In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath and a tissue gripping member supported by the sheath. Coupled to the tissue gripping member may be at least one ultrasonic transducer, which, in turn, may be coupled to a drive system. The drive system may be configured to deliver gross axial motions to the tissue gripping member such that the tissue gripping member translates with respect to the hollow sheath when the drive system is activated.
