Patent ID: 7371213

Claim:
An apparatus for illuminated retraction of a surgical cavity, the apparatus comprising: a surgical retractor having a generally tubular body forming a cannula insertable into a surgical cavity, the cannula having an inner surface defining a passage from a first end to second end and an outer surface for abutting the margins of the surgical cavity; a light conduit including a light emitting end, the light emitting end being positioned adjacent to the passage to direct light into the passage; and a retaining clip engageable with the cannula to hold the light conduit in place; wherein the passage defines a longitudinal axis, the light conduit comprising a generally flexible, sheet-like body conformable to the inner wall of the cannula; wherein the retaining clip is releasably coupled to the cannula and comprises a leg projecting radially inwardly toward the cannula axis and bending downwardly into the passage, the leg terminating in a generally arcuate foot conforming to the inner surface of the cannula, the leg and foot pressing against the light conduit body to secure it to the cannula.