Expandable thoracic access port

A surgical access assembly for positioning within an opening in tissue, the surgical access assembly comprising:

• a body composed of substantially rigid material and having an opening dimensioned and configured to receive surgical instruments therethrough;
• a plurality of flexible members coupled to the body, the plurality of flexible members movable between a collapsed position, wherein the plurality of flexible members are constrained within the body, and an expanded position, wherein the plurality of flexible members extend distally from the body;
• an elastic membrane coupled to the body at a first end thereof and extending proximally from the body;
• and
• an outer tensioning member connected to a second, opposite end of the elastic membrane, the tensioning member movable to tension the elastic membrane to retract soft tissue adjacent the opening in tissue.