Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for an expandable access device which includes an elongated braided tube having distal and proximal portions, the tube initially configured in a preformed radially compact configuration that is particularly sized for introduction into a body lumen. The access device has at least one deployment element that is attached to the distal portion of the braided tube and the tube is configured such that as the deployment element and the distal portion are pulled toward the proximal portion, the tube radially expands.