an aspiration catheter comprising a proximal end, a beveled distal end, and a circumferentially extending blocking element coupled to an outer surface of the aspiration catheter adjacent to the beveled distal end, the beveled distal end comprising undulations extending to the distal tip and positioned sporadically around a distal edge of the distal tip to create a scalloped profile;

a thrombus retrieval device extending through the aspiration catheter and exiting beyond the beveled distal end, the retrieval device comprising a proximal region, a distal region, and a first lumen extending therebetween;

an activation wire extending through the first lumen of the retrieval device; and

at least one braided assembly coupled to the distal region of the retrieval device and to the activation wire, the braided assembly comprising a circumferentially extending, oscillating ring encircling a braid;

wherein the oscillating ring comprises a plurality of apices; and

wherein the braided assembly is expandable to a range of expanded outer diameters by varying the level of tension in the activation wire.