A system, apparatus and method for maximizing efficiency of tissue removal from body passageways is provided. The system comprises a device for opening an occluded lesion, e.g., a rotational atherectomy device or angioplasty device, and a guide wire having an introducer sheath. The guide wire introducer sheath may comprise a hypo tube having columnar strength greater than that of the guide wire alone to assist the guide wire in crossing occluded lesions, wherein the sheath and guide wire are axially moveable relative to each other. The guide wire sheath may further comprise increased flexibility at its distal end to increase flexibility and/or a soft distal tip to help with steerability through the vasculature. The sheath may allow for a smaller outer diameter guide wire which, in turn, may allow for a smaller outer diameter on the occlusion-opening device, e.g., atherectomy or angioplasty device, which is slid over the pre-positioned guide wire.
