A phacoemulsification handpiece comprising: a proximal portion having a longitudinal axis, and a first end and a second end, wherein at least aspiration, irrigation and power inputs enter the first end; a distal portion along the longitudinal axis and comprising, at a distalmost portion thereof from the proximal portion: a needle configured to be vibrated by a transducer powered by the power input, the transducer residing within the distal portion and being associated with a horn; and characterized in that : the horn has a circumferential flange ; and in that the handpiece further comprises: a thumb wheel circumferentially associated with the circumferential flange , and having a portion thereof extending out of the distal portion to allow for a user to rotationally actuate the extending portion ; wherein rotational actuation of the thumb wheel affects a rotation of the circumferential flange , wherein the thumb wheel comprises: a circumferential notch for association with the circumferential flange within the distal portion via one or more mating sets of gear teeth , wherein the circumferential flange of the horn passes through the circumferential notch, and a window through a portion of the thumb wheel that is opposite the extending portion and below the circumferential notch, wherein an irrigation line connected to the irrigation input passes through the window . a proximal portion having a longitudinal axis, and a first end and a second end, wherein at least aspiration, irrigation and power inputs enter the first end; a distal portion along the longitudinal axis and comprising, at a distalmost portion thereof from the proximal portion: a needle configured to be vibrated by a transducer powered by the power input, the transducer residing within the distal portion and being associated with a horn; and characterized in that : the horn has a circumferential flange ; and in that the handpiece further comprises: a thumb wheel circumferentially associated with the circumferential flange , and having a portion thereof extending out of the distal portion to allow for a user to rotationally actuate the extending portion ; wherein rotational actuation of the thumb wheel affects a rotation of the circumferential flange , wherein the thumb wheel comprises: a circumferential notch for association with the circumferential flange within the distal portion via one or more mating sets of gear teeth , wherein the circumferential flange of the horn passes through the circumferential notch, and a window through a portion of the thumb wheel that is opposite the extending portion and below the circumferential notch, wherein an irrigation line connected to the irrigation input passes through the window . a thumb wheel circumferentially associated with the circumferential flange , and having a portion thereof extending out of the distal portion to allow for a user to rotationally actuate the extending portion ; wherein rotational actuation of the thumb wheel affects a rotation of the circumferential flange , wherein the thumb wheel comprises: a circumferential notch for association with the circumferential flange within the distal portion via one or more mating sets of gear teeth , wherein the circumferential flange of the horn passes through the circumferential notch, and a window through a portion of the thumb wheel that is opposite the extending portion and below the circumferential notch, wherein an irrigation line connected to the irrigation input passes through the window . <EOS>