A phacoemulsification needle is provided for emulsifying body tissue. The needle is adapted to be attached to a phacoemulsification handpiece that imparts a vibration to the needle. The needle has a hollow body with an operative distal end, a proximal end for being attached to a handpiece, and an internal surface defining an aspiration passage extending between the proximal and distal ends. The needle body includes a tip at the distal end and the needle body has a blockage reduction means located within the aspiration passage at a location proximal of the tip, wherein the blockage reduction means is one of: (i) a protrusion extending radially inward from the internal surface； (ii) a groove extending into the internal surface； (iii) at least one insert located within the aspiration passage； (iv) at least one blade located within the aspiration passage； or (v) a deformed portion of the needle body.
