Micro-corner-cube-like dimples with various geometrical characteristics were fabricated on the surface of medical needles by laser surface texturing. The effects of geometric parameters of dimples on tribological behaviors were investigated by carrying out insertion tests. It was found that the textured surface with a dimple array increased the friction between the needle and phantom tissue because of stress concentrations near the edges. Furthermore, the drag increment rate increased with the increase of dimple size and circumferential number, while dimple depth had no significant effect on the friction. The minimal drag increment rate was achieved at a medium value of spacing. The geometric parameters of dimples could be varied to control area density that indirectly affect the friction behavior. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.