Mechanical device the Penumbra system in the management of acute stroke: Report of five cases

Use of mechanical devices in acute ischemic stroke has shown promise not only in recanalization rates but also with better clinical outcome and also extension of the window period to 8 hours. This is the first reported series of use of mechanical devices in India. We report five patients with acute stroke in whom mechanical devices (Penumbra System, Alameda, California) were used for thrombolysis. All the treated vessels (100) were successfully re-canalized, Trials In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score of 3. At 90-day follow-up, of the 5 patients treated, 2 had modified Rankin score (mRS) of < 2. This small series shows the safety and efficacy of the Penumbra System in the thrombolysis of large vessel occlusive disease.