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New Device Treats Strokes, Removes Blood Clots

by Alon Avdi on January 29, 2008 at 04:23 PM

Penumbra strokes blood clotsA new device will help victims of severe strokes avoid debilitating complications. Named Penumbra, the vacuum cleaner-like tool removes blood clots that starve the brain of oxygen and lead to paralysis or permanent brain injury. While some patients need blood clots cleared by a drug called TPA, they do not always receive the treatment within three hours of suffering a stroke, the time frame in which the drug is effective. Penumbra, on the other hand, can be used up to eight hours after the stroke, or if TPA is ineffective (which occurs 70% of the time).

The device works by suctioning out blood clots, piece by piece, until blood flow is restored. The small tube reaches the brain via implantation by doctors in a blood vessel near the groin. Doctors caution that it is not always wise to unclog blood clots, as newly cleared vessels bombard the brain with blood, which can produce swelling or a brain hemorrhage. Brain scans help determine whether or not blood clots should be cleared. Overall, it seems that using Penumbra can mean the difference between major and minor complications from strokes, the number three killer of Americans.

From AOL Health

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Tags: blood clots, BloodClots, health, medical, medicine, Penumbra, science, stroke

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