An apparatus, system and method for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The apparatus and method, which are appropriate for both cardiovascular as well as peripheral vessels, use a pulling member and a spring element, for example a compression spring, to oscillate a vibratable member, and the system of the invention includes the apparatus and a control unit to permit the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the vibratable member to be adjusted. Also provided is a method for oscillating a vibratable member using a pulling member and a spring element. The apparatus and system are useful not only for penetrating a total or partial occlusion, but also to improve deliverability of a catheter through a partially occluded vessel or a tortuous vessel.