Abstract: A blade actuating assembly is provided which permits selective reciprocal movement of a tissue cutting blade positioned at a distal end of an optical trocar assembly from a non-deployed position to a deployed position and back to a non-deployed position. The trocar assembly has an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An objective optical member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site.