Systems and methods are described for removing an embolus in a cerebral vessel of a patient. The assembled system of devices includes a catheter having a catheter lumen and a distal end and a catheter advancement element extending through the catheter lumen. A tapered distal end region of the catheter advancement element extends distal to the distal end of the catheter. The assembled system of devices is advanced together towards an occlusion site in a cerebral vessel of a patient visible on angiogram. The occlusion site includes an angiographic limit of contrast and an embolus downstream of the angiographic limit of contrast. The catheter advancement element is advanced to a location past the angiographic limit of contrast without crossing the embolus. The catheter is advanced to position the distal end of the catheter at a treatment site located past the angiographic limit of contrast and aspiration applied.