A tissue cutting device, assembly and method of using same, including a generally cylindrical tube having a distal end and a proximal end and defining an open passage extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The distal end defines a cutting edge, and the tube has a substantially smooth exterior along a working length selected for insertion through the epidermis of a patient to access tissue to be cut. The assembly further includes a grasping tool having a distal portion defining a grasping element capable of grasping tissue and of being inserted through the passage of the tube. The tube and the grasping tool are separable and independent from each other, and the tube is advanceable relative to the tool to cut tissue held by the grasping element.
