In April 2023, Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) Vascular/Endovascular surgeon Al Addasi, MD, performed an Arterial Thrombectomy procedure using a new, advanced device, the Penumbra Lightning Bolt™ 7. Dr. Addasi was the first in Kentucky to utilize this technology, which uses computer-aided clot-detecting technology designed to speed up clot removal while leaving healthy blood circulating.
This device was created to aid surgeons in a minimally invasive technique to extract blood clots quickly and efficiently from peripheral arteries. In the past, these types of blood clots often required invasive open surgery or resulted in amputation.
The Penumbra Lightning Bolt™ 7 treatment can be utilized for several conditions including deep vein thrombosis, acute limb ischemia and pulmonary embolism.
“Patients with acutely blocked limb arteries have often faced high rates of amputation, surgical morbidity and even mortality,” Dr. Addasi said. “Until now, there have been limited intervention options. However, the Lightning Bolt 7 opens a new, minimally invasive therapeutic option for these patients that does not require open surgery, can be performed in a single session and can significantly improve patient outcomes, quality of life and recovery time. With this procedure, patients typically go home the same day.”
The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC continues to provide the region with comprehensive care through outstanding facilities, expert staff and cutting-edge technology. Because of this, patients no longer have to travel hundreds of miles for exceptional cardiac and vascular care.
To learn more about the comprehensive heart and vascular services offered at Pikeville Medical Center, including more information for valve patients about the process of being evaluated for the Lightning Bolt procedure, visit https://www.pikevillehospital.org/services/heart-and-vascular-institute/
