A method for increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member (100) made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is substantially closed at the distal end and is inserted into the vessel and positioned within the vessel with the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction. The expandable member is expanded into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge a fragment. The fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, the fragment being selectively retained. An apparatus for increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel is also provided.
