Larkin Hospital Palm Springs adds new stroke clot-removal technology

Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs says it is the first hospital in South Florida to offer THUNDERBOLT, a newly cleared stroke treatment system from Penumbra. The move expands advanced ischemic stroke care in a region where rapid clot removal can affect disability and survival.

Why it matters: - Acute ischemic stroke happens when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. - Fast clot removal can help restore blood flow and reduce the risk of severe disability or death. - Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs is expanding advanced stroke treatment access for patients across South Florida.

What happened: - Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs announced that it is the first hospital in South Florida to offer THUNDERBOLT, a Penumbra computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy system. - The announcement came on September 11, 2026, in Hialeah, Florida. - THUNDERBOLT is designed to help physicians capture and remove brain blood clots quickly and efficiently.

The details: - THUNDERBOLT uses computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy, or CAVT, for acute ischemic stroke. - The system incorporates modulated aspiration, which is designed to detect, fatigue and ingest blood clots in the brain. - THUNDERBOLT is paired with Penumbra’s RED Reperfusion Catheters, which are designed to navigate the brain’s anatomy and help remove the clot. - Penumbra says THUNDERBOLT is currently the only CAVT product available in the United States specifically for acute ischemic stroke. - The technology was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. - Dr. Wilson Cueva, stroke director at Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs, said the technology may help physicians remove clots more rapidly and more completely. - Yoely Hernandez, chief executive officer of Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus, said the hospital is committed to offering advanced treatment options and faster care when every second counts. - Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally. - More than 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke each year. - About 87% of strokes are ischemic. - Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus is a 247-bed acute care statutory teaching hospital in Hialeah. - The hospital holds Comprehensive Stroke Center and STEMI Center designations. - Larkin Health System is a Joint Commission-accredited, multi-campus health system serving South Florida. - More information is available at larkinhealth.com.

Between the lines: - The addition of THUNDERBOLT positions Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs as a regional early adopter of a newer stroke intervention. - The hospital is tying the launch to its broader strategy of faster and more complete stroke treatment. - Penumbra’s claim that THUNDERBOLT is the only U.S. CAVT option for acute ischemic stroke suggests a narrow but potentially important competitive edge.

What's next: - Patients treated for acute ischemic stroke at Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs now have access to the new THUNDERBOLT system. - The hospital is expected to use the technology alongside its existing stroke team and specialized stroke center capabilities. - The rollout may support further adoption of advanced stroke interventions in South Florida.