Patent ID: 8047987

Claim:
A modular retractor illumination system comprising: a blade retractor having two generally parallel channels for engaging a blade insert illuminator system; and a blade insert illuminator system adjustably engaging the channels of the blade retractor, the blade insert illuminator system including an input element with a light input coupling, a plurality of light conduit sections, and an output element with one or more light output structure, wherein the plurality of light conduit sections are disposed in the parallel channels and also disposed between the light input element and the output element, and wherein the plurality of light conduit sections are arranged such that light is directed from a first light conduit section to an adjacent second light conduit section, wherein adjacent light conduit sections are engaged together with an engagement arm thereby maintaining a secure optical connection between the adjacent light conduit sections, and each light conduit section acts as a wavequide and may employ optical structures to polarize and or filter the light energy entering or exiting the wavequide.