The Penumbra System for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Report of Two Cases.

Mortality associated with the occlusion of large vessels in acute ischemic stroke is particularly high despite best available medical therapy. Early and safe revascularization of the primary occlusion is correlated with good clinical result. We report two patients with acute ischemic stroke in whom the mechanical device Penumbra System was used for thrombolysis and embolectomy. The Penumbra System provided the revascularization of the primary occlusion site in the two patients and complete revascularization was obtained. Improvement was observed in both cases on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and on modified Rankin scale scores at 1 and 30 days post-procedure. Neither of the patients had intracranial hemorrhage. The Penumbra System is a valuable device as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion.