A direct vision dissecting port for providing safe entry into a body
cavity, as well as being operative to serve as a standard port for use in
laparoscopic, endoscopic or thoracic surgery. The device includes an
elongated housing within which a endoscope may be positioned. The
distal-most end of the device allows for viewing of tissue dissection or
gripping by tissue spreaders and is operatively transitional between a
closed configuration and an open, operative configuration. Transition of
the tissue spreaders between the two configurations selectively cuts
tissue by a spreading action in a layer-by-layer fashion while under the
direct vision of the endoscope disposed therein. The port may further
optionally assume an anchor configuration once positioned within the
patient to enable the same to remain securely in position during the
surgical procedure.