A surgical visualization system comprises: (a) an endoscope comprising: (i) a shaft comprising a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a patient, (ii) a camera positioned at the distal end of the shaft for visualizing a first structure below a tissue surface within the cavity when the distal end is inserted into the cavity, wherein the camera defines a line of sight, wherein the camera is configured to be swept over the first structure; and (b) a processor in operative communication with the camera of the endoscope, wherein the processor is configured to: (i) monitor at least one sweep parameter when the camera is swept over the first structure, and (ii) estimate a depth of the first structure below the tissue surface based on the monitored at least one sweep parameter.

A method of operating a surgical visualization system includes illuminating an anatomical field of a patient using a waveform transmitted by an emitter. The method also includes capturing an image of the anatomical field based on the waveform using a receiver. The emitter and the receiver are configured for multispectral imaging or hyperspectral imaging. The method also includes determining an adjustment to at one operating parameter of the surgical visualization system based on at least one environmental scene parameter. The method also includes automatically implementing the adjustment to the at least one operating parameter to aid in identification of at least one anatomical structure in the anatomical field.

A method of operating a surgical visualization system includes illuminating an anatomical field of a patient using a waveform transmitted by an emitter. The method also includes capturing an image of the anatomical field based on the waveform using a receiver. The emitter and the receiver are configured for multispectral imaging or hyperspectral imaging. The method also includes determining an adjustment to at one operating parameter of the surgical visualization system based on at least one environmental scene parameter. The method also includes automatically implementing the adjustment to the at least one operating parameter to aid in identification of at least one anatomical structure in the anatomical field.

A system may be provided which comprises an illumination source adapted to simultaneously illuminate a surgical site with spectral light comprising a first wavelength of light and a second wavelength of light, a first set of sensors comprising sensors adapted to detect visible light, and a second set of sensors comprising sensors adapted to detect the first wavelength of light; and sensors adapted to detect the second wavelength of light. In such a case, the system may also comprise a display coupled to a processor configured to display an enhanced image of the surgical site comprising a visible light image from data detected by the first set of sensors and an overlay identifying a target structure based on light detected by the second set of sensors while the surgical site is illuminated by spectral light comprising the first and second wavelengths of light.

A system may be provided which comprises an illumination source adapted to simultaneously illuminate a surgical site with spectral light comprising a first wavelength of light and a second wavelength of light, a first set of sensors comprising sensors adapted to detect visible light, and a second set of sensors comprising sensors adapted to detect the first wavelength of light; and sensors adapted to detect the second wavelength of light. In such a case, the system may also comprise a display coupled to a processor configured to display an enhanced image of the surgical site comprising a visible light image from data detected by the first set of sensors and an overlay identifying a target structure based on light detected by the second set of sensors while the surgical site is illuminated by spectral light comprising the first and second wavelengths of light.

A medical device may comprise a handle, a first shaft extending from a distal end of the handle, and a second shaft extending a lumen of the first shaft. The handle may further include a first actuator and a second actuator. The first shaft may include (1) a plurality of lumens extending therethrough, (2) a distal face, and (3) a longitudinal axis. Actuation of the first actuator may articulate a distal portion of the first shaft. The second shaft may be axially movable relative to the first shaft such that the second shaft extends out of a distal opening of the first lumen and distally of the distal face. Actuation of the second actuator may articulate a distal portion of the second shaft.

An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor. The light output portion of the illuminator contains from two to eight output zones, each zone having specially designed output optical structures that control and direct light to escape the illuminator to shine onto a predetermined area of interest or to form one or more predetermined shapes or footprints.

A surgical retractor for illuminating a surgical field includes an ergonomic handle, a retractor blade coupled with the handle, a quick release mechanism, and an illuminator blade. The retractor blade is adapted to engage and retract tissue, and the quick release mechanism is adapted to couple the handle with the retractor blade. The illuminator blade acts as a waveguide to transmit light by total internal reflection. Light is extracted from the illuminator to illuminate the surgical field. The retractor blade is releasable from the handle without requiring uncoupling of the illuminator blade from the handle and also without requiring optical uncoupling of the illuminator blade from a light source. The retractor may also be adapted to evacuate smoke from the surgical field.

A surgical retractor for illuminating a surgical field includes an ergonomic handle, a retractor blade coupled with the handle, a quick release mechanism, and an illuminator blade. The retractor blade is adapted to engage and retract tissue, and the quick release mechanism is adapted to couple the handle with the retractor blade. The illuminator blade acts as a waveguide to transmit light by total internal reflection. Light is extracted from the illuminator to illuminate the surgical field. The retractor blade is releasable from the handle without requiring uncoupling of the illuminator blade from the handle and also without requiring optical uncoupling of the illuminator blade from a light source. The retractor may also be adapted to evacuate smoke from the surgical field.

A skin measuring microscope includes a housing, an electronic imager disposed along an imaging axis, and an illumination system. The illumination system includes a plurality of LEDs disposed in a ring-like configuration adjacent a distal end of the housing.