A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.
