Patent ID: 8591466

Claim:
A method of forming and enlarging a percutaneous penetration, the method comprising the steps of: providing a radially expandable dilation assembly having a needle assembly removably inserted in an axial lumen thereof, the radially expandable dilation assembly having a radially expandable sleeve body defining a lumen and an introducer seal disposed across the lumen and defining an opening formed therein, wherein the dilation assembly includes at least one engaging member integrally formed with a handle portion and projecting radially inward; penetrating the radially expandable dilation assembly and needle assembly through tissue to a target surgical site; withdrawing the needle assembly from the radially expandable dilation assembly; and inserting an expansion assembly through the opening formed in the introducer seal and into the axial lumen of the radially expandable dilation assembly, wherein the expansion member includes at least one engaging element formed in an outer surface thereof for co-operable engagement with a respective one of the at least one engaging member of the dilation assembly, wherein the at least one engaging member of the dilation assembly cooperates with the at least one engaging element of the expansion member to axially advance the expansion member through the dilation assembly upon rotation of the expansion member relative to the dilation assembly.