Methods, systems and devices for carpal tunnel release

A device for cutting a carpal ligament of a patient, the device comprising:

• a proximal handle;
• at least one tissue modification element configured cut the ligament;
• a sharp distal tip, wherein the sharp distal tip is configured to be advanced anterior to the ligament of a patient and posteriorly through the skin of the patient such that it exits the patient;
• a distal handle configured to couple to the sharp distal tip of the device;
• and a sheath configured to limit the exposure of the tissue modification element, wherein the tissue modification element is configured for placement within the sheath such that tissue modification element is locally exposed by the sheath.

A system for cutting a carpal ligament of a patient, the system comprising:

• a probe configured to be advanced into a patient;
• a tissue modification device, wherein tissue modification device comprises:
• a proximal handle, an abrasive surface configured cut the ligament, a sharp distal tip, wherein the sharp distal tip is configured to be advanced anterior to the ligament of a patient and posteriorly through the skin of the patient such that it exits the patient;
• a distal handle configured to couple to the sharp distal tip of the tissue modification device;
• and a protective cover disposed about the tissue modification device configured to limit the exposure of the abrasive surface, wherein the probe is a cannulated probe and the tissue modification device is configured to be deployed through the cannulated probe.