A new device called the Penumbra System is saving the Canadian stroke patients, with its vacuum-like ability. The device can pull blood clots from the brain.

According to Calgary researchers, in the absence of this device the patients can die or may have to suffer brain damage. The device has already saved 27 Calgary patients.

The device is able to clear the blocked brain vessels and is faster than any of the clot-dissolving drugs. The device also lowers the risks of bleeding. The procedure of clearing the brain vessels with the device can be carried out within the time period of six hours after an immense stroke. This time period is double than the suggested three-hour treatment for clot-dissolving drugs.

“We've been able to salvage a significant number of patients who otherwise either would have had a very bad outcome, or may even have died”, says Dr. Mayank Goyal. He is the Director of the Seaman Family MR Research Centre at the University of Calgary, and also a professor of radiology and clinical neurosciences.

There are approximately 50,000 cases of strokes every year in Canada. Of them, 80% are ischemic strokes, which block the brain vessels.

The device is being used in many centers across the country, including in Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Montreal.