Patent ID: 8317690

Claim:
A surgical portal and introducer assembly, which comprises: an introducer defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway, the introducer insertable through an opening in tissue, wherein the introducer has a first end and a second end, the first end having a first outer diameter and the second end having a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter; a portal member positionable within the longitudinal passageway of the introducer, the portal member adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and having at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object, the portal member comprising a compressible material and being adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the portal member within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the portal member within the tissue tract; and an expandable restraining member at least partially disposed within the longitudinal passageway of the introducer, the restraining member adapted to expand and compress the portal member to cause the portal member to assume the compressed condition thereof, to thereby facilitate passage of the portal member through the longitudinal passageway of the introducer and into the tissue tract.