Penumbra, a medical device firm, has introduced a next generation clot extraction device, called 5MAX ACE, which uses only aspiration to quickly remove blood clots that cause acute ischemic stroke.

The increased size of 5MAX ACE’s inner lumen and end-hole diameter enables to engage the clot and aspirate it completely.

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However, in cases when aspiration cannot be done completely, the remaining clot could be removed in one piece by withdrawing the device under continuous suction.

Penumbra CEO Adam Elsesser noted that the initial feedback on its 5MAX ACE device has been encouraging.

The company claimed that the device accomplishes easier delivery and higher aspiration flow rate compared to other similar devices.

"This new direct aspiration first pass technique is optimised with the 5MAX ACE, and is showing superior clinical and angiographic outcomes as a first line approach with results far better than that of earlier generation devices."

Medical University of South Carolina’s neurointerventional division director and professor of radiology Dr Quill Turk said that the 5MAX ACE was cheaper, quicker, safer and easier to use an only aspiration approach as the primary tool for revascularisation.

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"This new direct aspiration first pass technique (‘ADAPT’) is optimised with the 5MAX ACE, and is showing superior clinical and angiographic outcomes as a first line approach with results far better than that of earlier generation devices," Dr Turk said.

ADAPT is the latest technique in treating acute ischemic strokes, which are caused due to blockage of blood supply to the brain.

It involves placement of either 5MAX or 5MAX ACE aspiration device at the clot and aspirate until the device becomes occlusive, when the device can then be withdrawn under continuous aspiration until the thrombus is removed.

New York-located Lutheran Medical Center interventional neuroradiology director Dr Jeffrey Farkas said that in each of their first three cases with 5MAX ACE, they could completely remove the clot in one minute of aspiration, with the patients recoveries becoming quicker.