Patent ID: 8876687

Claim:
A retractor for insertion in an incision of a patient, the retractor comprising: a frame defining a central opening and a reference plane, the frame having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, the frame configured such that the lower surface faces the patient and the upper surface faces away from the patient during use; at least one blade disposed within the central opening, the blade operatively coupled to the frame by a support structure that provides sliding movement in a first direction generally laterally with the reference plane, the support structure providing sliding movement of the blade in a second direction rotationally relative to the reference plane; a first adjustment mechanism configured to slide the blade in the first direction; a second adjustment mechanism configured to slide the blade in the second direction, wherein the first and second adjustment mechanisms are both accessed and actuated from the upper surface of the frame; a locking mechanism to prevent rotational movement of the blade relative the support structure; and the frame including a track in mating relationship with the support structure for sliding movement therebetween in a defined relationship relative to the reference plane.