The latest-generation Lightning Flash CAVT offering includes significant upgrades, advancing Penumbra’s venous thromboembolism (VTE) platform, the company says.
Penumbra — which is set to be acquired by Boston Scientific for $14.5 billion — said it engineered its latest Flash 3.0 algorithm for the rapid removal of pulmonary and venous thrombus. It designed the algorithm for enhanced clot detection capabilities with increased sensitivity to thrombus and blood.
Lightning Flash 3.0 includes enlarged tubing, coupled with an automated backflush feature. Penumbra said it tailored this feature for large thrombus burdens and to reduce friction from aspirated thrombus. Altogether, the company says its system builds upon the speed, safety and simplicity of its existing CAVT platform.
Penumbra said Lightning Flash 3.0 delivers 1.3-times faster clot removal time and 60% fluid savings. It also has an upgraded user interface with streamlined audio-visual feedback, including a visual display with vacuum and flow indicators.
The company said its launch comes on the heels of its positive STORM-PE results shared last October. The study found that the use of the company’s computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT) system, a form of mechanical thrombectomy (MT), with anticoagulation achieved superior reduction in right heart strain compared to anticoagulation alone in patients with acute intermediate high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE).
Commentary from Penumbra officials
Shruthi Narayan, president of Penumbra, said:
“On the heels of the positive STORM-PE results, the launch of Lightning Flash 3.0 demonstrates Penumbra’s commitment to continuous innovation and improvement. Our ongoing optimization of our microprocessor algorithms and catheter technology results in an improved physician experience and more efficient clot removal. Our innovation of CAVT underscores our dedication to advancing patient care so that more patients suffering from these complicated conditions can benefit from this advanced technology.”
Dr. James F. Benenati, chief medical officer of Penumbra, said:
“Aspiration with Flash 3.0 allows physicians to optimize thrombus removal with continued improvements in procedure time while simultaneously minimizing blood loss. These advances may translate to significant improvements in patient safety and efficiency for physicians performing these procedures. Along with the recent landmark STORM-PE findings, Lightning Flash 3.0 will provide physicians with the confidence that CAVT is a valuable frontline option and will allow for a more rapid adoption of thrombectomy.”
