RADIOLUCENT SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

摘要

[0041] A radiolucent surgical instrument comprising an internal stiffener composed of a first composite material having a first modulus and an overmold component formed around at least a portion of the internal stiffener and composed of a second composite material having a second modulus. The first modulus may be greater than the second modulus. The overmold component may be formed around the internal stiffener via injection molding. The internal stiffener may be a structural laminate fabricated by composite ply lay-up and cure and may have a bending stiffness between approximately 10 MSI and 16 MSI. The overmold component may be a short fiber reinforced thermoplastic form and may have a non-uniform distribution of thickness. The surgical instrument may include, for example, retractors, forceps, elevators, dissectors, suction tubes, drill guides, or separators.