Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved needle for use in the surgical emulsification of tissue such as cataracts, wherein the inner surface of the needle comprises one or more concave recesses. Such recesses are referred to herein as "cavitation generators". During the emulsification process, the cavitation generator produces a focus of cavitation bubbles directed toward a point interior to the body of the needle, thereby facilitating the emulsification of tissue within the needle as well as the aspiration of fluid from the operative field, while simultaneously protecting surrounding tissues from cavitation bubble-mediated damage. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a plurality of cavitation generators are located within the distal end of the surgical emulsification needle. Such cavitation generators may be incorporated into any existing emulsification needle (including but not limited to phacoemulsification needle) design.