This document provides methods and materials related to portals that can be used to create a channel through a surgical drape without compromising the sterile operating field. For example, a portal provided herein can include an applicator frame and sheath (e.g., flexible sheath) that is capable of creating a channel into a sterile operating field so that a device, whether sterile or not, can be used at the time of surgery without compromising the sterility of the surgical field.