Provided are minimally invasive approaches to perform translumenal surgery, including transesophageal surgery. In some embodiments, barrier devices and methodologies are provided to manage translumenal access to internal anatomy and surrounding structures to perform a body of surgical procedures (e.g., orthopedic, and neurosurgical procedures in the mediastinum, cervical, and thoracic cavities). In one embodiment, a translumenal barrier is used to demarcate a surgical access point within a patient's lumen (e.g., esophagus). In one example, the barrier is constructed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) that includes a pre-defined opening biased to remain closed. The barrier covers a portion of the patient's lumen and manages access to the lumen at the pre-defined opening. In one example, surgical devices can be configured to deform the barrier to enter the pre-defined opening, and upon removal, the barrier returns to a closed position covering the body lumen and closing any opening the lumen.
