📊 Evidence-Based Reference

penumbra system

Penumbra

Summary: The Penumbra System is a mechanical thrombectomy device primarily used for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Key evidence highlights its efficacy in aspiration thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion.

FDA Clearance Information

Pathway 510K
Decision Date December 28, 2007
Product Code NRY
Device Class Class 2
Evidence 15 studies

The Penumbra System was cleared by the FDA via the 510(k) pathway on December 28, 2007. It is manufactured by Penumbra and classified as a Class 2 device.

What It Is

The Penumbra System is a mechanical thrombectomy device designed for the removal of thrombi in patients with acute ischemic stroke. It utilizes aspiration to restore blood flow in occluded vessels.

Clinical Applications

The device is commonly used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, particularly in cases involving large vessel occlusion. It is applied in both emergent and routine clinical settings.

Evidence Summary

The literature includes 15 studies, comprising various study types such as RCTs and registries, conducted between 2020 and 2025. These studies evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Penumbra System.

Reported Outcomes

Published studies report that the Penumbra System is effective in achieving reperfusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. The COMPLETE registry highlights its performance in real-world settings, demonstrating successful outcomes in late-onset treatment scenarios.

Safety Profile

Reported complications include device-related adverse events, although specific safety data from the studies is limited. The RESCUE-ICAS registry notes concerns regarding the safety of adjunct procedures like emergent stenting.

Evidence Limitations

The evidence is limited by the variability in study designs and the lack of long-term outcome data. Further research is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of the Penumbra System in diverse patient populations.

Linked Studies (15)

PubMed • 2026

First-Pass Effect With Aspiration Thrombectomy With the Penumbra System in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Core Laboratory-Adjudicated Subset Analysis of the COMPLETE Registry.

Stroke (Hoboken, N.J.)

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

Aspiration thrombectomy with the Penumbra System for patients with stroke and late onset to treatment: a subset analysis of the COMPLETE registry.

Frontiers in neurology

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

Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke With the Penumbra System in Routine Practice: COMPLETE Registry Results.

Stroke

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2019

Efficacy of a coaxial system with a compliant balloon catheter for navigation of the Penumbra reperfusion catheter in tortuous arteries: technique and case experience.

Journal of neurosurgery

View Source →
PubMed • 2018

Unilateral Acute Renal Artery Embolism: An Index Case of Successful Mechanical Aspiration Thrombectomy With Use of Penumbra Indigo Aspiration System and a Review of the Literature.

Vascular and endovascular surgery

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2017

Efficiency of the Penumbra 5MAX ACE Reperfusion Catheter in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2015

Mechanical thrombectomy with the penumbra 3D separator and lesional aspiration: technical feasibility and clinical outcome.

Clinical neuroradiology

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2015

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: Successful Treatment of Two Patients Using the Penumbra System and Review of Endovascular Approaches.

The neuroradiology journal

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2012

Rescue forced-suction thrombectomy using the reperfusion catheter of the Penumbra System for thromboembolism during coil embolization of ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

Neurosurgery

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2012

The Penumbra system for mechanical thrombectomy in endovascular acute ischemic stroke therapy.

Neurology

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
PubMed • 2011

Direct thrombus retrieval using the reperfusion catheter of the penumbra system: forced-suction thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology

RCT|prospective|retrospective|case Series|other View Source →
ClinicalTrials.gov

COMPLETE: International Acute Ischemic Stroke Registry With the Penumbra System Aspiration Including the 3D Revascularization Device

View Source →
ClinicalTrials.gov

A Randomized, Concurrent Controlled Trial to Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of the Separator 3D as a Component of the Penumbra System in the Revascularization of Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke

View Source →
ClinicalTrials.gov

European Registry on the ACE Reperfusion Catheters and the Penumbra System in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

View Source →
ClinicalTrials.gov

LOTUS: Global Acute Stroke Study Utilizing Penumbra System

View Source →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the clinical indications for the Penumbra System?

The Penumbra System is indicated for mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

What outcomes have been reported in clinical studies?

Studies report effective reperfusion and positive outcomes in real-world settings, particularly for late-onset treatment.

What complications have been reported?

Safety data indicate potential device-related adverse events, with concerns about adjunct procedures like emergent stenting.

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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