An apparatus for dissecting tissue in a substantially uniform plane of
dissection includes a housing configured to be advanced under a tissue
layer, and control one of a depth of dissection or tissue flap thickness.
The housing thermally shields at least a portion of the tissue flap. A
roller is coupled to the housing. The roller is configured to smoothly
advance housing over tissue. An energy delivery device is coupled to
housing. The energy delivery device is configured to be coupled to an
energy source. The energy delivery device has a geometry that
substantially defines a plane of dissection.