Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument for insertion in an incision during surgical treatment and removal of tissue includes an inner elongated needle having an ovoid shape and a bore extending therethrough; and a hollow sleeve that surrounds the ovoid shaped needle such that two side regions of the needle contact an inner surface of the sleeve at two locations so as to define a pair of fluid channels that are located between convex outer surfaces of the needle and the inner surface of the sleeve. The shape of the sleeve, when deformed by insertion of the needle, is configured to be received within the incision during the surgical treatment and removal of the tissue so as to plug opposite ends of the incision and provide an at least substantially closed surgical site.

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.