Surgical retractor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical retractor assembly, and more particularly to a surgical retractor assembly that is structured and configured to move between locked and unlocked configurations / positions, have components that move with respect to other components, have parallel action, and provide improved visualization and fixation.

Description

Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 BSURGICAL RETRACTORBACKGROUND1. FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical retractor, and more particularly to a surgical retractor assembly that is structured and configured to move between locked and unlocked configurations / positions, have components that move with respect to other components, have parallel action, and provide improved visualization and fixation.2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] In the course of surgical procedures such as the harvest of the quad tendon for reconstruction / augmentation of other anatomy in the patient’s body, it is necessary to first expose the quad tendon and provide access to it so that surgical tools may then cut away the tendon and harvest the same. Access for a quad tendon harvest is often achieved by inserting a surgical retractor device, such as an “Army Navy” style retractor (as should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure), into a surgical incision in proximity to the quad tendon, and having a surgical technician (or other member of the operating room staff) hold this retractor in place relative to the patient’s knee for the duration of the quad tendon harvesting procedure.

[0003] Description of the Related Art Section Disclaimer: To the extent that specific patents / publications / products are discussed above in this Background Section or elsewhere in this Application, these discussions should not be taken as an admission that the discussed patents / publications / products are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed patents / publications / products may not be sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter developed early enough in time and / or may not be sufficiently enabling so as to amount to prior art for patent law purposes. To the extent that specific patents / publications / products are discussed above in this Background Section and / or throughout the application, the descriptions / disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference into this document in their respective entirety(ies).122136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 BBRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The inventors of the present disclosure recognize that there are problems and limitations with conventional static (singular piece with non-movable parts) retractor devices and related methods / processes. For example, the above referenced conventional process requires a member of the operating room staff to stand still and hold a conventional static retractor device in place for several minutes, during which time this person may be very limited in which other tasks he / she can perform (which need to be performed by yet another member of the surgical team). This results in a need for additional surgical staff during each procedure. Thus, there is a need for an improved surgical retractor that is structured and configured to at least be able to perform the functions needed of a conventional retractor without the need for a member of surgical staff to hold the retractor still for several minutes during a procedure (e.g., quad harvest).

[0005] It is therefore a principal object and advantage of the present disclosure to provide a surgical retractor assembly that eliminates one or more of the problems / issues associated with conventional products. A particular non-limiting goal of the utilization of the embodiments and implementations herein is to provide a retractor assembly that is dynamic and is structured and configured to move between locked and unlocked configurations / positions, have components that move with respect to other components, have parallel action, and provide improved visualization and fixation.

[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, a retractor assembly is provided that includes at least two components, a frame part / portion and a subframe / retractor part / portion. The subframe can change its height (size) easily so that the assembly can be smaller when desired (insertion and removal) and larger / taller when desired, tightly gripping on the inside surfaces of the surgical incision (e.g., during the quad harvest).

[0007] In accordance with an aspect, the subframe is movable, lockable, and unlockable with respect to the frame. The frame can include a first (top) elongated portion having a first end and a second end, a second (middle) elongated portion having a first end and a second end where the first end of the second portion connects to the second end of the first portion and the second portion extends at an angle to the first portion, and a third (bottom) elongated portion having a first end and a second end where the first end of the third portion connects to the second end of the second portion and the third portion extends at an angle to the second portion. The first portion of the frame can extend along a first plane that is parallel or substantially parallel (within 5-10 degrees)222136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B of a third plane along which the third portion extends. The second portion can extend along a second plane that is at an angle anywhere between 0 and 90 degrees, perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to (within 5-10 degrees) of the first plane. The first portion can include a first (top) surface that is either fully planar or planar along a middle portion and include rounded elongated sides, and a second (bottom) planar surface. The second portion can include two elongated leg portions with a middle-indented portion attached to sides of each elongated leg portion and having an opening with teeth on one or both elongated sides of the opening. The third portion includes two leg portions which can be connected at the first and second ends, but do not need to be. The second (bottom) surface of the third portion can include teeth or spikes to assist with holding the assembly in place within an incision in a patient when in use.

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment, the subframe can be similarly shaped to the frame. The subframe can include a first (top) elongated portion having a first end and a second end, a second (middle) elongated portion having a first end and a second end where the first end of the second portion connects to the second end of the first portion and the second portion extends at an angle to the first portion, and a third (bottom) elongated portion having a first end and a second end where the first end of the third portion connects to the second end of the second portion and the third portion extends at an angle to the second portion. The first portion of the subframe can extend along a fourth plane that is parallel or substantially parallel (within 5-10 degrees) of a sixth plane along which the third portion extends. The second portion can extend along a fifth plane that is at an angle anywhere between 0 and 90 degrees, perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to (within 5-10 degrees) of the fourth plane. The first portion of the subframe can include a first (top) surface that is similar in shape to the second surface of the frame’s first portion, and a second (bottom) surface that is similar in shape to the first surface of the frame’s first portion. The second portion of the subframe can include a button attached to a sub portion of the second portion that can flex with respect to the second portion. Teeth can be positioned to one or both sides of the button, and which are structured and configured to mate with the teeth of the frame portion (where the button and teeth extend from a first side of the second portion of the subframe). The third portion of the subframe can include teeth or spikes on a top surface to assist with holding up a top portion of patient tissue when the assembly is in place within an incision in a patient when in use.322136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B

[0009] In accordance with an aspect, the frame can form a frame space between the second side of the first portion, the second side of the second portion and the first side of the third portion. The subframe is structured and configured to fit within the frame space - where the first surface of the subframe’s first portion faces the second surface of the frame’s first portion, the first side of the subframe’s second portion faces the second surface of the frame’s second portion, and the second surface of the subframe’s third portion faces the first surface of the frame’s third portion. The button and teeth of the subframe can be configured to be biased toward the opening and teeth of the frame’s second portion, and thus toward the locking position. To unlock the subframe from the frame, a user can push the button in the direction of the frame space and then slide the subframe up to increase the size of the opening into the patient’s tissue or slide the subframe down to decrease the size of the opening into the patient’s tissue. In accordance with an embodiment, the button does not need to be pushed / actuated to move the subframe up with respect to the frame - the locking of the respective teeth only prevents movement in the downward direction. In addition, movement of the subframe up / down with respect to the frame can be performed incrementally, i.e., can move up one tooth at a time which is configured to lock the subframe from at least moving in the downward direction from that point (anywhere between position A and B, as discussed below).

[0010] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, a screw mechanism can be used as part of the subframe to actuate a portion or arm of the subframe up and down for skin retraction. This embodiment allows a user to readily adjust the amount of skin retraction, as desired. In addition, the utilization of a screw provides a mechanical advantage that aids in raising the arm to retract a patient’s skin.

[0011] The components / portions of the assembly according to an embodiment can be integrally formed, or can be sealed, snapped or otherwise connected together during the manufacturing process. The components / portions of the assembly according to an embodiment can be made from a plastic / biocompatible polymer and / or metal, as should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosed subject matter422136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosed subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0013] Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the distal side of the frame portion, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the proximal side of the frame portion, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the proximal side of the subframe portion, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the distal side of the subframe portion, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the proximal side of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the distal side of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the proximal side of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a side view of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the distal side of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a side view of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the proximal side of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the proximal side of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the distal side of the surgical retractor assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a leg of a patient.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a leg of a patient with an incision formed therein.522136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B

[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the surgical retractor assembly during a method of use on a leg of a patient.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the surgical retractor assembly during a method of use on a leg of a patient.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the surgical retractor assembly during a method of use on a leg of a patient.

[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the surgical retractor assembly during a method of use on a leg of a patient.

[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the surgical retractor assembly during a method of use on a leg of a patient.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the surgical retractor assembly during a method of use on a leg of a patient.

[0036] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the surgical retractor assembly during a method of use on a leg of a patient.

[0037] FIG. 23 is a proximal view of the surgical retractor assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 24 is a distal view of the surgical retractor assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Aspects of the present embodiments and certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure embodiments in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the embodiments, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and / or arrangements, within the spirit and / or scope of the underlying inventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0040] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be affected therein without departing from the spirit622136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B and scope of the invention as defined by claims that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements. If elements shown in a particular Figure discussed below are not specifically identified with respect to that Figure, the elements should be sufficiently identified with respect to at least one other Figure.

[0041] The use of terms “proximal” and “distal” are from the point of view of a surgical team member based on when the assembly or parts thereof are in use on patient.

[0042] This disclosure includes embodiments that focus on a surgical retractor assembly (and portions thereof) that accomplishes the main functions of a tissue retractor, such as an Army-Navy retractor for example, (and more) without the need for having a member of surgical staff holding it in place continuously for a prolonged period of time. As discussed herein, an embodiment of the surgical retractor assembly can include two parts / portions - a stationary frame part and a mobile sliding subframe retractor part. The frame part can include a slot that receives the retractor part which allows the retractor part to slide up and down with respect to the frame part within this slot, but the slot can constrain the motion of the retractor part in all other respect. In a starting position of the assembly, the retractor part can be at the bottom of its travel in the frame part. In this position the height of the region of the assembly to be inserted into an incision is kept to a minimum height. This minimizes the frontal area presented to tissue laying on top of the quad tendon as to facilitate entry of the assembly into the tissue that is on top of the quad tendon, separating it from the quad tendon. Once a portion (working portion) of the assembly is fully inserted into the incision, and the assembly’s underside is laying on top of the quad tendon, the handle on the retractor part is pulled upward with respect to the handle of the frame part. This can be accomplished with a squeezing motion applied to the frame part handle and the retractor part handle, bringing them together (with or without actuating a button on the retractor part, which in one embodiment can also be indirectly manipulated / actuated by applying a particular force on the retractor part to disengage a locking mechanism (e.g., teeth on the retractor part meshing / fitting together with the teeth of the frame part and are locked and prevent the vertical movement, and in some embodiments only prevent movement in one direction such as down - free movement up per the squeeze action without actuation (indirect or direct) because locking mechanism is not engaged or is disengaged, and movement down can call for button actuation - direct or indirect)). When the722136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B two handles are squeezed together, it causes the lifting feature of the retractor part to lift up the tissue even further away from the surface of the quad tendon. This creates vertical height / space above the quad tendon, creating space necessary to admit surgical tools and allow the surgeon to harvest the quad tendon.

[0043] As discussed herein, the frame part can include part of a locking mechanism that can include a series of multiple sawtooth-shaped teeth parallel to its track that holds the retractor part, these teeth are engaged by the sawtooth teeth present on the retractor part. As the retractor part is moved upward with respect to the frame part, the sawtooth-shaped teeth of retractor part successively engage sawtooth-shaped teeth that are higher and higher up the vertical length of the frame part. At each interval of engagement of the two sets of teeth, their shape secures the retractor part so that it cannot slide downward, but it can be allowed to move further upward if desired (without active unlocking). This ensures that any lifting movement of the retractor part is preserved and not lost in the event that the handles of the frame part and retractor part are no longer being squeezed. Once the retractor part is at the desired height, squeezing force can be released and the retractor part will stay in place. This increased vertical height under the retractor part allows for surgical instrument access to the quad tendon.

[0044] The surface of the retractor part that is configured to engage with the underside of the tissue being lifted off the quad tendon can have a multitude of small projections or spikes / teeth. These projections engage the tissue, and are configured and structured to minimize movement of the retractor with respect to the tissue being lifted. Similarly, an underside of the frame part can include similar small projections. These projections are structured and configured to engage the top surface of the quad tendon (e.g., its most medial and its most lateral sides), to minimize movement of the frame part with respect to the quad tendon. These projections on the frame part can be partially shielded by the retractor part when the retractor part is fully lowered; this keeps these projections from hindering insertion of the assembly into the surgical incision. Likewise the projections on the top surface of the retractor part can be similarly shielded from the tissue to be separated from the quad tendon by the hoop-like feature of the frame part, preventing the projections on the top surface of the retractor part from hindering insertion of the assembly into the surgical incision.

[0045] During the process of inserting the assembly into a surgical incision, adjustments to the retractor part height can be made and adjusted as may be needed to particular heights between822136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B lowest to highest and in between (A and B, as detailed below, and in between positions). At completion of a quad tendon harvest, for example, a surgeon or other surgical team member can press the button feature of the retractor part. Pressing the button feature can cause deflection of the flexible beam feature of the retractor part, allowing the sawtooth shaped teeth of the retractor part to disengage from the frame part. This allows the retractor part to lower with respect to the frame part, reducing the overall working height of the assembly inside the incision, shielding the projections on the top surface of the retractor part under the top edge of the hoop feature of the frame part, and shielding the projections on the bottom of the frame part by proximity to the underside of the retractor part’s lifting feature. Following these actions, removal of the assembly from the surgical incision can be performed after the quad harvest procedure is completed, which is able to be accomplished with minimal effort as compared to conventional devices.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, a frame 100, subframe 200, and retractor assembly 300 (including the combination of the frame and subframe) are illustrated according to an embodiment.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective distal end view of frame 100 according to an embodiment is shown. Frame 100 includes a first elongated portion (or arm) 102 having a top surface 102-2 and a bottom surface 102-4, and extends from a first proximal end 102-3 to a second distal free end 102-5. The first elongated portion 102 is connected to a second elongated portion 104 at a first end 104-1, and the second elongated portion 104 extends at an angle from the first elongated portion 102 to a second end 104-3. The second elongated portion is connected to a third elongated portion 106 adjacent to first proximal ends 106-5 of the third elongated portion, and the third elongated portion 106 extends at an angle to the second portion 104 to a second distal end 106-6.

[0048] Still referring to FIG. 1, the second portion includes a second distal surface 104-2 and a first proximal surface 104-12 (see FIG. 2). An indentation 104-2, opening or slit 104-4, teeth 104-5, and legs or leg like features 104-6, 104-8 are formed in part by and positioned on each side of the indentation. An instrument opening 104-10 is also shown. The third portion 106 is shown having two legs 106-2 and 106-4, an opening separating the legs 106-8, spikes or teeth 106-10 on the bottom surface of the legs, and a second distal portion 106-6. The first portion 102, second portion 104, and third portion 106 form a subframe opening 108 (see FIG. 2) within which the subframe 200 can be positioned and actuated / moved with respect to the frame 100.922136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B

[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective proximal end view of subframe 200 according to an embodiment is shown. Subframe 200 includes a first elongated portion (or arm) having a top surface 202-2 and a bottom surface 202-4, and extends from a first proximal end 202-3 to a second distal free end 202-5. The first elongated portion 202 is connected to a second elongated portion 204 at a first end 204-1, and the second elongated portion 204 extends at an angle from the first elongated portion 202 to a second end 204-3 (see FIG. 4). The second portion also includes a button 204-6 connected to a flexible portion 204-10 (more flexible than other sub portions of the second portion) positioned within the area of the second portion and connected at one end (e.g., top or bottom) so the other end with the button and teeth 204-8 can move in and out of a plane formed by the second portion as a whole when at rest. A plurality of teeth 204-8 (which can include 1 or more) can be positioned to one or both sides of the button 204-6 (which allows the button, and the teeth, to be actuated distally to release the teeth from the teeth of the frame to allow movement of the subframe up and down with respect to the frame, and in some embodiments, like the one shown, the button does not need to be actuated for upward movement - just for downward movement). The flexible portion can act like a cantilever spring and be biased to the non-actuated position / configuration shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows an indentation on the distal surface of the second portion, which can be an area within which flexible portion 204-10 can flex. The second elongated portion is connected to a third elongated portion 206 at a first proximal end 206-5 of the third elongated portion, and the third elongated portion 106 extends at an angle to the second portion 104 to a second distal end 106-6 (see FIG. 4).

[0050] Turning to FIGS. 5-7 and 12B, various views of a surgical retractor assembly 300 where button 204-6 is in position A are shown. When button is in position A, opening 104-10 is blocked by the second portion 204 of subframe 200 and the third portion 206 of subframe 200 is positioned (at least partially, if not fully) within space 106-8. In this position and configuration of the assembly 300, subframe is in a low or lowest position (where the first portion 202 of the subframe 200 is furthest away at distance DI from the first portion 102 of the frame 100). This is the position / configuration of assembly 300 which can be used for insertion into an incision of apatient, as it represents lowest profile of the portion of the assembly that is inserted (see FIGS. 16-19). The first portions of the frame and the subframe have not been squeezed together to move the subframe up with respect to the frame, and the third portion of the subframe (“tissue lifting1022136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B feature”) is in the lowest position with the spikes of the third portion of the subframe and the spikes of the third portion of the frame at least partially if not fully blocked / shielded.

[0051] Turning to FIGS. 8-12A and 13, various views of a surgical retractor assembly 300 where button 204-6 is in position B are shown. When button is in position B, opening 104-10 is no longer blocked by the second portion 204 of subframe 200 and the third portion 206 of subframe 200 is positioned outside (and above) space 106-8. In this position and configuration of the assembly 300, subframe is in a relatively high or highest position (where the first portion 202 of the subframe 200 is closest at distance D2 from the first portion 102 of the frame 100). This is the position / configuration of assembly 300 which can be used to create an opening for insertion of instruments through the incision of a patient, as it represents highest profile of the portion of the assembly that is inserted (see FIGS. 20-22). The first portions of the frame and the subframe have been squeezed together to move the subframe up with respect to the frame, and the third portion of the subframe (“tissue lifting feature”) is in the highest position with the spikes of the third portion of the subframe and the spikes of the third portion of the frame at least partially if not fully exposed (no longer shielded).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, button 204-6 can be actuated by force Fl in the distal direction (but does not need to be in this embodiment to move the subframe up), which allows a user to grab the first portion 102 of the frame 100 and the first portion 202 of the subframe, and exert a force F2 on the bottom surface 202-4 of the first portion 202 of the subframe toward the first portion 102 of the frame 100 to move the first portion 202 of the subframe toward the first portion 102 and form the configuration and positioning shown in FIG. 9 including the opening 104-10 (in other words, squeeze the first portion 202 of the subframe and the first portion 102 of the frame together). The opening 104-10 includes space created inside the “hoop” of the frame and underneath lifting feature (third portion) of the subframe to perform a surgical procedure including a quad harvest procedure.

[0053] Turning to FIGS. 14-22, a method of using the surgical retractor assembly according to an embodiment is shown. FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a patient’s leg 400 (thigh, knee and calf). FIG. 15 is a schematic simplified representation of a patient’s leg with an incision 400- 2 formed for a quad tendon harvest procedure. FIG. 16 shows the surgical retractor assembly 300 with the button in the A position, and FIGS. 17-19 show the surgical retractor assembly 300 inserted within the incision 400-2 - still with the button in the A position (prior to squeezing the1122136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B first portion of the frame and the first portion of the subframe together). FIGS. 20-22 show the surgical retractor assembly 300 inserted within the incision 400-2 with the button moved to the B position (and the opening 104-10 is formed and held open by the locking mechanism of the assembly, e.g. , teeth of the frame / subframe, and the spikes 106-10 and 206-2 assisting with holding the assembly in place and position while a procedure is performed through the opening 104-10). FIGS. 20-22 show the assembly after squeezing the first portion of the frame and the first portion of the subframe together, and movement of the subframe button (and assembly) to configuration B . FIG. 22 essentially shows the opening 104-10 and pocket created in tissue as result of squeezing handles of the assembly together, causing the subframe to lift tissue up off the quad tendon.

[0054] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, separate views of a suture retractor assembly 300’ is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The suture retractor assembly 300’ includes a knob 302 connected to a threaded screw portion 304. This knob / screw is connected to a second portion 306 of a frame portion (no first portion of a frame as set forth in the embodiment discussed above - only second 306 and third 312), and the screw portion is connected to an opening 310 (preferably having threads that mate with the threads of the screw portion to allow the screw portion to raise and lower the third elongated portion 308 of a subframe) within the third elongated portion 308 of a subframe (no first or second portion of the subframe, at least as discussed above). The third elongated portion 308 of the subframe acts as a retractor (similarly to the third portion of the subframe, discussed above). The main difference is that the screw mechanism is employed to actuate the arm up and down for skin retraction. The screw mechanism allows a user to readily adjust the amount of skin retraction, as desired, in a potentially finer manner than the embodiment discussed above. In addition, the utilization of a screw provides a mechanical advantage that aids in raising the arm to retract the skin of an incision.

[0055] It should be understood that any of the specific dimensions recited in this application can apply to any embodiment described above. All embodiments can be combined in any way mechanically possible.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as, “has” and “having”),1222136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B“include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of method or an element of a device that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0057] The corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, Eire intended to include any structure, material or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of one or more aspects of the embodiments and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand one or more aspects of the present embodiments for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.1322136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25

Claims

Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 BCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A surgical retractor assembly, comprising: a frame comprising at least a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and an elongated slot positioned through the first elongated portion or the second elongated portion and including a first locking mechanism portion, and wherein the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion form a subframe opening; and a subframe comprising at least a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion, wherein the first elongated portion or the second elongated portion of the subframe includes a second locking mechanism portion configured to mate with the first locking mechanism portion, and the subframe is configured and structured to fit within the subframe opening and move with respect to the frame when the first and second locking mechanisms are disengaged.

2. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first elongated portion of the frame and the second elongated portion of the frame are substantially perpendicular to each other.

3. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first elongated portion of the subframe is configured to move along a central longitudinal axis of the first elongated portion of the frame.

4. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first locking mechanism portion comprises a first plurality of teeth.

5. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 4, wherein the second locking mechanism portion comprises a second plurality of teeth.

6. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 5, wherein the second plurality of teeth are configured to mate with the first plurality of teeth.

7. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 1, further comprising a button integrally formed with the second locking mechanism portion of the subframe.

8. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 7, wherein applying a force to the button causes the second locking mechanism portion to temporarily disengage with the first locking mechanism portion and allows for lateral movement of the subframe with respect to the frame.1422136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B9. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 8, wherein the force is perpendicular with respect to the second locking mechanism portion.

10. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 1 , wherein when the subframe is in a first position, at least a portion of the subframe is positioned within the subframe opening.

11. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 1, wherein when the subframe is in a second position, the subframe is wholly positioned above the subframe opening.

12. A surgical retractor assembly, comprising: a frame comprising a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a third elongated portion, wherein the first and third elongated portions are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular with respect to the second elongated portion; a subframe comprising a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a third elongated portion, wherein the first and third elongated portions of the subframe are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular with respect to the second elongated portion of the subframe; wherein the second elongated portion of the subframe further comprises a button and a plurality of teeth configured to mate with a plurality of teeth integrally formed with the second elongated portion of the frame; wherein the second elongated portion of the subframe is configured to move along a central longitudinal axis of the second elongated portion of the frame by means of the plurality of teeth of the subframe and corresponding plurality of teeth of the frame.

13. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 12, wherein the first elongated portion of the frame and the second elongated portion of the frame form a subframe opening.

14. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 13, wherein the subframe opening is positioned at a proximal end of the first elongated portion and a proximal end of the second elongated portion.

15. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 13, wherein when the subframe is in a first position, at least a portion of the subframe is positioned within the subframe opening.

16. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 13, wherein when the subframe is in a second position, the subframe is wholly positioned above the subframe opening.

17. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 15, wherein the second elongated portion of the frame comprises a first surface and a second surface.1522136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25Attorney Docket No. Cl 118 B18. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 17, wherein a first surface of the second elongated portion of the subframe comprises one or more first projections configured to engage a tissue of a patient.

19. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 18, wherein when the subframe is in the first position, the first projections of the subframe are positioned between the first surface and the second surface of the second elongated portion of the frame.

20. The surgical retractor assembly of claim 17, wherein the second surface of the second elongated portion of the frame further comprises one or more second projections configured to engage a tissue of a patient.1622136555. vl-8 / 14 / 25

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