Featured is a surgical instrument (10) having an elongate inner tubular member (20) and an elongate outer tubular member (11), in which the inner tubular member is moveably received within the outer tubular member. The instrument also includes a diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface disposed so as to be between the inner and outer tubular members. In further embodiments, the DLC surface (31/32) is formed on the outer surface of the inner tubular member and/or on the inner surface of the outer tubular member. In yet further embodiments, the inner tubular member includes a cutting edge (24) disposed at a distal region thereof, and the outer tubular member includes a distal opening (15) therein. The opening is positioned to expose and co-operate with the cutting edge of the inner tubular member to permit shearing or cutting of tissue.
