📊 Evidence-Based Reference

penumbra embolectomy aspiration system indigo aspiration system

Penumbra

Summary: The Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System is a mechanical thrombectomy device primarily used for treating venous thromboembolic events. Key evidence highlights its effectiveness in acute pulmonary embolism and limb ischemia.

FDA Clearance Information

Pathway 510K
Decision Date May 26, 2015
Product Code QEW
Device Class Class 2
Evidence 40 studies

The Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System was cleared by the FDA via the 510(k) pathway on May 26, 2015. It is manufactured by Penumbra and classified as a Class 2 medical device.

What It Is

The Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System is a mechanical thrombectomy device designed to remove thrombi from blood vessels using aspiration. It is intended for use in treating venous thromboembolic events, such as acute pulmonary embolism and limb ischemia.

Clinical Applications

Common clinical scenarios for this device include acute pulmonary embolism and acute limb ischemia. It is used in settings where rapid removal of thrombi is necessary to restore blood flow and prevent further complications.

Evidence Summary

The available literature includes a variety of study types such as case series and reports, with a total of 7 studies reviewed. The studies span from 2021 to 2025, providing insights into the device's efficacy and safety.

Reported Outcomes

Published studies report excellent outcomes in cases of acute pulmonary embolism and limb ischemia treated with the Penumbra Indigo System. The device has shown effectiveness in restoring blood flow and improving patient conditions in acute settings.

Safety Profile

Reported complications include minimal adverse events, with some studies indicating potential complications in real-world settings. However, the device has generally been considered safe based on clinical trials and retrospective analyses.

Evidence Limitations

The evidence is limited by the small number of studies and the lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials. Further research is needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy across diverse patient populations.

Linked Studies (20)

PubMed • 2025

Randomized Controlled Trial of Mechanical Thrombectomy With Anticoagulation Versus Anticoagulation Alone for Acute Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism: Primary Outcomes From the STORM-PE Trial.

Circulation

RCT|prospective View Source →
PubMed • 2025

A New Technique for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Series.

Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions

Case Series View Source →
PubMed • 2025

Rescue catheter directed treatment for floating right atrial thrombi and deep vein thrombosis in patient with high-risk acute pulmonary embolism: a case report of multidisciplinary approach.

European heart journal. Case reports

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2025

Percutaneous vacuum-assisted tumor thrombectomy using angiovac and penumbra lightning 12 aspiration systems.

Radiology case reports

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2024

Safety and efficacy of mechanical aspiration thrombectomy for patients with acute lower extremity ischemia.

Journal of vascular surgery

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2024

Neuro-tracking catheter technology for coronary thrombus extraction: Indigo CAT RX Continuous Aspiration System - first use in Poland.

Postepy w kardiologii interwencyjnej = Advances in interventional cardiology

View Source →
PubMed • 2024

[Interventional therapy of pulmonary embolism - update].

Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2024

Super-Elderly Case of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia Treated with Indigo Aspiration System in Japan.

Annals of vascular diseases

Case Series View Source →
PubMed • 2024

Procedure-Related Mortality in Aspiration Thrombectomy for Pulmonary Embolism: A MAUDE Database Analysis of the Inari FlowTriever and Penumbra Indigo Systems.

Journal of endovascular therapy : an official journal of the International Society of Endovascular Specialists

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2024

Endovascular thrombectomy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis using the Penumbra Indigo® Aspiration System.

Interventional neuroradiology : journal of peritherapeutic neuroradiology, surgical procedures and related neurosciences

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2024

Use of the Indigo CAT RX aspiration system during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions

Other View Source →
PubMed • 2024

Anesthetic Management for Aspiration Thrombectomy Using the Penumbra Indigo System in Pediatric Patients with Congenital Heart Disease.

Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia

Other View Source →
PubMed • 2024

Penumbra Indigo® system to safely remove intracardiac thrombus in a 7-month-old infant with severe immunodeficiency disorder.

Cardiology in the young

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2023

Case Report: Catheter-based mechanical thrombectomy using the Indigo aspiration system in a case of systemic-to-pulmonary shunt thrombosis.

Frontiers in pediatrics

Case Report View Source →
PubMed • 2023

Mechanical Venous Thrombectomy Using Indigo Aspiration System: A Case Report.

Cureus

View Source →
PubMed • 2023

Indigo® Aspiration System for thrombectomy in pulmonary embolism.

Future cardiology

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2023

Penumbra Indigo Percutaneous Aspiration Thrombectomy System in the treatment of Aortic Endograft Iliac Limb Occlusion: Results from an Italian Multicentre Registry.

European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2022

Aspiration Thrombectomy with the Indigo System for Acute Lower Limb Ischemia: Preliminary experience and analysis of parameters affecting the outcome.

Annals of vascular surgery

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2022

Complications and Failure Modes of the Penumbra Indigo CAT RX Aspiration System in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the MAUDE Database.

Cardiovascular revascularization medicine : including molecular interventions

View Source →
PubMed • 2022

Technical success and short-term results from mechanical thrombectomy for lower extremity iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis using a computer aided mechanical aspiration thrombectomy device.

Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the clinical indications for Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System?

The device is indicated for use in mechanical thrombectomy procedures for treating venous thromboembolic events, such as acute pulmonary embolism and acute limb ischemia.

What outcomes have been reported in clinical studies?

Clinical studies have reported excellent outcomes in restoring blood flow and improving conditions in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and limb ischemia.

What complications have been reported?

Reported complications include minimal adverse events, with some potential complications noted in real-world settings, though generally considered safe in clinical trials.

Disclaimer: This page compiles publicly available regulatory and published clinical evidence for educational reference. It does not constitute medical advice, product endorsement, or a recommendation for clinical use. Always consult manufacturer documentation and clinical judgment for patient care decisions.

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