Less invasive access port system and method for using the same

A retractor comprising:

• a first retractor blade;
• a second retractor blade:
• at least one arm extending from a top of said first retractor blade;
• at least one arm extending from a top of said second retractor blade;
• and a retaining member coupled to one of said arms, said retaining member being configured to releasably retain said retractor in a deployed position;
• wherein said retaining member is configured to be outside a wound when said retractor is deployed inside said wound.

A less invasive access port, comprising:

• a retractor including a first retractor blade, a second retractor blade, at least one arm extending from said first retractor blade, and at least one arm extending from said second retractor blade;
• and
• a cannula sized to slideably couple to said retractor;
• wherein said cannula is configured to pivot along two axes when coupled to said retractor.

A method for accessing a surgical site using a less invasive access port, comprising:

• inserting a k-wire into soft tissues around said surgical site;
• percutaneously inserting at least one screw into said surgical site;
• placing a trocar over the k-wire to dilate the soft tissues and provide access to the surgical site after said screw insertion;
• inserting a retractor over said trocar down to said surgical site;
• inserting a cannula into said retractor;
• and
• opening said retractor to expose said surgical site.

A less invasive access portal device for use in minimally invasive surgery comprising:

• a first expanding portion having a partial cylindrical shape;
• a second expanding portion having a partial cylindrical shape;
• at least one pivotal connection connecting the first expanding portion and the second expanding portion, wherein the first expanding portion and the second expanding portion form a relative cylinder when pivoted to a closed position;
• at least one arm extending vertically upward from each of said expanding portions, wherein said arms provide leverage to open and close said expanding portion.

A less invasive access port, comprising:

• a retractor;
• and
• a cannula configured to be coupled to said retractor;
• wherein said cannula includes a wall having a plurality of channels defined therein;
• said channels fluidly connecting a top portion of said cannula to a bottom portion of said cannula.