A device for the removal of clot obstructing the flow of blood through an arterial vessel comprises an elongate member, a clot engaging element and a capture basket. The elongate member extends in use from a point adjacent a target treatment site interior of the patient to a point exterior of the patient. The capture basket comprises a frame and a net, and has an expanded and a collapsed configuration. The clot engaging element comprises a plurality of struts having an expanded and a collapsed configuration. The plurality of struts form a first section and a second section, the first section tapering outward and distally from the elongate member and connected to the second section. The second section comprises a plurality of cells defined by a plurality of struts and arranged around at least a portion of the circumference of an axis substantially parallel to that of the elongate member. The clot engaging element and the capture basket are restrained in the collapsed configuration for delivery to the target site. The clot engaging element is located adjacent the distal end of the elongate member and proximal of the capture basket.
