<p>A surgical trocar (10) includes an operative sleeve (32) adapted for disposition across a tissue barrier and an obturator (36) removably disposed in the sleeve (32). A source of energy is introduced to a cutting element (42) disposed at the distal end (43) of the obturator (36) for energizing the cutting element (42) to cut the tissue barrier (18). The distal end (43) of the obturator (36) and the distal end of the operative sleeve (32) can be advanced through the cut tissue and the obturator (36) removed leaving the sleeve (32) operatively disposed for further surgery.</p>
