Penumbra has launched the Lightning Flash 3.0 computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT) system, a development that includes “significant upgrades” to the venous thromboembolism (VTE) platform, according to the company
“Engineered for the rapid removal of pulmonary and venous thrombus, the latest Flash 3.0 algorithm is designed for enhanced clot detection capabilities with increased sensitivity to thrombus and blood,” Penumbra reported in a press release. The latest iteration includes enlarged tubing coupled with an automated backflush feature tailored for large thrombus burdens and to reduce friction from aspirated thrombus.
The STORM-PE randomized controlled trial, recently published in Circulation, found that the use of Penumbra’s CAVT technology with anticoagulation achieved superior reduction in right heart strain compared to anticoagulation therapy alone in patients with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE). This marks the first level-1 evidence demonstrating superior results for mechanical thrombectomy over traditional anticoagulation for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE).
Lightning Flash 3.0 is part of Penumbra’s Indigo system with Lightning portfolio. Boston Scientific and Penumbra recently announced the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Boston Scientific will acquire Penumbra in a cash and stock transaction.
