A retractor with multiple blade for use in surgery. The retractor may comprise first and second elongated portions which are pivotally connected to each other. A first blade may be connected to the first eleongated portion and a second blade may be connected to the second elongated portion. The retractor may also comprise a sliding bar having a third blade. The sliding bar may be associated with the first and second elongated portions such that movement of the elongated portions relative to each other may result in movement of the sliding bar and, consequently, movement of the third blade relative to the first and second blades. In one embodiment, the retractor may comprise a tension limiting device so that the third blade amy remain relatively staionary as the first and second blades are moved. The retractor may also comprise a fourth blade operatively connected to the first ands second elongated portions. The fourth blade may moved independently of the other blades or may move with the other blades. Also disclosed is a method of retracting tissue.
