A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and having a scraping surface configured to scrape tissue. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member. The second member has a maximum length defined by opposite end surfaces of the second member. The end surfaces are each disposed within the first member. A third member includes an outer surface defining at least a portion of a passageway configured for disposal of the scraped tissue. The third member is fixed with the first member. The cutting surface is rotatable relative to the third member to transfer the scraped tissue along the axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

A protection device includes an elongate body having a distal portion defining a flange, and a proximal portion including a plurality of legs extending proximally from the distal portion. When a distal surface of the flange is positioned on a horizontal surface, the plurality of legs is oriented in a vertical orientation.

A tissue dilator includes a plurality of segments pivotable between a first configuration to define a first channel, and a second configuration, to define a second channel, larger in size than the first channel.

Some embodiments provide a soft tissue device, such as a transverse carpal ligament cutting device having one or more balloons that are deflated when the device is in an inactive position and are inflated when the device is in an active position. Other embodiments provide a soft tissue cutting method, such as a method of cutting a transverse carpal ligament that uses a soft tissue cutting device.

A transseptal needle or punch. The transseptal punch includes a stylet with a tube with a side window and a cutting wire disposed within the tube, with a sharp cutting segment disposed proximate the window. The sharp cutting segment can be expanded radially outwardly from the window by translation of the cutting wire proximal end within the tube.

A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a shaft, an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation joint, and a firing system configured to be moved through the articulation joint and the end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises means configured to facilitate the movement of the firing system through the articulation joint and the end effector.

A needle apparatus having a sheath with a protective hypotube insert and a method of making the needle sheath. An example needle apparatus includes a handle, a needle having a proximal end connected to the handle and a sheath. The sheath is configured to receive of the needle. The sheath includes a proximal end connected to the handle, a distal end, a lumen and the protective insert. The lumen passes from the proximal end to the distal end of the sheath. The protective insert is received within the lumen at the distal end of the sheath when force and/or heat are applied.

Apparatus for placement in an incision of a natural body opening comprises a retractor having a sleeve (655, 656, 657) and a guard device comprising overlapping petals (662) depending from a mounting ring (661). The guard device is movable by the retractor from an insertion configuration to a deployed configuration as the retractor sleeve is moved to the retracting configuration.

A system and method for removing a tissue specimen or organ from the body of patient is disclosed. The system includes a bag and an excising instrument. The tissue specimen or organ is located in the bag, which is located in the patient's body. The instrument comprises a guide and a cutter. The guide is configured for introduction into the bag. The cutter is rotatable within the guide and includes a central passageway and an annular cutting blade. The cutting blade is brought into engagement with a peripherally located portion of the tissue specimen and rotated to produce a tangentially cut peripheral portion while a pulling force is applied to the tissue specimen through the central passageway. The pulling force rotates the tissue specimen within the bag to effect the production of the tangentially cut peripheral portion and to move the tangentially cut peripheral portion out of the patient's body. Gas pressure may be applied to inflate the bag to facilitate placement of the excising instrument.

A surgical instrument system comprising an elongate shaft is disclosed. The elongate shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a proximal region, a central region, and a distal region. The proximal region comprises a first diameter. The central region comprises a second diameter. The distal region comprises a third diameter. The first diameter is different than the second diameter, and the second diameter is different than the third diameter. The proximal region defines a central longitudinal axis and the central region is centered along the central longitudinal axis. The distal region is laterally offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis.