Abstract: A surgical instrument in the form of, for example, a two mm needle has an open distal aspiration port for holding tissue to be fractured. An optical fiber extends along the length of the needle and has it's distal end positioned close to a metal target. Pulses of laser energy are discharged from the distal end of the optical fiber to strike the target. The target acts as a transducer converting the electromagnetic energy to shockwaves that are directed onto tissue in an operating zone adjacent to the aspiration port. The mechanical shockwaves cause the tissue to fracture and the tissue, together with the irrigating fluid is drawn out through an aspirating passageway. A flexible as the needle enhances access to various area where tissue is to be fractured.