A surgical access system (10) includes a tubular member (14) defining a longitudinal axis and having an axial lumen. The tubular member (14) includes a braided material adapted to expand from a first initial condition having a first cross-sectional dimension to a second expanded condition having a second-cross sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension. The tubular member (14) defines an oblique end surface (58a). An access housing (12) is mounted to the tubular member (14). The access housing (12) is dimensioned for engagement by the user. A process for manufacturing a surgical access device (10) is also disclosed.
