A catheter or shaft, such as a distal access support or aspiration catheter, is provided that is configured to be advanced at least partially within a patient. The catheter or shaft may include a flexible and hollow shaft including a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible and hollow shaft may include a slotted portion with a plurality of slotted openings, the slotted portion including a first segment with a first pattern of slotted openings and a second segment extending proximally relative the first segment with a second pattern of slotted openings different from the first pattern.
