A new surgical retractor uses cool intelligent photonics technology to illuminate the surgical working area without obstructing other tools.

The Eikon LT illuminated retractor is designed to improve intra-cavity illumination and visualization by integrating proprietary photonic technology, enabling minimally invasive and minimal access open surgeries, including breast oncology and reconstruction, thyroid oncology, and general surgery. The retractor is made from a non-conductive reinforced polymer material to eliminate risks related to overheating and burns due to arcing from electrosurgical devices. When coupled with thermally cool illumination, the retractor virtually eliminates thermal hazards associated with traditional electrosurgical devices and fiber optics.

The reinforced polymer also makes the retractor 40% lighter than traditional ones, helping to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency for surgeons operating through deep cavities while using smaller incisions. Additional enhancements to the blade and tip further enable surgeons to optimize clinical and cosmetic outcomes in minimally invasive procedures; smooth edges reduce tissue trauma and allow for easy maneuverability, while flexibility in the blade puts less tension, stress, and trauma on the flap to maintain viability and integrity.

The Eikon LT accommodates multiple positions and hand sizes, offering an improved ergonomic design that includes grooves and thumb slots in the handle that provide a comfortable grip that also prevents hand slippage, improving the surgeon’s precision. To accommodate physician preferences and varying patient anatomies, the Eikon LT is available in multiple sizes, with eight retractors ranging from 40–175 mm. The Eikon LT surgical illuminated retractor is a product of Invuity (San Francisco, CA, USA).

“We're continually looking for innovative ways to address real-world needs for healthcare providers and to drive clinical improvements in minimal access surgery,” said Paul Davison, Vice President of Research and Development at Invuity. “One way to do that is to provide thermally cool illumination and eliminate the potential for patient burns. We developed a proprietary reinforced polymer material for Eikon LT that is 100% nonconductive, improving safety in the operating room and further reducing the risk of burns caused by electrosurgical device arcing.”

“The Eikon LT’s lightweight design and flexible blade enable me to operate more efficiently, and improve breast flap viability without the worry of burn injury,” said Sunny Mitchell, MD, director of women’s health services at Coney Island Hospital (NY, USA). “This type of innovation enables enhancements in surgical technique that improve patient safety and the overall patient experience.”

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