Devices and methods for increasing or restoring a flow in a body lumen. The devices and the methods may treat conditions like stroke by removing a clot from a blood vessel and/or reopen the vessel. The device may include a plurality of engaging elements, a central wire, and proximal control element. The device may include a linking structure between engaging elements. The linking structure may include segments configured to respond differently upon the application of longitudinal loads. The positions of the engaging elements and the distance therebetween can be adjusted simultaneously or sequentially to promote the engagement of the clot or occlusion. The device may include be configured to inhibit or prevent the proximal engaging element from being pulled back into a microcatheter when pulling the central wire to pull the distal engaging element proximally and/or during retraction of the device holding a clot.
