A surgical tissue retractor for use in aortic or pulmonary valve surgery coupled to a sternal retractor or similar base comprising a retractor assembly including a retractor support to operatively support a plurality of radially adjustable retractor blades to engage and retain a heart valve open during a surgical procedure, a retractor coupling assembly including a retractor connecting member coupled to the retractor support frame by a support frame mount and adjustably coupled to the sternum by a sternal retractor mount to operatively position and maintain the radially adjustable retractor blades in place during the surgical procedure.
