengths between 280 nm and 320 nm is known to burn living tissues. Certain kinds of UV light sources will require an optical frequency multiplier that outputs light in the ultraviolet range, and having a wavelength of less than 280 nm, or greater than 320 nm, to avoid burning the patient. 
     An aiming light source  26  is received within the base  22  to selectively direct the UV light toward the surgery. The aiming light source  26  can be integral with the UV light source  24 , or separate. Their outputs are combined optically into one beam. A crosshair image can be projected to position the light on the incision. 
     A lamp  28  has a housing  30  with a cavity  32  and at least one handle  34  adapted for manual grasping. An ocular plate  36  will pass the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward. An articulated arm  44  between the base  22  and the lamp  28  supports and allows selective positioning of the lamp  28 . 
     An alternative lamp  128  comprises a stylus  130  with a handle  132  adapted for manual grasping. The stylus  130  has a tip  134  smaller in diameter than the handle  132 , for easy insertion into any small incision or enclosed space. Examples include laparoscopic incisions, arthroscopic incisions, and oral cavities. 
     A fiber optic cable  38  extends from a proximal end  40  connected to the UV light source  24  and the aiming light source  26 , to a distal end  42  connected to the lamp. Various lenses or filters can be placed at either end of the fiber optic cable  38 . 
     An electronic power supply  46  is received within the base  22 , to power the ultraviolet light source  24  and the aiming light source  26 . 
     A computer having a central processor unit  48  is received within the base, to control the ultraviolet light source  24  and the aiming light source  26 . A keyboard  50  inputs commands to the central processor unit  48 . A sensing means measures parameters of the ultraviolet light, and provides feedback to the central processor unit  48 . 
     Another embodiment of the ultraviolet sterilizer  320  is mounted on a ceiling of the operating room. A lamp  352  has a housing  354  with a cavity  356  and at least one handle  358  adapted for manual grasping. Either a curved substrate  360  or a flat substrate  378  is received within the housing cavity  356 . The substrate serves as a foundation for mounting electronic components on one side, and a wiring harness  362  on the opposite side. The curved substrate  360  helps focus the light. 
     A plurality of solid state UV light emitting elements  364  are arrayed on the substrate  360  or  378 . The UV elements  364  are preferably vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. A plurality of solid state visible light emitting elements  366 , preferably LEDs, are also arrayed on the substrate  360  or  378  for aiming. The UV elements  364  and the visible LEDs  366  can be arrayed in any desired pattern on the substrate  360  or  378 . The UV elements  364  and the LEDs  366  are electrically connected to a power supplying means (not shown) and to a controlling means (not shown) by a wire cable  363 . 
     Either a curved mirror  368  or a flat mirror  386  is received within the housing cavity  356  and is disposed behind the substrate  360  or  378  to reflect light outward. An ocular plate  370  is mounted on the housing  354  to pass the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward. The ocular plate  370  can be a diffuser, a filter, a fresnel lens, or any element that will pass and process the light. The ocular plate  370  further serves to protect the UV elements  364  and the LEDs  366  from moisture, damage, and soiling. 
     A base  322  is attached to the ceiling. An articulated arm  344  is interposed between the base  322  and the lamp  352  for supporting and selectively positioning the second lamp  352 , and for directing the light toward the surgery. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained from consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective, partial sectional view of an ultraviolet sterilizer constructed in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective, partial sectional view of another ultraviolet sterilizer constructed in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective, detail view of a further embodiment of the ultraviolet sterilizer of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective, partial sectional view of yet another ultraviolet sterilizer constructed in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective, exploded detail view of the ultraviolet sterilizer of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective, exploded detail view of an additional embodiment of the ultraviolet sterilizer of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective, exploded view of still another ultraviolet sterilizer constructed in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective, exploded detail view of an additional embodiment of the ultraviolet sterilizer of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawing, and especially to  FIGS. 1-4  thereof, an ultraviolet sterilizer for use during surgery is shown at  20 . The ultraviolet sterilizer  20  comprises a base  22 , and an ultraviolet light source  24  received within the base  22  for supplying ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet (UV) light source  24  can be of any type, for example an ultraviolet vertical cavity surface emitting laser, an ultraviolet vertical light emitting diode (LED), an edge emitting laser, and a fiber laser. A solid state source is preferred, but any ultraviolet light source  24  can be employed, as for instance a mercury vapor UV lamp. UV light in the band of wavelengths between 280 nm and 320 nm is known to cause sunburn and like damage to living tissues. Certain kinds of ultraviolet light sources  24  will require an optical frequency multiplier that outputs light in the ultraviolet range, and having a wavelength of less than 280 nm, or greater than 320 nm, as to avoid burning the patient. For example, a fiber laser emitting a light wavelength of 1064 nm is frequency tripled to yield an output having a wavelength of 355 nm, which is above the damaging band. Another laser emitting a light wavelength of 1064 nm is frequency doubled twice using optics and crystals to quadruple the frequency to yield an output having a wavelength of 266 nm, which is below the damaging band. 
     An aiming light source  26 , is received within the base  22 . As the ultraviolet light is invisible, a visible aiming light is necessary to selectively direct the ultraviolet light toward the surgery. A solid state aiming light source  26  such as a visible LED, is preferred. However, any visible source can be used, such as a halogen light. In  FIG. 1 , the aiming light source  26  is shown as integral with the ultraviolet light source  24 . Their outputs are combined optically into one beam. The aiming light may include further aids, including a means (not shown) for the projection of geometric patterns. A contrasting image such as a crosshair or target rings can be projected, to help the surgeon position the light properly on the incision. Projection of images is well known by those skilled in the art. 
     A lamp is shown at  28 , and is in optical communication with the ultraviolet light source  24 , and the aiming light source  26 . The lamp  28  has a housing  30  with a cavity  32  and at least one handle  34  adapted for manual grasping. An ocular plate  36  is mounted on the housing  30  to pass the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward toward the surgery. The ocular plate  36  can be a diffuser, a filter, a fresnel lens, or any element that will pass light outward, and process the light as desired. An articulated arm  44  is interposed between the base  22  and the lamp  28  for supporting and selectively positioning the lamp  28  and for directing the aiming light toward the surgery. 
     A fiber optic cable  38  extends from a proximal end  40  connected to the ultraviolet light source  24  and the aiming light source  26 , through the articulated arm  44 , to a distal end  42  connected to the lamp  28 . The fiber optic cable  38  conducts the combined beam of the ultraviolet light and the aiming light to the lamp  28 . The distal end  42  of the fiber optic cable  38  is polished to allow light to pass. Various lenses or filters (not shown) can be introduced into the light path at either end of the fiber optic cable  38  to manage the light. 
     Power supplying means  46  is received within the base  22 , for supplying electrical power to the ultraviolet light source  24  and the aiming light source  26 . The power supplying means  46  is an electronic power supply  46  receiving power from an external source (not shown). The electronic power supply  46  is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source  24  and the aiming light source  26 . The connections are not shown in  FIG. 1 , but are well known by those skilled in the art. 
     Controlling means is received within the base, for controlling the ultraviolet light source and the aiming light source. The controlling means is a computer having a central processor unit (CPU)  48  connected to the ultraviolet light source  24  and the aiming light source  26 . An inputting means, such as a keyboard  50 , is provided for inputting commands to the central processor unit  48 . A sensing means (not shown) is provided for sensing parameters of the ultraviolet light, such as intensity and frequency. The sensing means provides feedback to the central processor unit  48 . The feedback data is analyzed and used to regulate the ultraviolet light source  24 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , another ultraviolet sterilizer for use during surgery is shown at  120 . The ultraviolet sterilizer  120  is similar to ultraviolet sterilizer  20  described above, in that it comprises a base  122 , and an ultraviolet light source  124  received within the base  122  for supplying ultraviolet light. As before, a solid state source is preferred, but any ultraviolet light source  124  can be employed. An optical frequency multiplier may be used to adjust the output to be within the proper band. 
     An aiming light source  126 , is received within the base  122 . A solid state aiming light source  126  such as a visible LED, is preferred. In  FIG. 2 , the aiming light source  126  is shown as integral with the ultraviolet light source  124 . Their outputs are combined optically into one beam. The aiming light may include a projected crosshair or target rings for positioning. 
     A lamp is shown at  128 , and is in optical communication with the ultraviolet light source  124 , and the aiming light source  126 . The ultraviolet sterilizer  120  differs from ultraviolet sterilizer  20  described above, in that the lamp  128  further comprises a stylus  130  with a handle  132  adapted for manual grasping. The stylus  130  has a tip  134  extending from the handle  132 . The tip  134  is smaller in diameter than the handle  132 , so that the tip  134  can be easily inserted into any small incision or enclosed space. Examples include laparoscopic incisions, arthroscopic incisions, and oral cavities. 
     An arm  144  is rotatably mounted upon the base  122  and may optionally include an articulated member  145 . A fiber optic cable  138  extends from a proximal end  140  connected to the ultraviolet light source  124  and the aiming light source  126 , through the arm  144 , to a distal end  142  connected to the lamp  128 . The fiber optic cable  138  conducts the combined beam of the ultraviolet light and the aiming light to the lamp  128 . The distal end  142  of the fiber optic cable  138  is polished to allow light to pass. Optionally, the lamp  128  can comprise only the polished distal end  142  of the fiber optic cable  138 , without the stylus  130 . 
     A power supplying means, specifically an electronic power supply  146 , is received within the base  122 , for supplying electrical power to the ultraviolet light source  124  and the aiming light source  126 . The electronic power supply  146  is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source  124  and the aiming light source  126 . 
     A controlling means, specifically a computer having a central processor unit  148 , is received within the base  122 , and is connected to the ultraviolet light source  124  and the aiming light source  126 . An inputting means, such as a keyboard  150 , is provided for inputting commands to the central processor unit  148 . A sensing means (not shown) is provided for sensing parameters of the ultraviolet light, and supplying feedback to the central processor unit  148 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6 , yet another embodiment of the ultraviolet sterilizer for use during surgery is shown at  220 . The ultraviolet sterilizer  220  is similar to ultraviolet sterilizer  20  described above, in that it comprises a base  222 , and an ultraviolet light source  224  received within the base  222  for supplying ultraviolet light. As before, a solid state source is preferred, but any ultraviolet light source  224  can be employed. An optical frequency multiplier may be used to adjust the output to be within the proper band. 
     An aiming light source  226 , is received within the base  222 . A solid state aiming light source  226  such as a visible LED, is preferred. In  FIG. 4 , the aiming light source  226  is shown as a separate unit mounted adjacent the ultraviolet light source  224 . Their outputs are combined optically into one beam. The aiming light may include a projected crosshair or target rings for positioning. 
     A first lamp is shown at  228 , and is in optical communication with the ultraviolet light source  224 , and the aiming light source  226 . The ultraviolet sterilizer  220  differs from ultraviolet sterilizer  20  described above, in that the first lamp  228  further comprises a stylus  230  with a handle  232  adapted for manual grasping. The stylus  230  has a tip  234  extending from the handle  232 . The tip  234  is smaller in diameter than the handle  232 , so that the tip  234  can be easily inserted into any small incision or enclosed space. Examples include laparoscopic incisions, arthroscopic incisions, and oral cavities. 
     A fiber optic cable  238  extends from a proximal end  240  connected to the ultraviolet light source  224  and the aiming light source  226 , to a distal end  242  connected to the first lamp  228 . The fiber optic cable  238  conducts the combined beam of the ultraviolet light and the aiming light to the first lamp  228 . The flexible fiber optic cable  238  allows the surgeon to comfortably manipulate the lamp in any direction. The distal end  242  of the fiber optic cable  238  is polished to allow light to pass. Optionally, the first lamp  228  can comprise only the polished distal end  242  of the fiber optic cable  238 , without the stylus  230 . A hook  236  holds the stylus  230  when it is not in use. 
     A power supplying means, specifically an electronic power supply  246 , is received within the base  222 , for supplying electrical power to the ultraviolet light source  224  and the aiming light source  226 . The electronic power supply  246  is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source  224  and the aiming light source  226 . 
     A computer having a central processor unit  248  is received within the base  222 , and is connected to the ultraviolet light source  224  and the aiming light source  226 . An inputting means, such as a keyboard  250 , is provided for inputting commands to the central processor unit  248 . A sensing means (not shown) is provided for sensing parameters of the ultraviolet light. The sensor supplies feedback to the central processor unit  248 . 
     A second lamp is shown at  252  in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The second lamp  252  has a housing  254  with a cavity  256  and at least one handle  258  adapted for manual grasping. A curved substrate  260  is received within the housing cavity  256 . The curved substrate  260  serves as a foundation for mounting electronic components on one side. The curved substrate  260  is curved to help focus and concentrate the light. The components are connected on the opposite side to one another or to an external wiring harness  262 . 
     A second ultraviolet light source comprises a plurality of solid state ultraviolet light emitting elements  264  arrayed on the substrate  260 . The solid state ultraviolet light emitting elements  264  are preferably vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. Other solid state devices can be used, for example, UV vertical light emitting diodes. 
     A second aiming light source comprises a plurality of solid state visible light emitting elements  266  arrayed on the substrate  260 . The solid state visible light emitting elements  266  are preferably light emitting diodes. The ultraviolet light emitting elements  264  and the visible light emitting elements  266  can be arrayed in any desired pattern on the substrate  260 . For example, the elements can alternate with one another across length and width of the substrate area. In another example, the visible light emitting elements  266  can be clustered in a central area, surrounded by the ultraviolet light emitting elements  264 . 
     The ultraviolet light emitting elements  264  and the visible light emitting elements  266  are electrically connected to the electronic power supply  246  and to the central processor unit  248  by a wire cable  263 . 
     A curved mirror  268  is received within the housing cavity  256  and is disposed behind the curved substrate  260 . The curved mirror  268  helps to reflect light outward. 
     An ocular plate  270  is mounted on the housing  254  to pass the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward toward the surgery. The ocular plate  270  can be a diffuser, a filter, a fresnel lens, or any element that will pass light outward, and process the light as desired. The ocular plate  270  further serves to protect the ultraviolet light emitting elements  264  and the visible light emitting elements  266  from moisture, damage, and soiling. 
     An articulated arm  244  is interposed between the base  222  and the second lamp  252  for supporting and selectively positioning the second lamp  252 , and for directing the light toward the surgery. 
     A alternative second lamp  272  is shown in  FIG. 6 . The second lamp  272  has a housing  274  with a cavity  276 . A flat substrate  278  is received within the housing cavity  276 . The flat substrate  278  takes up less space in the lamp housing  274 , and relies upon the ocular plate for focusing the light. The components are connected on to an external wiring harness  280 . 
     A plurality of solid state ultraviolet light emitting elements  282  are arrayed on the flat substrate  278 . A plurality of solid state visible light emitting elements  284  are arrayed on the flat substrate  278 . As before, the elements  282  and  284  can be arrayed in any desired pattern on the substrate  278 . 
     A flat mirror  286  is received within the housing cavity  276  and is disposed behind the flat substrate  278 . The flat mirror  286  helps to reflect light outward. 
     An ocular plate  288  is mounted on the housing  274  to pass the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward toward the surgery. 
     An optional filter (not shown) can be interposed into the optical path at any point. The filter is configured to block the passage of ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 280 nm and 320 nm, so as to avoid burning the patient. The filter is a redundant safety measure to protect the patient. The filter can be included in any embodiment of the invention described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , still another embodiment of the ultraviolet sterilizer for use during surgery is shown at  320 . The ultraviolet sterilizer  320  is similar to the second lamp  252  of ultraviolet sterilizer  220  described above, in that it comprises a lamp  352  with a housing  354  having a cavity  356  and at least one handle  358  adapted for manual grasping. A curved substrate  360  is received within the housing cavity  356 . The curved substrate  360  serves as a foundation for mounting electronic components on one side. The curved substrate  360  is curved to help focus and concentrate the light. The components are connected on the opposite side to one another or to an external wiring harness  362 . 
     An ultraviolet light source comprises a plurality of solid state ultraviolet light emitting elements  364  arrayed on the substrate  360 . The solid state ultraviolet light emitting elements  364  are preferably vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. Other solid state devices can be used, for example, UV vertical light emitting diodes. 
     An aiming light source comprises a plurality of solid state visible light emitting elements  366  arrayed on the substrate  360 . The solid state visible light emitting elements  366  are preferably light emitting diodes. The ultraviolet light emitting elements  364  and the visible light emitting elements  366  can be arrayed in any desired pattern on the substrate  360 . For example, the elements can alternate with one another across length and width of the substrate area. In another example, the visible light emitting elements  366  can be clustered in a central area, surrounded by the ultraviolet light emitting elements  364 . 
     The ultraviolet light emitting elements  364  and the visible light emitting elements  366  are electrically connected to a power supplying means (not shown) and to a controlling means (not shown) by a wire cable  363 . The controlling means can be only a switch, or can be a central processor unit. 
     A curved mirror  368  is received within the housing cavity  356  and is disposed behind the curved substrate  360 . The curved mirror  368  helps to reflect light outward. 
     An ocular plate  370  is mounted on the housing  354  to pass the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward toward the surgery. The ocular plate  370  can be a diffuser, a filter, a fresnel lens, or any element that will pass light outward, and process the light as desired. The ocular plate  370  further serves to protect the ultraviolet light emitting elements  364  and the visible light emitting elements  366  from moisture, damage, and soiling. 
     A base  322  is attached to a ceiling. An articulated arm  344  is interposed between the base  322  and the lamp  352  for supporting and selectively positioning the second lamp  352 , and for directing the light toward the surgery. 
     A alternative lamp  372  is shown in  FIG. 8 . The lamp  372  has a housing  374  with a cavity  376 . A flat substrate  378  is received within the housing cavity  376 . The flat substrate  378  takes up less space in the lamp housing  374 , and relies upon the ocular plate for focusing the light. The components are connected on to an external wiring harness  380 . 
     A plurality of solid state ultraviolet light emitting elements  382  are arrayed on the flat substrate  378 . A plurality of solid state visible light emitting elements  384  are arrayed on the flat substrate  378 . As before, the elements  382  and  384  can be arrayed in any desired pattern on the substrate  378 . 
     A flat mirror  386  is received within the housing cavity  376  and is disposed behind the flat substrate  378 . The flat mirror  386  helps to reflect light outward. 
     An ocular plate  388  is mounted on the housing  374  to pass the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward toward the surgery. 
     Using the ultraviolet sterilizer involves a sequence of events that typically will start with turning the power on, upon which the CPU will boot up, and then execute a system self test and calibrate the sensor. The surgeon will then position the ultraviolet sterilizer over the surgery or wound area, utilizing the visible light aiming. This is augmented with graphic or crosshair positioning aids. The UV system is triggered for a duration of 30 seconds or so. The layer of surgery is closed. The process is continued and repeated for each layer until the surgery is completed. 
     A method of sterilizing with ultraviolet light is also disclosed, for use during surgery, the method comprising the steps of supplying ultraviolet light with an ultraviolet light source, supplying visible aiming light with an aiming light source, providing a base, then providing a lamp, and communicating the lamp optically with the ultraviolet light source and the aiming light source. Next, directing the ultraviolet light toward the surgery with the aiming light, supplying electrical power to the ultraviolet light source and the aiming light source, and controlling the ultraviolet light source and the aiming light source, selectively. 
     Further steps comprise connecting a proximal end of a fiber optic cable to the ultraviolet light source and the aiming light source, connecting a distal end of the fiber optic cable to the lamp, and conducting the ultraviolet light and the aiming light to the lamp through the fiber optic cable. Next, receiving the ultraviolet light source and the aiming light source within the base, and selecting the ultraviolet light source from the group consisting of an ultraviolet vertical cavity surface emitting laser, an ultraviolet vertical light emitting diode, an edge emitting laser, and a fiber laser. 
     Further steps include multiplying the frequency of the ultraviolet light source optically, and outputting light in the ultraviolet range with a wavelength of less than 280 nm, thereby avoiding burning the patient. 
     Yet further steps comprise multiplying the frequency of the ultraviolet light source optically, and outputting light in the ultraviolet range with a wavelength of greater than 320 nm, thereby avoiding burning the patient. 
     Still further steps comprise interposing an articulated arm between the base and the lamp, and supporting and selectively positioning the lamp with the articulated arm, then providing the lamp with a housing having a cavity, mounting an ocular plate on the housing, and passing the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward toward the surgery through the ocular plate. 
     Additional steps comprise providing a stylus as the lamp, extending a handle along the stylus, and adapting the handle for manual grasping, then projecting a tip from the handle, the tip being smaller in diameter than the handle, and adapting the tip for inserting into a laparoscopic incision, an arthroscopic incision, and an oral cavity. 
     Additional steps include controlling the ultraviolet light with a central processor unit, inputting commands to the central processor unit, then sensing parameters of the ultraviolet light, and providing feedback to the central processor unit. 
     Yet additional steps comprise interposing an articulated arm between the base and the lamp, and supporting and selectively positioning the lamp with the articulated arm, then providing the lamp with a housing having a cavity, and receiving a substrate within the housing cavity. Next, arraying a plurality of solid state ultraviolet light elements on the substrate as the ultraviolet light source, arraying a plurality of solid state visible light elements on the substrate as the aiming light source, then mounting an ocular plate on the housing, and passing the ultraviolet light and the aiming light outward toward the surgery through the ocular plate. 
     A still additional step comprises projecting a geometric pattern having a contrasting image along with the visible aiming light, for positioning the light on the surgery. 
     Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. Details of the structure may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention and the exclusive use of all modifications that will come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. 
     PARTS LIST 
     Sterilization for Surgery Using Ultraviolet Light 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 PART 
                   
               
               
                 NO. 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 20 
                 ultraviolet sterilizer 
               
               
                 22 
                 base 
               
               
                 24 
                 ultraviolet light source 
               
               
                 26 
                 aiming light source 
               
               
                 28 
                 lamp 
               
               
                 30 
                 lamp housing 
               
               
                 32 
                 lamp housing cavity 
               
               
                 34 
                 lamp housing handle 
               
               
                 36 
                 ocular plate 
               
               
                 38 
                 fiber optic cable 
               
               
                 40 
                 fiber optic cable proximal end 
               
               
                 42 
                 fiber optic cable distal end 
               
               
                 44 
                 articulated arm 
               
               
                 46 
                 electronic power supply 
               
               
                 48 
                 central processor unit 
               
               
                 50 
                 keyboard 
               
               
                 120 
                 ultraviolet sterilizer 
               
               
                 122 
                 base 
               
               
                 124 
                 ultraviolet light source 
               
               
                 126 
                 aiming light source 
               
               
                 128 
                 lamp 
               
               
                 130 
                 stylus 
               
               
                 132 
                 stylus handle 
               
               
                 134 
                 stylus tip 
               
               
                 138 
                 fiber optic cable 
               
               
                 140 
                 fiber optic cable proximal end 
               
               
                 142 
                 fiber optic cable distal end 
               
               
                 144 
                 arm 
               
               
                 145 
                 articulated member 
               
               
                 146 
                 electronic power supply 
               
               
                 148 
                 central processor unit 
               
               
                 150 
                 keyboard 
               
               
                 220 
                 ultraviolet sterilizer 
               
               
                 222 
                 base 
               
               
                 224 
                 ultraviolet light source 
               
               
                 226 
                 aiming light source 
               
               
                 228 
                 first lamp 
               
               
                 230 
                 stylus 
               
               
                 232 
                 stylus handle 
               
               
                 234 
                 stylus tip 
               
               
                 236 
                 hook 
               
               
                 238 
                 fiber optic cable 
               
               
                 240 
                 fiber optic cable proximal end 
               
               
                 242 
                 fiber optic cable distal end 
               
               
                 244 
                 articulated arm 
               
               
                 246 
                 electronic power supply 
               
               
                 248 
                 central processor unit 
               
               
                 250 
                 keyboard 
               
               
                 252 
                 second lamp 
               
               
                 254 
                 housing 
               
               
                 256 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 258 
                 handle 
               
               
                 260 
                 curved substrate 
               
               
                 262 
                 wiring harness 
               
               
                 263 
                 wire cable 
               
               
                 264 
                 UV light emitting elements 
               
               
                 266 
                 visible light emitting elements 
               
               
                 268 
                 curved mirror 
               
               
                 270 
                 ocular plate 
               
               
                 272 
                 alternative second lamp 
               
               
                 274 
                 housing 
               
               
                 276 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 278 
                 flat substrate 
               
               
                 280 
                 wiring harness 
               
               
                 282 
                 UV light emitting elements 
               
               
                 284 
                 visible light emitting elements 
               
               
                 286 
                 flat mirror 
               
               
                 288 
                 ocular plate 
               
               
                 320 
                 ultraviolet sterilizer 
               
               
                 322 
                 base 
               
               
                 344 
                 articulated arm 
               
               
                 352 
                 lamp 
               
               
                 354 
                 housing 
               
               
                 356 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 358 
                 handle 
               
               
                 360 
                 curved substrate 
               
               
                 362 
                 wiring harness 
               
               
                 363 
                 wire cable 
               
               
                 364 
                 UV light emitting elements 
               
               
                 366 
                 visible light emitting elements 
               
               
                 368 
                 curved mirror 
               
               
                 370 
                 ocular plate 
               
               
                 372 
                 alternative lamp 
               
               
                 374 
                 housing 
               
               
                 376 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 378 
                 flat substrate 
               
               
                 380 
                 wiring harness 
               
               
                 382 
                 UV light emitting elements 
               
               
                 384 
                 visible light emitting elements 
               
               
                 386 
                 flat mirror 
               
               
                 388 
                 ocular plate