A method is disclosed for creating a channel through an occlusion located in a vein that drains the central nervous system of a patient. The method utilizes a channel creating apparatus, including an energy delivery component operatively coupled to a distal end portion of the channel creating apparatus, to create a channel through the occlusion by delivering energy using the energy delivery component, in order to substantially increase blood flow through said vein to treat chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).
