Preliminary Experience with Lightning 7 Penumbra in Acute Limb Ischemia: A Game Changer

Introduction: Mechanical aspiration thrombectomy represents a reliable alternative to surgical embolectomy in case of acute limb ischemia, in particular when below-the-knee vessels are involved by the acute occlusion. We aim to present our preliminary experience with Lightning 7 Penumbra system in case of ALI.

Method(s): A total of 12 patients with acute limb ischemia of femoro-popliteal vessels (one femoro-popliteal bypass) with/without involvement of the below-the-knee vessels were treated at our institution with Lightning 7 Penumbra Inc. mechanical aspiration system. The TIPI flow was assessed at presentation, immediately after treatment with the study device, and after all adjuvant procedures. The primary outcome was the technical success of the thrombo-aspiration and clinical success at 1 month.

Result(s): Rutherford grade on enrolment was IIa in 45.7%, and IIb in 44.3%. Primary technical success (TIPI 2–3 flow) was achieved in 93.2% of patients. Adjunctive procedures included angioplasty/stenting of chronic atherosclerotic lesions (n = 4), and covered stenting (n = 4) were required.

Conclusion(s): Lightning 7 second safe and effective for revascularization of ALLI as a primary therapy. Its increased aspiration power and trackability allow for restoring the patency of both large and small vessels.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023