Abstract:
Surgical retractor systems including removable angling devices and methods of use are provided. A surgical retractor system can include a head with an opening, a blade including a nipple, and an angling device including a handle. The nipple can include a first recess that runs circumferentially around an exterior surface of the nipple and terminates at a flange. The opening can be configured to receive the nipple. The nipple can be longer than the opening such that the flange and at least a portion of the recess extend beyond an end of the opening when the blade is attached to the head. The angling device can be configured to receive the flange such that the angling device can be removably attached to the flange. The angling device can be used to manipulate the position of the blade when the angling device is attached to the flange.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/391,917 filed Feb. 24, 2009, and entitled “Surgical Retractor with Locking Blade,” which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    [Not Applicable] 
       MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE  
       [0003]    [Not Applicable] 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present technology relates to surgical devices for retracting anatomy to provide exposure to an operating site and to properly retain tissue surrounding a surgical incision. In surgical operations, it is particularly important that a patient&#39;s abdominal region be well exposed to facilitate work by a surgeon. To effect this desired exposure, surgical retractors are normally employed which engage and hold the skin apart at the incision during the course of the operation. 
         [0005]    Most retractors comprise an arm connected to a blade. The blade can be of a variety of constructions including, for example, a paddle-like design or a finger-like configuration. The type of retractor blade used depends on a number of factors including, the size of the incision, the size of the patient and the type of surgery to be performed. 
         [0006]    Oftentimes, a surgeon is required to change the type of retractor blade being used, during the course of an operation. To this end, a variety of interchangeable retractor blade systems have been proposed which allow for the blade to be quickly released from the retractor handle whereby one blade can be removed and another put in its place. This type of arrangement allows a single retractor arm to be used with a variety of blades. In addition, certain quick release retractor blades can swivel in place to compensate for inexact positioning of an arm. 
         [0007]    Some known surgical retractors are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,865 entitled “SURGICAL RETRACTOR HAVING LOCKING INTERCHANGEABLE BLADES”, which issued Nov. 16, 1999 to Farley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,233 entitled “ANGLING SURGICAL RETRACTOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF RETRACTINGANATOMY”, which issued May 11, 1999 to Farley et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,038 entitled “TABLE MOUNTED SURGICAL RETRACTOR”, which issued Nov. 29, 1990 to Farley, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0008]    It is desirable to provide improved surgical retractors with improved functionality, such as those described herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Embodiments of the present technology provide, for example, a surgical retractor system including a removable angling device and methods of using such a surgical retractor system. 
         [0010]    For example, in an embodiment, a surgical retractor system includes: a head with an opening; a blade comprising a nipple including a first recess that runs circumferentially around an exterior surface of the nipple and terminates at a flange, wherein the opening is configured to receive the nipple, and wherein the nipple is longer than the opening such that the flange and at least a portion of the recess extend beyond an end of the opening when the blade is attached to the head; and an angling device comprising a handle, the angling device configured to receive the flange such that the angling device can be removably attached to the flange, wherein the angling device can be used to manipulate the position of the blade when the angling device is attached to the flange. 
         [0011]    For example, in an embodiment, the angling device can be used to rotate the blade radially about the opening when the angling device is attached to the flange. 
         [0012]    For example, in an embodiment, a surgical retractor system further includes an arm and a connector configured to attach the arm to the head, the connector configured to provide for angular displacement of the head relative to the arm. 
         [0013]    For example, in an embodiment, the angling device can be used to angularly displace the head relative to the arm. 
         [0014]    For example, in an embodiment, the connector comprises a notched shaft and a spring loaded lever, manipulating the spring loaded lever can release the notched shaft such that the shaft can be translated, and translation of the shaft can provide angular displacement of the head relative to the arm. 
         [0015]    For example, in an embodiment, the notched shaft and the spring loaded lever are configured to work as a ratchet, such that when the shaft and the lever are engaged, translation of the shaft in a first direction is restricted and translation of the shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction is not restricted. 
         [0016]    For example, in an embodiment, the flange is circular. 
         [0017]    For example, in an embodiment, the angling device is configured to extend from the head at an angle. 
         [0018]    For example, in an embodiment, the angling device includes a slot configured to receive the flange. 
         [0019]    For example, in an embodiment, the slot is configured to have a varied clearance that decreases deeper into the slot, such that sliding the flange deeper into the slot can increase tension between the flange and the slot. 
         [0020]    For example, in an embodiment, a method of using a surgical retractor system includes: attaching a blade to a head by inserting a nipple on the blade into an opening on the head, wherein the nipple includes a first recess that runs circumferentially around an exterior surface of the nipple and terminates at a flange, and wherein the nipple is longer than the opening such that the flange and at least a portion of the recess extend beyond an end of the opening when the blade is attached to the head; and removably attaching an angling device to the flange, the angling device comprising a handle, wherein the angling device can be used to manipulate the position of the blade. 
         [0021]    For example, in an embodiment, a method of using a surgical retractor system further includes using the angling device to rotate the blade radially about the opening. 
         [0022]    For example, in an embodiment, the head is attached to a connector and the connector is attached to an arm, and the connector is configured to provide for angular displacement of the head relative to the arm. 
         [0023]    For example, in an embodiment, a method of using a surgical retractor system further includes using the angling device to angularly displace the head relative to the arm. 
         [0024]    For example, in an embodiment, the connector comprises a notched shaft and a spring loaded lever, manipulating the spring loaded lever can release the notched shaft such that the shaft can be translated, and translation of the shaft provides angular displacement of the head relative to the arm. 
         [0025]    For example, in an embodiment, the notched shaft and the spring loaded lever are configured to work as a ratchet, such that when the shaft and the lever are engaged, translation of the shaft in a first direction is restricted and translation of the shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction is not restricted. 
         [0026]    For example, in an embodiment, the flange is circular. 
         [0027]    For example, in an embodiment, the angling device is configured to extend from the head at an angle. 
         [0028]    For example, in an embodiment, the angling device includes a slot configured to receive the flange. 
         [0029]    For example, in an embodiment, the slot is configured to have a varied clearance that decreases deeper into the slot, such that sliding the flange deeper into the slot increases tension between the flange and the slot. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  depicts a side view of a portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  depicts a top view of a portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  depicts a side-sectional view of a portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  depicts a top-sectional view of a portion of the surgical retractor in  FIG. 4  taken about line  5 - 5 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  depicts an exploded perspective view of a portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  depicts a bottom view of a portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 6  about line  7 - 7 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  depicts a top view of a portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 6  about line  8 - 8 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  depicts a top-sectional view of a portion of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  depicts an exploded perspective view of a portion of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  depicts a bottom view of a portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 11  about line  12 - 12 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  depicts an assembled side view of the portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  depicts a perspective view of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of a portion of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  depicts a perspective view of a portion of the surgical retractor depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  depicts a perspective view of a portion of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  depicts a side view of a portion of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  depicts a perspective view of a portion of a surgical retractor used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0049]      FIG. 20  depicts a side view of a surgical retractor blade angling device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
           [0050]      FIG. 21  depicts a bottom view of the surgical retractor blade angling device depicted in  FIG. 20 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 22  is a top view of a surgical retractor with the surgical retractor blade angling device depicted in  FIG. 20  attached thereto. 
           [0052]      FIG. 23  is a side view of a surgical retractor with the surgical retractor blade angling device depicted in  FIG. 20  attached thereto. 
       
    
    
       [0053]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0054]    In the application, like elements are identified with like numerals. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 1-6  depict a surgical retractor  100  used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The surgical retractor  100  includes an arm  102 , a connector  104 , a head  106  and a blade  108 . The arm  102  is configured to be attachable to a stationary device, such as a medical table, for example. The connector  104  is configured to movably attach the head  106  to the arm  102 . That is, the head  106  is attached to the connector  104  such that the head  106  can be angularly displaced relative to the arm  102 . The blade  108  is configured to be movably and removably attached to the head  106 . The blade  108  is configured such that it can be released from the head, thereby allowing the blade  108  to be removed completely from the head  106  or to swivel relative to the head  106 . The blade  108  is also configured such that it can be secured to the head  106  in any of a plurality of positions. 
         [0056]    The connector  104  includes a first end  126  that is attachable to the arm  102 . For example, in certain embodiments, the first end  126  can be soldered to the arm  102 . The connector also includes a second end  128  (opposite the first end  126 ) that is attachable to the head  106 . The second end  128  includes an opening configured to receive a pin  122 . The head  106  includes a neck portion comprising opposing side walls,  118 ,  120 . Each side wall  118 ,  120  of the head  106  is configured to receive the pin  122  in a circular opening  123 . The connector  104  also includes an externally threaded shaft  110  and an internally threaded nut  112 . One end of the shaft  110  includes an opening configured to receive a pin  124 . Each side wall  118 ,  120  of the head  106  is configured to receive the pin  124  in an opening  125 . In operation, translation of the shaft  110  can exert a force on pin  124 , thereby causing rotation of the head  106  about pin  122 . The side wall openings  125  in the head  106  are round on the ends and flat on the sides and allow the pin  124  to translate about the opening  125  during rotation of the head  106  about pin  122 . 
         [0057]    The internally threaded nut  112  is configured to receive the externally threaded shaft  110 . The nut  112  includes an exterior surface with a first portion  113  that is generally cylindrical and textured to aid a user in gripping the surface. The exterior surface of the nut  112  also includes a second portion  115  that is generally hexagonal such that a user can grip the surface, for example, with a mechanical device such as a wrench. The nut  112  is held captive between a first wall  114  and a second wall  116 , each wall including an opening configured to receive the shaft  110 . Manipulating the nut  112  in a first direction about the shaft  110  causes the shaft  110  to translate in a direction x. Translation of the shaft  110  in the direction x exerts a force on pin  124 , thereby causing rotation of the head  106  about pin  122 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , this results in angular displacement of the blade  108  such that the distal end  130  of the blade  108  moves away from the arm  102 . Manipulating the nut  112  about the shaft  110  in a direction opposite the first direction causes the shaft  110  to translate in a direction y that is opposite the direction x. Translation of the shaft  110  in the direction y exerts a force on pin  124 , thereby causing rotation of the head  106  about pin  122 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , this results in angular displacement of the blade  108  such that the distal end  130  of the blade  108  moves toward the arm  102 . 
         [0058]    The blade  108  includes a nipple  132  extending therefrom that is configured to be received by the head  106 . The nipple  132  is generally cylindrical and includes a recess  402  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4 and 6 ) that runs circumferentially around the exterior surface of the side of the nipple  132 . The blade  108  also includes a notched surface  202  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  8 ). The notched surface  202  includes a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the periphery of the nipple  132 . The notched surface  202  is located toward the base of the nipple  132  on an upper surface  606  of the blade  108 , and the notched surface  202  completely surrounds the nipple  132  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 6 and 8 ). 
         [0059]    The head  106  includes an opening  131  configured to receive the nipple  132 . The head also includes a notched surface  204  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  7 ). The notched surface  204  includes a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the periphery of the opening  131 . The notched surface  204  is on a lower surface  702  of the head  106 , and the notched surface  204  completely surrounds the opening  131  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7 ). The notched surface  204  of the head  106  is configured to mate with the notched surface  202  of the blade  108 , thereby securing the blade  108  relative to the head  106 . The blade  108  can be swiveled radially about the head  106  three-hundred and sixty degrees and, because the blade&#39;s notched surface  202  completely surrounds the nipple  132  and the head&#39;s notched surface  204  completely surrounds the opening  131 , the blade  108  can be secured in any position relative to the head  106  by mating the notched surfaces  202 ,  204 . 
         [0060]    The head  106  also includes a first corridor  502  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) in communication with a second corridor  503 . The second corridor  503  runs substantially perpendicular to the first corridor  502  and is also in communication with the opening  131 . Disposed in the first corridor  502  is a spring  504  attached to a plunger  506 . The plunger  506  extends from the corridor  504  such that it can be manipulated by a user. The plunger  506  is generally cylindrical and includes a recess  508  that runs circumferentially around the exterior surface of the side of the plunger  506 . Disposed in the second corridor  503  are ball bearings  510 ,  512 . The ball bearings  510 ,  512  are held captive between the first corridor  502  and the opening  131 . One end of the second corridor  503  includes a lip that is smaller in diameter than the ball bearing  512 , such that the ball bearing  512  can extend from the second corridor  503  into the opening  131 , but is still held captive by the second corridor  503 . The other end of the second corridor  503  is in communication with the first corridor  502  such that the ball bearing  510  can contact the plunger  506 . 
         [0061]    In operation, when the plunger  506  is being depressed, the spring  504  is in a compressed state, and the recess  508  is aligned with the second corridor  503  such that the ball bearing  510  is allowed to extend from the second corridor  503  into the first corridor  502 , thereby allowing the ball bearing  512  not to extend from the second corridor  503  into the opening  131 . In this state, the nipple  132  on the blade  108  can be inserted into the opening  131 , removed from the opening  131  and/or swiveled relative to the opening (thereby allowing the blade  108  to be swiveled radially about the head  106  as indicated in  FIG. 5  by the arrows). 
         [0062]    In operation, when the plunger  506  is not being depressed, the spring  504  is in an extended state, and an exterior surface of the plunger  506  (that is not the recess  508 ) is aligned with the second corridor  503  and exerts a force on the ball bearing  510 , thereby forcing the ball bearing  512  to extend from the second corridor  503  into the opening  131 . When the plunger  506  is not being depressed, the nipple  132  on the blade  108  cannot be received in the opening  131  of the head  106  because the ball bearing  512  is being forced to extend from the second corridor  503  into the opening  131 , thereby blocking the opening  131 . Also, when the plunger  506  is not depressed, a blade  108  that is already attached to the head  106  cannot be removed from the head  106  because the ball bearing  512  is being forced to extend from the second corridor  503  into the opening  131  and into the recess  402  on the nipple  132 . Further, when the blade  108  is attached to the head  106  (and the ball bearing  512  is being forced to extend from the second corridor  503  into the opening  131  and into the recess  402  on the nipple  132 ) the notched surface  204  of the head  106  mates with the notched surface  202  of the blade  108 , thereby securing the blade  108  relative to the head  106  such that the blade  108  cannot swivel radially about the head  106 . This can provide for locking of the blade  108  in any radial position about the head  106 . 
         [0063]    In an alternative embodiment, the plunger/spring/ball bearing actuation system of the head  106  depicted and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-8  can be replaced with an actuation system that includes a thumb screw. Such an embodiment is depicted, for example, in  FIG. 9 , which depicts a head  906  with a threaded opening  901  in communication with the opening  131  that is configured to receive the nipple  132  of the blade  108 . In operation, a thumb screw  902  with external threads  903  configured to mate with the threaded opening  901  can be screwed into the threaded opening  901  until an end  904  of the screw  902  extends from the threaded opening  901  into the opening  131 . When the screw  902  is unscrewed from the head  906  such that the end  904  of the screw  902  does not extend from the threaded opening  901  into the opening  131 , the nipple  132  on the blade  108  can be inserted into the opening  131 , removed from the opening  131  and/or swiveled relative to the opening (thereby allowing the blade  108  to be swiveled radially about the head  906 ). When the end  904  of the screw  902  extends from the threaded opening  901  into the opening  131 , the nipple  132  on the blade  108  cannot be received in the opening  131  of the head  906  because the end  904  of the screw  902  is blocking the opening  131 . Also, when a blade  108  is already attached to the head  906 , the blade  108  cannot be removed from the head  906  because the end  904  of the screw  902  is extending from the threaded opening  901  into the opening  131  and into the recess  402  on the nipple  132 . Further, when the blade  108  is attached to the head  906  (and the end  904  of the screw  902  is extending from the threaded opening  901  into the opening  131  and into the recess  402  on the nipple  132 ) a notched surface of the head  906  can mate with the notched surface  202  of the blade  108 , thereby securing the blade  108  relative to the head  906  such that the blade  108  cannot swivel radially about the head  906 . In certain embodiments, the thumb screw  902  can be screwed into the threaded opening  901  until the end  904  of the screw  902  contacts the nipple  132  of the blade  108 , thereby securing the blade  108  in position relative to the head  906  such that the blade  108  cannot swivel radially about the head  906 . 
         [0064]    In an alternative embodiment, the threaded shaft/nut actuation system of the connector  104  depicted and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-8  can be replaced with an actuation system that includes a notched shaft and a spring loaded lever. Such an embodiment is depicted, for example, in  FIG. 10 , which depicts a connector  1004  that includes a first end  1026  that is attachable to the arm  102 . The connector also includes a second end  1028  (opposite the first end  1026 ) that is attachable to the head  106 . The second end  1028  includes an opening configured to receive a pin  122 . The head  106  includes a neck portion comprising opposing side walls,  118 ,  120 . Each side wall  118 ,  120  of the head  106  is configured to receive the pin  122  in a circular opening  123 . The connector  1004  also includes a notched shaft  1010  and a spring loaded lever  1012 . One end of the shaft  1010  includes an opening configured to receive a pin  124 . Each side wall  118 ,  120  of the head  106  is configured to receive the pin  124  in an opening  125 . In operation, translation of the shaft  1010  can exert a force on pin  124 , thereby causing rotation of the head  106  about pin  122 . The side wall openings  125  in the head  106  are round on the ends and flat on the sides and allow the pin  124  to translate about the opening  125  during rotation of the head  106  about pin  122 . 
         [0065]    The notched shaft  1010  is retained by openings in a first wall  1014  and a second wall  1016  such that the notches can be contacted by the spring loaded lever  1012 . The spring loaded lever  1012  is pivotally mounted on the first wall  1014  such that the spring loaded lever  1012  can pivot about pin  1050 . When the spring loaded lever  1012  is not being actuated, the spring loaded lever  1012  contacts the notches in notched shaft  1010 , thereby maintaining the notched shaft in its current position. When the spring loaded lever  1012  is actuated (by depressing an end of the lever  1012 ), the spring loaded lever  1012  releases the notches in the notched shaft  1010 , thereby allowing the notched shaft to be translated in a first direction (direction a) or the opposite direction (direction b). Translation of the shaft  1010  in the direction a exerts a force on pin  124 , thereby causing rotation of the head  106  about pin  122 . This results in angular displacement of the blade  108  such that the distal end  130  of the blade  108  moves away from the arm  102 . Translation of the shaft  1010  in the direction b exerts a force on pin  124 , thereby causing rotation of the head  106  about pin  122 . This results in angular displacement of the blade  108  such that the distal end  130  of the blade  108  moves toward the arm  102 . 
         [0066]    In an alternative embodiment, the arm  102 , connector  104  and head  106  depicted and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-8  can be replaced with an integrated structure that does not provide for angular displacement of the blade relative thereto. Such an embodiment is depicted, for example, in  FIGS. 11-13  and  16 , which depict an arm  1102  with an opening  1131  at one end. The opening  1131  is configured to receive a nipple  132  of a blade  108 . The arm  1102  also includes a plunger  1156  in communication with a spring and a plurality of ball bearings similar to the plunger/spring/ball bearing actuation system described in connection with  FIGS. 1-8 . The arm also includes a notched surface  1204  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 12-13 ). The notched surface  1204  includes a plurality of notches that extend radially outward from the periphery of the opening  1131 . The notched surface  1204  is on a lower surface  1202  of the arm  1102 , and the notched surface  1204  completely surrounds the opening  1131 . The notched surface  1204  of the arm  1102  is configured to mate with the notched surface  202  of the blade  108 , thereby securing the blade  108  relative to the arm  1102 . The blade  108  can be swiveled radially about the arm  1102  three-hundred and sixty degrees and, because the blade&#39;s notched surface  202  completely surrounds the nipple  132  and the head&#39;s notched surface  1204  completely surrounds the opening  131 , the blade  108  can be secured in any position relative to the arm  1102  by mating the notched surfaces  202 ,  1204 . 
         [0067]    In operation, when the plunger  1156  is being depressed, a ball bearing is not being forced to extend into the opening  1131 , and the nipple  132  on the blade  108  can be inserted into the opening  1131 , removed from the opening  1131  and/or swiveled relative to the opening (thereby allowing the blade  108  to be swiveled radially about arm  1102 . When the plunger  1156  is not being depressed, a ball bearing is being forced to extend into the opening  1131 , thereby blocking the opening such that the nipple  132  on the blade  108  cannot be received in the opening  1131  of the arm  1102 . Also, when the plunger  1156  is not being depressed, a blade  108  that is already attached to the arm  1102  cannot be removed from the arm  1102  because the ball bearing is being forced to extend into the opening  1131  and into the recess  402  on the nipple  132 . Further, when the blade  108  is attached to the arm  1102  (and the ball bearing is being forced to extend into the opening  131  and into the recess  402  on the nipple  132 ), the notched surface  1204  of the arm  1102  mates with the notched surface  202  of the blade  108 , thereby securing the blade  108  relative to the arm  1102  such that the blade  108  cannot swivel radially about the arm  1102 . 
         [0068]    The arm  1102  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 16 ) is similar to the arm  102  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) in that the length of both arms are smooth and do not include any notches. Such arms are configured to be removably and movably attachable to a stationary device, such as a medical table, for example. Such arms can be translated relative to a stationary device by loosening any securing mechanism between the arm and the stationary device (such as a clasp, for example) and sliding the arm relative to the stationary device. The arm can then be re-secured to the stationary device when a desired position is obtained. In certain embodiments, the lack of notches and/or attachment to a smooth surface of an arm can provide more freedom to choose a desired position for the arm relative to the stationary device. 
         [0069]    In an alternative embodiment, the arm  102  (described in connection with  FIGS. 1-8 ) or the arm  1102  (described in connection with  FIGS. 11-13  and  16 ) can be replaced with a notched arm. Such embodiments are depicted, for example, in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , respectively.  FIG. 14  depicts an arm  1402  with a notched surface  1404  in combination with a connector  104 , head  106  and blade  108  (as described in connection with  FIGS. 1-8 ).  FIG. 15  depicts an arm  1502  with a notched surface  1504  in combination with an opening  1131  and plunger  1156  (as described in connection with  FIGS. 11-13  and  16 ). The arms  1402 ,  1502  are configured to be removably and movably attachable to a stationary device, such as a medical table, for example. In certain embodiments, such arms  1402 ,  1502  can be translated relative to a stationary device using a cranking mechanism that mates with the notches  1404 ,  1504 . In other embodiments, arms  1402 ,  1502  can be secured relative to a stationary device using a spring loaded lever that contacts the notches  1404 ,  1504  when the lever is not actuated. In such embodiments, the arm  1402 ,  1502  can be unsecured by actuating the lever and the arm  1402 ,  1502  can be translated by sliding the arm  1402 ,  1502  relative to the stationary device. The arm  1402 ,  1502  can then be re-secured to the stationary device when a desired position is obtained. In other embodiments, arms  1402 ,  1502  can be secured relative to a stationary device using a latch that contacts the notches  1404 ,  1504  when the latch is in a closed position. In such embodiments, the arm  1402 ,  1502  can be unsecured by moving the latch to an open position, and the arm  1402 ,  1502  can be translated by sliding the arm  1402 ,  1502  relative to the stationary device. The arm  1402 ,  1502  can then be re-secured to the stationary device when a desired position is obtained. In certain embodiments, using notches on an arm can provide for improved secure attachment to a stationary device. 
         [0070]    In an alternative embodiment, a blade can be configured like the blade  108  shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-8  and can also include a second recess in the nipple. The second recess can be configured so as to allow the blade to be attached to the head such that the notched surface of the blade and the notched surface of the head do not mate, thereby allowing the blade to swivel freely about the head. Such an embodiment is depicted, for example, in  FIG. 17 , which depicts a blade  1708  comprising a notched surface  1702  and a nipple  1732  that includes a first recess  1740  and a second recess  1742 . The first recess  1740  is located in closer proximity to the notched surface  1702  than the second recess  1742 . When the blade  1708  is attached to the head  106 , it can be attached to the first recess  1740  such that the ball bearing  512  is extending into the opening  131  and into the first recess  1740  on the nipple  1732 , and such that the notched surface  204  of the head  106  mates with the notched surface  1702  of the blade  1708 , thereby securing the blade  1708  relative to the head  106  such that the blade  1708  cannot swivel radially about the head  106 . This can provide for locking of the blade  108  in any radial position about the head  106 . Also, when the blade  1708  is attached to the head  106 , it can be attached to the second recess  1742  such that the ball bearing  512  is extending into the opening  131  and into the second recess  1742  on the nipple  1732 , and such that the notched surface  204  of the head  106  does not mate with the notched surface  1702  of the blade  1708 , thereby allowing the blade  1708  to swivel freely about the head  106 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 18-19  depict an alternative embodiment, where blade  1802  includes an elongated nipple  1804  that includes a first peripheral recess  1806  configured to receive ball bearing  512  and a second peripheral recess  1808 . As depicted in  FIG. 18 , first peripheral recess  1806  and second peripheral recess  1808  are vertically separated by a portion  1810  of nipple  1804 , and second peripheral recess  1808  terminates at peripheral flange  1812 . As depicted in  FIG. 19 , second peripheral recess  1808  and peripheral flange  1812  can extend beyond an upper surface  1902  of head  106  when blade  1802  is attached thereto. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 20-21  depict a surgical retractor blade angling device  2000  used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.  FIGS. 22-23  depict a surgical retractor with the surgical retractor blade angling device  2000  attached thereto. The surgical retractor depicted in  FIGS. 22-23  includes blade  1802 , head  106 , connector  2200  and arm  102 . Surgical retractor blade angling device  2000  includes handle  2002 , arm  2004  and head  2006 . Head  2006  includes slot  2008  configured to receive peripheral flange  1812 . 
         [0073]    In operation, slot  2008  can be aligned with peripheral flange  1812  and slid onto flange  1812  in order to attach angling device  2000  to the surgical retractor. When attached, arm  2004  and handle  2002  of surgical retractor blade angling device  2000  can extend from head  106  of surgical retractor at an angle, as depicted in  FIG. 23 . 
         [0074]    Angling device  2000  can be used to swivel blade  1802  radially about head  106 , as indicated in  FIG. 22 , by manipulating handle  2002 . As indicated in  FIG. 23 , angling device  2000  can also be used to rotate head  106  about pin  122  by manipulating handle  2002 , thereby providing angular displacement of blade  1802  such that distal end  1830  of blade  1802  moves toward or away from surgical retractor arm  102 . Once a desired blade position is achieved, angling device  2000  can be removed from the surgical retractor by sliding slot  2008  off of peripheral flange  1812 . 
         [0075]    Slot  2008  can be configured to provide a tension fit with flange  1812 . In certain embodiments, slot  2008  can be configured with a varied clearance that decreases deeper into slot  2008 , such that sliding flange  1812  deeper into slot  2008  can increase the tension between the two. Flange  1812  is circular, but can be otherwise configured in other embodiments, such as rectangular or triangular, for example. 
         [0076]    Connector  2200  includes a trigger locking mechanism similar to the mechanism shown and described in connection with  FIG. 10 . Connector  2200  is depicted in  FIGS. 22-23  and includes a trigger  2400  in operable relation with notched shaft  2406  including teeth  2402 . Connector  2200  differs from connector  1004  depicted in  FIG. 10  in that trigger  2400  and teeth  2402  are configured as a ratchet mechanism. That is, while engagement of trigger  2400  and teeth  2402  restricts movement of shaft  2406  in the direction p (shown in  FIG. 23 ), engagement of trigger  2400  and teeth  2402  does not restrict movement of shaft  2406  in the direction q (shown in  FIG. 23 ). This configuration can restrict rotation of head  106  about pin  122  in the direction m (shown in  FIG. 23 ) unless trigger  2400  is actuated (such that trigger  2400  does not engage teeth  2402 ). This configuration can also allow unrestricted rotation of head  106  about pin  122  in the direction n (shown in  FIG. 23 ), even if trigger  2400  is not actuated. In operation, such a ratchet mechanism can allow angular displacement of blade  1802  in the direction n (shown in  FIG. 23 ) without requiring a user to actuate trigger  2400 . 
         [0077]    Certain embodiments may include some or all of the features described herein in any workable combination. Certain embodiments may implement the elements described herein as separate components or as integrated components. 
         [0078]    While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.