A method for increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includesproviding an expandable member (100) made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices.The expandable member is substantially closed at the distal end and is insertedinto the vessel and positioned within the vessel with the member body locatedradially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction. The expandable memberis expanded into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exertedon the obstruction to dislodge a fragment. The fragment is passed through at leastone interstice of the member body in the radial direction, the fragment beingselectively retained. An apparatus for increasing blood flow through an obstructedblood vessel is also provided.
