A surgical apparatus 10, used in a phaco procedure, includes a filter assembly 44/44a for near, or complete, elimination of air bubbles in an aspiration line of an aspiration system 38. The apparatus 10 includes a suppressor 110, which, during an aspiration mode of operation, maintains a fluid flow rate at 50 cc/min, and, upon an occlusion breaking free, dynamically decreases the fluid flow rate from a high surge rate to the rate at 50 cc/min. The apparatus 10 includes facility for operating in a reflux mode to direct unrestricted fluid flow through the aspiration line of the aspiration system 38.
