Abstract: An apparatus provides mechanical energy to vibrate a tip. The tip preferably formed of multiple prongs positioned approximately circumferentially (either symmetrically or asymmetrically) around an orifice of a needle. The tip is designed to emulsify a cataractous lens and to collect the resulting detritus through an aspiration aperture. An irrigating sleeve whose apertures/ports are protected from relative occlusion by untoward excursions of the phaco needle by a system of elevated stabilizing devices rising from within the inner wall of the sleeve (or from the outer wall of the phaco needle); this results in a plume or river of irrigating fluid exiting the sleeve that mitigates untoward dispersion of infusion fluid and material caught in its path including lens detritus, iris and other anatomical structures.

Abstract: An apparatus provides mechanical energy to vibrate a needle. An irrigating sleeve is disposed around the needle and includes one or more irrigation ports through which irrigation liquid is ejected during emulsification. To prevent the needle from occluding the irrigation ports with its deflections, one or more bumpers are provided between the sleeve and the needle.