A system for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. An apparatus is appropriate for both cardiovascular as well as peripheral vessels, uses a pulling member 10 and a spring element 20, for example a compression spring, to oscillate a vibratable member 30. The system includes the apparatus and a control unit to permit the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the vibratable member to be adjusted. The system is useful not only for penetrating a total or partial occlusion, but also to improve deliverability of a catheter through a partially occluded vessel or a tortuous vessel.
