A biocompatible device (10) is designed to remove a vessel occlusion such as a thrombus, blood clot, or embolus. The device (10) can be used to treat occlusions in the brain, in the vasculature, and in tissues and organs. The device (10) is in a form of a wire (20) or wire-like structure which can capture the occlusion with minimal contact force applied to the vessel wall by an application of electricity, or electrical, chemical, or microwave generated heat to enable capture of the occlusion by the device (10). The device (10), compared to conventional mechanical thrombectomy devices, captures the occlusion and reduces occlusion fragmentation without large radial force and vessel wall friction that can damage the vessel wall.