Apparatus and methods for overcoming an obstruction in a wellbore

An apparatus for penetrating a downhole target within a wellbore having an axis, wherein the apparatus comprises:

• a body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end;
• a medium associated with the body;
• a nozzle at the first end of the body, wherein the nozzle projects the medium in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the nozzle comprises a surface adapted to face the downhole target, and at least two elongated slots extending in a radial direction on the surface and oriented in a geometry configured for projecting the medium in a pattern adapted to separate the downhole target into at least two portions;
• and
• an actuator in communication with the medium, wherein actuation of the actuator causes projection of the medium through the nozzle in the pattern, in the direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and generally parallel to the axis of the wellbore for affecting the downhole target.