A method for increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includesproviding an expandable member(100) made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable memberis substantially closed at the distal end and is insertedinto the vessel and positioned within the vessel with the member body locatedradially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction.The expandable member is expanded into contact with the obstruction. Anoutward radial force is exerted on the obstruction todislodge a fragment. The fragment is passed through at least one interstice ofthe member body in the radial direction, the fragmentbeing selectively retained. An apparatus for increasing blood flow through anobstructed blood vessel is also provided.
