Abstract: An adaptor for removably engaging surgical retractor blades to a retractor frame has a recess with a latch mechanism at its proximal end for removably securing the adaptor to the rail of a retractor frame, and a spring-loaded locking jaw mechanism at its distal end for removably engaging a retractor blade.

Abstract: A quick-release handle is used in positioning a retractor blade in a surgical site and securing the retractor blade to a retractor frame. The retractor blade has a generally cylindrical post for removably engaging a retractor frame, an alignment groove on its top surface, and an annular recess extending around the post. The quick-release handle has a head with a U-shaped flange for sliding engagement with the annular recess and the upper portion of the post. The handle also contains a sliding rod actuated by a thumb-slide mechanism to engage the alignment groove on the retractor blade post. In particular, a locking tongue extending from the distal end of the rod engages the alignment groove, while a protrusion extending from the rod engages the annular recess, thereby maintaining proper rotational alignment between the handle and retractor blade.

Abstract: An adaptor for removably engaging surgical retractor blades to a retractor frame has a recess with a latch mechanism at its proximal end for removably securing the adaptor to the rail of a retractor frame, and a spring-loaded locking jaw mechanism at its distal end for removably engaging a retractor blade.

Abstract: A quick-release handle is used in positioning a retractor blade in a surgical site and securing the retractor blade to a retractor frame. The retractor blade has a generally cylindrical post for removably engaging a retractor frame, an alignment groove on its top surface, and an annular recess extending around the post. The quick-release handle has a head with a U-shaped flange for sliding engagement with the annular recess and the upper portion of the post. The handle also contains a sliding rod actuated by a thumb-slide mechanism to engage the alignment groove on the retractor blade post. In particular, a locking tongue extending from the distal end of the rod engages the alignment groove, while a protrusion extending from the rod engages the annular recess, thereby maintaining proper rotational alignment between the handle and retractor blade.

Abstract: An auto-locking surgical retractor assembly has a retractor frame with a number of adjustable arms. Each adjustable arm has a U-shaped recess for removably engaging the post of a retractor blade. A spring-loaded locking pin protrudes slightly from the arm into the U-shaped recess to hold the post of retractor blade in place. The locking pin is temporarily retracted by insertion of the retractor blade post into the U-shaped recess, but subsequently extends to lock the retractor blade post in place. The user must exert sufficient force on the retractor blade to temporarily depress the spring-loaded locking pin in order to remove the retractor blade post from the U-shaped recess.