Penumbra Inc., a global leader in the medical devices industry, won an award in the Innovation category in the 2024 Medical Device Network Excellence Awards. This accolade highlights the company’s impactful contributions to the development of advanced mechanical thrombectomy devices.
The Medical Device Network Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the medical devices industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
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Penumbra won the award for pioneering computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomyTM (CAVT) technology, which includes its novel aspiration technology. These cutting-edge innovations have set new standards for safety and efficiency in the removal of blood clots throughout the body, offering hope to patients worldwide.
“Clinically significant clot burden in the arteries and veins of the body and the brain is still one of the most undertreated acute issues in health care today. For 20 years, Penumbra has innovated our thrombectomy products, to make them effective in removing clot in the safest, fastest and simplest way possible. With the launch of CAVT last year, physicians have been able to remove blood clots more efficiently and effectively, while also demonstrating a high level of safety.” – Adam Elsesser, CEO, Penumbra
Advancing stroke treatment with aspiration technology
Penumbra’s aspiration technology has been a cornerstone in the evolution of stroke treatment. The company’s initial focus on ischemic stroke led to the creation of a medical device that utilized aspiration to quickly remove blood clots from the brain. This technology has since been leveraged to remove clots from other parts of the body, such as in cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and acute limb ischemia (ALI). The aspiration method is less invasive than traditional surgical approaches and offers a quicker recovery time, which is crucial for stroke patients who require immediate intervention to minimize brain damage and potential long-term disability.
Enhancing clot removal with CAVT technology
The introduction of Penumbra’s CAVT technology has brought a new level of safety, speed and simplicity when it comes to clot removal procedures. Unlike other thrombectomy devices, CAVT utilizes a combination of aspiration and a computer algorithm that intelligently differentiates between clot and blood. This distinction is critical in ensuring that the clot is removed quickly while minimizing blood loss.
The “smart-sucking” algorithm can complete clot removal in a matter of minutes, which is a significant improvement over traditional methods that could take much longer. The technology not only enhances patient safety, but also has the potential to revolutionize frontline treatment options for serious blood clot conditions.
Introducing Lightning Bolt 7 and Lightning Flash 2.0
The market has seen a significant advancement with the launch of Penumbra’s Lightning Bolt 7 and Lightning Flash 2.0 systems. Lightning Bolt 7, which debuted in June 2023, is tailored for the removal of fibrous arterial clots, which are notoriously difficult to treat and often require invasive surgery. Its modulated aspiration technology, paired with an advanced microprocessor algorithm, enhances the ability to rapidly remove these challenging clots.
Lightning Flash 2.0, launched in April 2024, is designed for the treatment of VTE and PE. It features dual clot detection algorithms and MaxID hypotube technology, which allows for a large inner diameter while maintaining a lower profile. In addition to receiving FDA clearance, both devices have received CE Mark approval in Europe.
Impact on healthcare costs and medical efficiency
The efficiency of Penumbra’s thrombectomy devices has a direct impact on healthcare costs and medical care efficiency. By significantly reducing procedure times and hospital stays, these devices not only improve patient outcomes, but also alleviate the financial burden on healthcare systems.
A late-breaking study presented at the Vascular Interventional Advances (VIVA) 2024 Conference revealed that patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism treated with CAVT technology have a shorter length of hospital stay, shorter post-procedure length of stay and fewer complications when compared to other treatment options including anticoagulation, catheter directed thrombolysis or other mechanical thrombectomy devices.1
The potential for cost savings is particularly notable in the United States, where blood clots result in approximately $10 billion in healthcare expenses annually2. With the potential for patients to leave the hospital within a day of a minimally invasive clot removal procedure, Penumbra’s devices could lead to substantial savings for both patients and healthcare providers.
Penumbra’s continued innovation
Penumbra’s commitment to innovation is ongoing, with plans to launch additional products that will expand the reach of CAVT technology to more areas of the body. The company is also conducting the THUNDER study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its ThunderboltTM system, which applies CAVT technology to the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
Company Profile
Penumbra Inc., the world’s leading thrombectomy company, is focused on developing the most innovative technologies for challenging medical conditions such as ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism such as pulmonary embolism, and acute limb ischemia. Its broad portfolio, which includes computer assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT), centers on removing blood clots from head-to-toe with speed, safety and simplicity. By pioneering these innovations, Penumbra supports healthcare providers, hospitals and clinics in more than 100 countries, working to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Links
Website: https://www.penumbrainc.com
1Healthcare Resource Utilization and Outcomes Among Patients With Intermediate-Risk PE Treated With Computer-Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy vs Other Treatment Modalities. Presented by: Parag J. Patel, MD, MS. Vascular InterVentional Advances Conference 2024
2Beckman M, Hooper WC, Critchley S, Ortel T. Venous thromboembolism: a public health concern. Am J Prev Med. 2010;38(4 Suppl):S495-501.
