The invention relates to systems for removing obstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other interior lumen of an animal. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a catheter and includes a pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end, and a distal body having a proximal hub, a basket, and a distal hub. In some embodiments, the distal body includes a plurality of proximal strips that form a closeable claw that is used to capture the obstruction. In other embodiments, the basket includes an enlarged opening that allows the object to enter the basket. Optionally, the basket includes x-ray markers adjacent to the enlarged openings to allow the operator to locate the openings, as well as twisting strips that connect the basket to the proximal hub. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using such systems.
