Background and purpose: The Penumbra JET 7 reperfusion catheter is used in the revascularization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke. Description of its use in clinical practice remains limited. Our purpose is to describe our initial experience with the Penumbra JET 7 reperfusion catheter and to report on its safety and efficacy in different thrombectomy techniques.
Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 50 patients treated with thrombectomy using the Penumbra JET 7 reperfusion catheter. Mean patient age and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale were 70.6 and 17.76, respectively. The most common sites of vessel occlusion were the M1 segment (72%) followed by distal internal carotid artery (14%). Thrombectomy was performed using the direct aspiration first-pass technique and/or aspiration in conjunction with a stent retriever.
Results: Revascularization was achieved in a total of 44 cases (88%). Successful navigation of the Penumbra JET 7 reperfusion catheter to the occlusion site with clot engagement was achieved in 94% of cases. Mean time from vascular access to revascularization was 31.60 min. No catheter-related complications occurred. Clinical outcome data were collected from 43 patients (86%). Of those patients, 51% achieved good outcome (modified Rankin score of 0-2) at 60 or more days follow-up, 28% had poor outcome (modified Rankin score of 3-5), and 9 patients died (21%).
Conclusion: The use of the Penumbra JET 7 reperfusion catheter for treatment of acute ischemic stroke was observed to be safe and effective with appropriate revascularization outcomes in different thrombectomy techniques.
Keywords: Penumbra JET 7 reperfusion catheter; Stroke; first-pass aspiration technique; large vessel occlusion; thrombectomy.