A method of penetrating an intravascular occlusion including the steps of: obtaining an apparatus with a sleeve assembly defining an elongate passageway having a lengthwise axis, a stabilizing assembly, and a blade assembly directing the sleeve assembly into an operative position within a vessel passage wherein an outlet from the elongate passageway is adjacent an occlusion within the vessel passage through the stabilizing assembly, stabilizing the sleeve assembly in the operative position and with the sleeve assembly stabilized in its operative position advancing the blade assembly in a first lengthwise direction relative to the sleeve assembly to penetrate the occlusion.
