Port fixation using expandable threads

1. A surgical access apparatus which comprises:

an access member dimensioned for insertion and passage through tissue to permit access to an underlying surgical site, the access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening for reception of a surgical instrument; and

a non-inflatable thread mounted about the access member and being movable relative to the access member between a first condition, in which the thread provides the access member with a first outer dimension to allow for positioning of the access member within the tissue tract, and a second condition, in which the thread provides the access member with a second outer dimension larger than the first outer dimension to facilitate anchoring of the tubular member within the tissue, the thread operatively coupled to the access member in a manner whereby, subsequent to performing a surgical task, the access member and the thread are removable from the tissue.

2. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the thread is radially moveable relative to the access member.

3. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the thread is axially moveable relative to the access member.

4. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the access member is configured and dimensioned such that the internal dimension of the longitudinal opening extending through the access member remains substantially constant as the thread moves between the first and second conditions.

5. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the access member defines a substantially uniform outer surface when the thread is in the first condition and a non-uniform outer surface when the thread is in the second condition.

6. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the access member includes an outer surface with a helical recess having proximal and distal ends and corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the thread such that the thread is received by the helical recess.

7. The surgical access apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the thread is rotatably received by the helical recess such that the thread is rotatable for movement between the first condition and the second condition.

8. The surgical access apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the thread includes a manual member configured and dimensioned for engagement by a clinician to facilitate rotation of the thread.

9. The surgical access apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the manual member is dimensioned to extend outwardly from the thread.

10. The surgical access apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the proximal end of the thread is displaced axially as the thread moves between the first condition and the second condition.

11. The surgical access apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the distal end of the thread is displaced axially as the thread moves between the first condition and the second condition.

12. The surgical access apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the distal end of the helical recess includes a ramped portion configured and dimensioned to engage the distal end of the thread as the thread moves in a distal direction during movement from the first condition to the second condition, whereby engagement of the distal end of the thread and the ramped portion causes the distal end of the thread to move onto the outer surface of the access member.

13. The surgical access apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the distal end of the thread remains in a substantially fixed axial location as the thread moves between the first condition and the second condition.

14. The surgical access apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the distal end of the thread is fixedly secured to the access member.

15. The surgical access apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the distal end of the thread is formed integrally with the access member.

16. The surgical access apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the outer surface of the access member includes a cavity positioned at the distal end of the helical recess, the cavity being configured and dimensioned to receive the distal end of the thread to substantially inhibit axial movement thereof.

17. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the surgical access apparatus further includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a opening extending therebetween configured and dimensioned for removable reception of the surgical instrument, and a seal member positioned within the housing, the seal member being adapted to removably receive the surgical instrument such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therewith.

18. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the surgical access apparatus further includes a sheath positioned about at least a portion of the thread to inhibit contact between the thread and tissue.

19. A method of percutaneously accessing a surgical worksite positioned beneath a patient's tissue, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a surgical access apparatus comprising:

an access member including a longitudinal opening defining an internal dimension suitable for reception of a surgical instrument, the access member having mounted thereon a non-inflatable thread being movable relative to the access member;

advancing the access member distally into an opening in the tissue; and

transitioning the thread of the access member from a first condition, in which the thread provides the access member with a first outer dimension to allow for positioning of the access member within the tissue tract, to a second condition, in which the thread provides the access member with a second outer dimension larger than the first outer dimension to facilitate anchoring of the tubular member within the tissue tract, wherein the access member is configured and dimensioned such that the internal dimension of the longitudinal opening extending through the access member remains substantially constant as the thread moves between the first and second conditions,

removing the access member with the thread from the tissue.