What instrument has small barbs along the shaft and is used to remove pulp tissue?

The barbed broach is specifically designed for the removal of pulp tissue from the root canal. Its small barbs along the shaft effectively grasp and extract the necrotic or infected pulp, making it an essential tool in endodontic procedures. The unique design of the barbs allows for efficient engagement with the soft tissue inside the canal, ensuring a thorough cleanup during root canal therapy.

In contrast, an endodontic file is primarily used for shaping and cleaning the canal but does not possess the same barb structure for pulling out tissue. A root canal spreader is designed for laterally condensing gutta-percha within the canal, not for removing pulp tissue. An excavator is a hand instrument used for removing decay and soft tissue but lacks the specialized barb design aimed at pulp removal, making the barbed broach the most appropriate instrument for this particular task.