to decide when and where to deploy the cutting blade 21 u2032 data from the optical system within the probe 16 u2032 may be provided to the monitor 40 using a cable 42 or wireless connection fig3 shows an example of a cutting blade 32 deployed from an opening 34 in a probe 36 it being understood that the probe 36 is the same or similar to 16 or 16 u2032 in fig1 and 2 respectively using a tool extension shaft 38 that passes through the probe 36 and is moveable under the control of an appropriate actuating mechanism e g button sliding mechanism etc a laser beam 28 u2033 from an emitter is aligned with the tip of the cutting blade 32 and is coplanar with and generally parallel to the probe 36 the chief requirement for the invention is that the laser beam 28 u2033 can be viewed by the surgeon above the skin of the patient note the separation of the laser beam 28 u2033 above the tip of the cutting blade 32 and that it be aligned with the probe 36 and cutting blade 32 in this way after insertion of the probe 36 into the patient the surgeon can more easily direct the probe 36 to a desired location using the laser beam 38 as an aid fig3 also shows the end of an optical fiber 39 used for imaging and or illuminating the area above the opening 34 as discussed in conjunction with fig2 and in the incorporated references images above the opening are used to permit the surgeon to determine when and where to deploy and retract the cutting blade 32 fig4 illustrates a how the invention may be used in carpal tunnel.