Penumbra Launches Lightning Flash 3.0 — The Next Evolution in CAVT Technology

Penumbra recently launched the Lightning Flash^® 3.0 Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy (CAVT™) system, which includes significant upgrades that further advance our leading venous thromboembolism (VTE) platform.

Engineered for the rapid removal of pulmonary and venous thrombus, the latest Flash 3.0 algorithm is designed for enhanced clot detection capabilities with increased sensitivity to thrombus and blood. Lightning Flash 3.0 includes enlarged tubing coupled with an automated backflush feature tailored for large thrombus burdens and to reduce friction from aspirated thrombus.

These improvements result in a thrombectomy system that builds upon the speed, safety, and simplicity of Penumbra’s CAVT platform, including:

• 1.3x faster clot removal time¹
• 60% fluid savings¹
• Upgraded user interface with streamlined audio-visual feedback, including a visual display with vacuum and flow indicators

“On the heels of the positive STORM-PE results, the launch of Lightning Flash 3.0 demonstrates Penumbra’s commitment to continuous innovation and improvement. Our ongoing optimization of our microprocessor algorithms and catheter technology results in an improved physician experience and more efficient clot removal,” said Shruthi Narayan, president of Penumbra. “Our innovation of CAVT underscores our dedication to advancing patient care so that more patients suffering from these complicated conditions can benefit from this advanced technology.”

The STORM-PE randomized controlled trial, recently published in Circulation, found that the use of Penumbra’s CAVT technology with anticoagulation achieved superior reduction in right heart strain compared to anticoagulation therapy alone in patients with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE). This marks the first Level 1 evidence demonstrating superior results for mechanical thrombectomy over traditional anticoagulation for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE).

“Aspiration with Flash 3.0 allows physicians to optimize thrombus removal with continued improvements in procedure time while simultaneously minimizing blood loss. These advances may translate to significant improvements in patient safety and efficiency for physicians performing these procedures,” said James F. Benenati, MD, FSIR, chief medical officer at Penumbra. “Along with the recent landmark STORM-PE findings, Lightning Flash 3.0 will provide physicians with the confidence that CAVT is a valuable frontline option and will allow for a more rapid adoption of thrombectomy.”

Lightning Flash 3.0 is part of Penumbra’s Indigo^® System with Lightning^® portfolio. The company’s Lightning products are the only CAVT systems currently available in the U.S. Lightning Flash is part of Penumbra’s complete VTE Platform, and are compatible with the Select™ + catheter, The CAT™ 16 Aspiration Catheter, and the ELEMENT™ Vascular Access System.

Important Safety Information

Additional information about Penumbra’s products can be located on Penumbra’s website at https://www.penumbrainc.com/products/peripheral-thrombectomy-cavt/. Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Prior to use, please refer to Instructions for Use (IFU) for complete product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and detailed instructions for use. Risk information can be found at http://www.peninc.info/risk.

Copyright ©2026 Penumbra, Inc. All rights reserved. Lightning Flash, CAVT, Indigo, Lightning, Select, CAT, and ELEMENT are registered trademarks or trademarks of Penumbra, Inc. in the USA and other countries.

^{1. Compared to Lightning Flash 2.0. Tests performed and data on file at Penumbra, Inc. Test performed using bovine blood and water. Bovine blood took 1.3× more time to be fully ingested in bench top testing of Lightning Flash 2.0 when compared to Lightning Flash 3.0, while 60% less water was removed with Lightning Flash 3.0 when compared to Lightning Flash 2.0. Bench test results may not be indicative of clinical performance.}