Penumbra reports positive results of vacuum thrombectomy in embolism trial

Penumbra (PEN) announced the results of the STORM-PE randomized controlled trial – RCT -, which found that the use of mechanical thrombectomy, specifically computer assisted vacuum thrombectomy, or CAVT, with anticoagulation achieved superior reduction in right heart strain compared to anticoagulation therapy alone in patients with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism, or PE. STORM-PE is a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 100 patients to evaluate CAVT using Penumbra’s Lightning Flash plus anticoagulation, versus anticoagulation alone, for acute intermediate-high risk PE. Patients treated with CAVT demonstrated a greater reduction in right-to-left ventricular diameter ratio within 48 hours and nearly 80% of patients had positive treatment effect with CAVT which was significantly greater than the patients who received anticoagulation alone, reflecting rapid hemodynamic recovery. The rate of major adverse events within 7 days was comparable between groups: 4.3% with CAVT vs. 7.5% with anticoagulation alone. Additional results from the STORM-PE trial will be presented at the upcoming VEINS and VIVA Conference November 1-4 in Las Vegas.