Abstract: In a procedure for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, the carpal ligament is spread by use of a cutting device passing through the interior of a cannula inserted into the carpal tunnel through an incision in the patient's wrist, the cannula containing an inflatable balloon at its distal end to secure the position of the cutting device against the carpal ligament, and the cutting device comprising a blade whose position is remotely controlled from the proximal end of the device. Other features of the procedure are the use of a blunt-tipped hypodermic needle and exchange wire to establish a path to the site under the carpal ligament, an endoscope or other visualization device to be inserted through the cannula with the cutting device, and a removable sheath over the cannula to contain the inflatable balloon until inflation is desired.