A sterile, frame-like assembly of surgical instruments/devices intended to be used to create a self-locking, self-retaining mechanism to temporarily part tissue (e.g., hold the edges of an incision open) to expose internal tissues or organs for access during open surgery; is not intended for neurosurgery or ophthalmic surgery. It includes a mounting frame (e.g., bar, ring) and a number of detachable retracting blades, may include additional features (e.g., ratchet mechanisms, fibreoptic lights), and might be intended to be mounted to the operating table or be non-fixed. It is typically made of high-grade stainless steel and synthetic materials. This is a single-use device.