An optical access apparatus includes a portal sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal opening therethrough and an inner member at least partially positionable within the portal sleeve. The portal sleeve has leading and trailing end portions. The leading end portion has a leading edge adapted to penetrate tissue. The inner member includes a longitudinal lumen for at least partial reception of a viewing device and has a generally closed optical window adapted to permit passage of an image for viewing by the viewing device. The closed optical window is generally atraumatic with respect to the tissue whereby penetration through the tissue is substantially effected through the leading edge of the portal sleeve.
