Abstract: The needle assembly of the present invention includes a rigid cannula with a blunt distal end, a needle housed inside the cannula, a hub on the needle for controlling the position of the distal end of the needle with respect to the distal end of the cannula and a stop connected to the cannula for limiting the distance of travel of the distal end of the needle. The preferred embodiment may also include a spring attached to the needle hub. The present invention also encompasses methods of using the needle assembly.

Abstract: An endoscopic portal includes a portal sleeve for insertion through a cavity wall and having an open distal end for positioning within the cavity and an open proximal end for positioning externally of the cavity and a valve assembly disposed adjacent the portal sleeve proximal end. The valve assembly includes a bladder having a passage therethrough permitting insertion of instruments of various sizes in the portal sleeve through the passage of the bladder. The bladder has means therein for compressing the passage to cause the bladder to contact the instruments inserted through the passage in sealing relation. The portal sleeve includes an expandable lumen allowing instruments and objects larger in size than the inner diameter of the portal sleeve to be passed therethrough.