A surgical illumination system, according to the present disclosure may include one or more illumination elements mounted on or in a collar body or surgical retractor pin that may also include control electronics. The surgical illumination system affords controllable direct illumination of a deep cavity surgical site and may be moved independent of any surgeon or surgical instrument. The collar body or pin provides heat conductivity to remove heat generated by the illumination elements. The collar body is adapted for engagement of Steinman style surgical retractor pins and to afford optimal heat transfer to the retractor pin. Energy for the illumination elements may be provided by batteries or other suitable source through a cable or wireless link.
