A system for removing embolic material from an intravascular site is disclosed. The system includes an elongate, flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a tubular side wall defining at least one lumen extending axially there through; an axial restraint carried by the side wall and exposed to the lumen; a rotatable core wire extendable through the lumen, the core wire having a distal end; a limit carried by the core wire, the limit having a bearing surface for rotatably engaging the restraint; and an agitator tip on the distal end of the core wire. The limit and the restraint are engageable to permit rotation of the core wire but limit distal advance of the tip relative to the tubular body.