Access assembly having undercut structure

1. An access assembly comprising:

a compressible outer sleeve defining a longitudinal opening therethrough, the compressible outer sleeve having a first end positionable beneath an inner surface of tissue and a second end configured to be maintained external to an outer surface of tissue when the compressible outer sleeve is placed within an opening in tissue; and

a support plate including a first cannula extending proximally therefrom, the first cannula defining a first longitudinal passageway configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough, the support plate configured for reception through the longitudinal opening of the compressible outer sleeve, the support plate defining at least a first opening in fluid communication with the first longitudinal passageway, wherein the support plate causes the compressible outer sleeve to transition from a compressed condition to an uncompressed condition when positioned within the longitudinal opening.

2. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compressible outer sleeve is composed of at least one of silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, rubber, foam, or gel.

3. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the support plate further includes a second cannula extending proximally therefrom, the second cannula defining a second longitudinal passageway in fluid communication with a second opening defined by the support plate.

4. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first cannula is threadingly engaged with the support plate.

5. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compressible outer sleeve further includes a notch formed on an inner surface of the compressible outer sleeve for securing the support plate to the compressible outer sleeve.

6. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first cannula is selectively secured within the first opening in the support plate.

7. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first cannula includes a valve assembly.

8. The access assembly of claim 7 , wherein the valve assembly includes a valve member.

9. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first cannula is integrally formed with the support plate.

10. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compressible outer sleeve further includes a flange disposed on the first end of the compressible outer sleeve, the flange having a greater diameter than a diameter of a central portion of the compressible outer sleeve.

11. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the support plate is rotatable relative to the compressible outer sleeve when the support plate is coupled to the compressible outer sleeve.

12. A method of accessing a body cavity, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting a portion of a compressed outer sleeve through an opening in tissue, the compressed outer sleeve having a first end and a second end;

maintaining the second end of the compressed outer sleeve external to the opening in tissue;

inserting a support plate into a longitudinal opening defined by the outer sleeve to decompress the outer sleeve and transition the outer sleeve from a compressed condition to an uncompressed condition; and

manipulating one or more instruments through the outer sleeve.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein inserting a portion of the compressed outer sleeve through an opening in tissue includes positioning a distal end of the outer sleeve distal to an inner surface of tissue.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the support plate defines an opening and the method further includes coupling a cannula to the opening of the support plate.