MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Orthopaedic business
of Smith & Nephew today announces the introduction of a
unique and innovative solution for one of the key challenges in minimally
invasive orthopaedic surgery. The SOLIS Surgical Illuminator, on display
this week at Smith & Nephew's booth at the annual American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting, is a flexible, disposable fiber optic light that
attaches unobtrusively to any retractor and can be inserted directly into the
small incision used with Smith & Nephew's minimally invasive instruments.
As incision lengths used for total knee and total hip replacements are
reduced, in some cases by as much as 75 percent, surgeons can have difficulty
visualizing their work inside the patient. At just half an inch wide and one-
tenth of an inch thick, this exclusive, patented light source is not only
quick and easy to use, but its bright flood of light produces virtually no
heat around the light source.
"The new SOLIS Surgical Illuminator is the newest addition to the family
of tools specifically engineered for minimally invasive surgery," says Steve
Hirsch, senior vice president and general manager of Smith & Nephew
Orthopaedics' Reconstructive division. "This new technology provides cool
light, illuminating the entire cavity as if a fluorescent light were turned on
inside the patient. It is substantially brighter and easier to use than other
light sources, allowing surgeons increased visibility of anatomy and proper
implant placement. This further improves visualization, and helps surgeons
save time and ensure more positive outcomes for their patients."
The SOLIS Surgical Illuminator attaches easily to existing retractors with
a bio-compatible adhesive. It can also be attached to suction devices or
other instruments, or, because it produces virtually no heat, can simply be
handheld in improvised situations.
The SOLIS Surgical Illuminator is manufactured by Lumitex, an Ohio-based
company that engineers light into sensitive applications in the medical and
electronics industries. The company uses proprietary technologies that
provide light without heat, electricity or electro-magnetic interference.
Lumitex has provided innovative lighting solutions in infant phototherapy,
surgical lighting, computer keyboards, and hand-held electronics, among other
applications. The agreement with Smith & Nephew is exclusive for orthopaedic
trauma and joint replacement applications.
Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics
is a leading provider of joint reconstruction, trauma and clinical therapy
products. Based in Memphis, Tenn., the company strives to combine industry-
leading technology with its history of clinically proven products to deliver
simpler, less invasive and more cost-effective procedures to the orthopaedic
community.
Source: Smith & Nephew