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Penumbra's THUNDERBOLT Receives FDA Clearance - Bringing Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy Technology to Stroke

The computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy platform is designed to remove clots faster and more completely, with Penumbra citing improved outcomes for stroke patients.

  • On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration cleared Penumbra's Thunderbolt, a computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy device designed to remove blood clots in stroke patients.
  • The system is a first-of-its-kind treatment for acute ischemic stroke, using modulated aspiration technology to enable faster and more complete clot removal in neurovascular thrombectomy.
  • David Fiorella, director of the Cerebrovascular Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, said the technology could "meaningfully change" stroke treatment; analyst Vijay Kumar projects about $100 million in incremental revenue.
  • Boston Scientific expects to close its acquisition of Penumbra later this year, a deal valued at about $14.5 billion aimed at expanding the company's neurovascular market presence.
  • The technology overcame clinical trial delays when the FDA requested endpoint changes; Wall Street analysts expressed relief this week as the approval arrived.
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Penumbra's THUNDERBOLT Receives FDA Clearance - Bringing Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy Technology to Stroke

THUNDERBOLT is the first CAVT platform to deliver modulated aspiration for acute ischemic stroke — enabling faster, more complete clot removal

Penumbra’s THUNDERBOLT Receives FDA Clearance – Bringing Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy Technology to Stroke – Ortho Spine News

THUNDERBOLT is the first CAVT platform to deliver modulated aspiration for acute ischemic stroke — enabling faster, more complete clot removal ALAMEDA, Calif., June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Penumbra, Inc. (NYSE: PEN), the world’s leading thrombectomy company, announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for THUNDERBOLT, expanding its computer assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT) technology to address acute ischemic stroke. “Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and with stroke, timing is critical. If the blood clot isn’t removed and the artery reopened quickly, patients can face severe disability or even death,” said Donald Frei, M.D., neurointerventional radiologist at Swedish Medical Center, Denver, CO. “What sets THUNDERBOLT apart is the innovative design which minimizes catheter manipulation and promotes safe, complete clot capture – quickly restoring blood flow to the brain and giving patients the best chance at recovery.” Powered by the Penumbra ENGINE, THUNDERBOLT introduces modulated aspiration to Penumbra’s neuro thrombectomy portfolio, offering advanced CAVT technology designed to detect, fatigue, and completely ingest clot at the site of the occlusion. “Modulated aspiration may facilitate more consistent and complete clot removal when used in conjunction with standard aspiration thrombectomy catheters,” said David Fiorella, MD, PhD, director of the Cerebrovascular Center at Stony Brook University Hospital. “Our early experience with THUNDERBOLT within the context of the trial, suggests that this technology will meaningfully change how we approach stroke treatment, and could substantively improve outcomes in patients with emergent large vessel occlusion.” A recent analysis estimates that stroke mortality worldwide is projected to increase by 50% between 2020 to 2050.i In the U.S., someone suffers from a stroke every 40 seconds, and 1 in every 21 people dies from the condition.ii  As the only CAVT device available for stroke treatment in the U.S., THUNDERBOLT represents a first-of-its-kind advancement in acute ischemic stroke care. “Penumbra was founded to redefine stroke care and THUNDERBOLT delivers on that promise,” said Shruthi Narayan, president of Penumbra. “We are uniquely positioned as the only company offering CAVT technology across both vascular and neurovascular conditions — redefining blood clot care from head-to-toe. Penumbra has delivered more than two decades of innovation, and THUNDERBOLT marks the beginning of a new era in stroke management, one that we believe will fundamentally change outcomes for patients.” THUNDERBOLT will be pre-packaged with one of Penumbra’s market-leading catheters – RED 62, RED 68, RED 72 SILVER LABEL or RED 72 SILVER LABEL with SENDit technology. About PenumbraPenumbra, Inc., the world’s leading thrombectomy company, is focused on developing the most innovative technologies for challenging medical conditions such as ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism such as pulmonary embolism, and acute limb ischemia. Our broad portfolio, which includes computer assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT), centers on removing blood clots from head-to-toe with speed, safety, and simplicity. By pioneering these innovations, we support healthcare providers, hospitals and clinics in more than 100 countries, working to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. For more information, visit www.penumbrainc.com and connect on Instagram, LinkedIn and X. Important Safety InformationAdditional information about Penumbra’s products can be located on Penumbra’s website at https://www.penumbrainc.com/providers. Caution: Federal (USA) law restrictions these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Prior to use, please refer to the Instructions for Use for complete product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events, and detailed instructions for use. Please visit www.peninc.info/risk for the complete IFU Summary Statements. The clinical results presented herein are for informational purposes only and may not be predictive for all patients. Individual results may vary depending on patient-specific attributes and other factors. Forward-Looking StatementsExcept for historical information, certain statements in this press release are forward-looking in nature and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us. Our business and operations are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those projected by any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to: the risk that the pending acquisition by Boston Scientific Corporation will not be completed in the expected timeframe or at all, including the risk that required regulatory approvals will not be obtained; potential adverse effects to our business during the pendency of the acquisition, such as employee departures or diversion of management’s attention from our business; failure to sustain or grow profitability or generate positive cash flows; failure to effectively introduce and market new products; delays in product introductions; significant competition; inability to further penetrate our current customer base, expand our user base and increase the frequency of use of our products by our customers; inability to achieve or maintain satisfactory pricing and margins; manufacturing difficulties; permanent write-downs or write-offs of our inventory or other assets; product defects or failures; unfavorable outcomes in clinical trials; inability to maintain our culture as we grow; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; potential adverse regulatory actions; and the potential impact of any acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make. These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which we filed on February 25, 2026. There may be additional risks of which we are not presently aware or that we currently believe are immaterial which could have an adverse impact on our business. Any forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. We make no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may change. ContactJennifer HethParinaz Farzin Penumbra, IncMerryman Communicationsjheth@penumbrainc.comparinaz@merrymancommunications.com510-995-9791310.600.6746 i “Pragmatic solutions to reduce the global burden of stroke: a World Stroke Organization–Lancet Neurology Commission”. The Lancet. Accessed on November 13, 2025. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(23)00277-6/fulltextii “2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet”. American Heart Association. Accessed on November 13, 2025. https://www.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2024-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2024-Statistics-At-A-Glance-final_2024.pdf SOURCE Penumbra, Inc.

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The Billings Gazette broke the news in Billings, United States on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
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