Abstract: A hydro-rotary vascular catheter for insertion in a body vessel comprises a tubular outer shell having a fluid-directing head rotatably mounted at its distal end. A plurality of outlet passages are formed about the circumference of the fluid-directing head, including a row of primary outlet passages formed near the base of the fluid-directing head and a row of secondary outlet passages formed forwardly of the primary outlet passages. The primary outlet passages are inclined radially and tangentially with respect to the shell to impart a tangential component of velocity to fluid exiting through the primary openings, while the secondary outlet openings are inclined axially in order to eject fluid in a primarily forward direction. A protective shield surrounds the primary openings to prevent the radially ejected fluid from rupturing the walls of the vessel, and to increase the turbulence of the exiting fluid.