Abstract: A surgical cutter intended for use in endoscopic procedures utilizes at least one shape-memory-effect (SME) alloy actuator to move one or more blades or other surgical tips in a reciprocal, rotational, or scissors-type motion to incise or excise tissue. Such cutters have a cutter assembly, mounted in a shaft connected to a handle, with a blade or blades that are moved individually or in concert. The actuator is formed of one or more wire SME alloy loops and optional bias spring. Application of an appropriate voltage waveform in a specified time sequence causes each wire loop to contract and return to its original length. Each actuator is mechanically linked to the cutting blade or other surgical tip.