A surgical system is disclosed, and includes a surgical fastening apparatusand anaccess device. The access device defines an internal lumen configured toreceive the surgicalfastening apparatus. The access device also includes a proximal portion and adistal portionbeing more flexible than the proximal portion. The access device isreconfigurable between afirst condition and a different, second condition in which the distal portionof the accessdevice is configured to fold radially inwardly and proximally upon movement ofthe surgicalfastening apparatus therewith.
