Cutting device for resecting nerve or soft tissue while reducing or preventing arcing or heating of surrounding tissues are provided. The cutting devices include a probe having a lumen, a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a tip and a cutting surface positioned near its tip. The cutting surface has cutting edges configured to receive and conduct pulsed plasma mediated RF discharges. The cutting devices also include a sleeve covering the probe, the sleeve containing at least one aperture configured to expose the cutting surface. Intermediate the probe and the sleeve, some cutting devices include a metal insert that can cover the probe exposing only the cutting edges of the cutting surface. Methods for cutting nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the cutting devices are also provided.
