Direct thrombectomy using the Penumbra thromboaspiration catheter for the treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare cause of stroke. A 21 year-old female presented to our institution in a rapidly deteriorating neurological state following failed systemic heparin therapy for treatment of superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis.

METHODS

The patient underwent emergent mechanical thrombectomy of the thrombosed SSS using the 0.054-inch Penumbra catheter. No adjuvant direct pharmacologic and/or mechanical thrombectomy was performed.

RESULTS

Successful venous recanalization was achieved using the Penumbra system. The patient improved symptomatically following the intervention, and she made a complete neurological recovery within 30 days. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had returned to work and school and remained neurologically intact. A repeat MRV showed complete sinus recanalization.

CONCLUSION

Direct mechanical thrombectomy using the Penumbra system provided rapid sinus recanalization for the treatment of symptomatic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. This device is a valuable addition to the neurointerventional armamentarium.