Apparatus and method for the treatment of thrombotic occlusions in vessels

Apparatus for the treatment of a thrombotic occlusion in a vessel of a patient comprising a flexible elongate tubular sheath having proximal and distal extremities. A relatively large lumen defined by a thin flexible wall extends from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity of the tubular sheath so that the distal extremity is open. An occlusion disruption device is slidably and rotatably disposed in the lumen in the tubular sheath and includes a flexible elongate torsionally rigid shaft having a length greater than the length of the tubular sheath and having proximal and distal extremities. The shaft has a guide wire lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. Disruption elements are secured to the distal extremity of the shaft which when rotated disrupt the thrombotic occlusion by causing it to break into pieces. Suction is applied to the lumen in the tubular sheath to aspirate pieces into the large lumen of the tubular sheath to remove them from the vessel of the patient.