One exemplary aspect comprises an illuminated surgical retractor that comprises a blade portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having a proximal end and a distal end, the blade portion comprising an operative portion at the distal end, a saddle portion at the proximal end, and a barrel portion connecting the operative portion and the saddle portion a handle portion connected to the saddle portion and an illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source, with the illumination assembly being permanently attached to the retractor. Other aspects will be apparent from the description and claims.
