Abstract: A retractor is provided for use in performing a surgical procedure such as correcting the morbid obesity of a patient. The retractor incorporates a blade section and a handle section protruding from a first peripheral segment of the blade section. The blade section includes a first portion connected to the handle section and an elongate second portion extending angularly from the first portion. The second portion is provided with an elongate open end slot extending from a distal end of the second portion and terminating in the vicinity of a juncture between the first and second portions. The slot forms the blade section second portion into a pair of finger-elements. Each element has a first surface which is adapted to engage a perimetrical segment of an incision made in the patient during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The retaining device comprises a holder block operatively associated with a clamping mechanism. The retaining device is displaceably and selectively securable along a guide rail by means of the holder block. A surgical instrument is carried by a support rod which is axially movable up and down and positionally securable in the clamping mechanism. The arresting of the holder block at the guide rail and the support rod in the clamping mechanism is effected by a tensioning or tightening member, such as a tensioning nut or spider acting upon both the holder block and the support rod.