Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Stroke

For patients who have experienced a stroke and are undergoing treatment for recovery, the Vivistim^® device may help. The Vivistim device provides vagus nerve stimulation therapy that may help patients regain motor function, as well as arm and hand dexterity.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a medical technique that sends mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve — the main pathway of your parasympathetic nervous system. AHN is one of the few clinics in the country to use Vivistim, which is the latest, breakthrough VNS device. During an outpatient procedure, the Vivistim device is surgically implanted in the chest and delivers mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve, which enhances the brain's ability to form new neural connections during rehabilitation. Combined with physical and occupational therapy, Vivistim has been shown to help stroke patients regain significantly more function than rehabilitation alone.

Comprehensive Vivistim Clinic

As part of our comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to stroke care, the AHN Vivistim Clinic helps patients who are navigating loss of motor function and hand and arm dexterity. Our expert team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, rehabilitation therapists, physician assistants, and specialized nurses work together to help our patients recover from stroke using this advanced technology. The goal is to help chronic stroke survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Why choose AHN

At the AHN Vivistim Clinic, patients can expect to receive an integrated care approach specifically designed to maximize recovery for stroke survivors using Vivistim therapy. The difference that AHN can provide our patients includes:

• Multidisciplinary team approach: AHN offers a team of highly specialized professionals (neurologists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, rehabilitation physicians) who work together seamlessly on stroke recovery. This ensures a holistic and coordinated approach to care that is vital for complex stroke recovery.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and innovation: Being one of the few clinics in the country to offer Vivistim therapy signifies AHN's commitment to providing the latest, evidence-based treatments for stroke recovery. 
• Personalized experience: From initial assessment and surgical implantation to intensive postoperative rehabilitation and long-term follow-up, AHN provides a streamlined patient journey. Our tailored therapy protocols are specifically designed to maximize the benefits of Vivistim.

What to expect with a Vivistim vagus nerve stimulation device

The Vivistim device is implanted with an outpatient surgical procedure, with patients going home the same day of the surgery. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and generally takes one to two hours. 

After the procedure, the incision sites will need to heal, which typically takes one to two weeks. The device is activated by a clinician a few weeks after implantation.

To be considered for Vivistim therapy, patients must meet specific criteria as determined by a medical professional. Generally, these include:

• Age: The patient must be 18 years of age or older.
• Stroke type: The therapy is intended for individuals who have experienced an ischemic stroke.
• Time since stroke: Therapy is considered for patients who are at least six months post-stroke.
• Upper limb deficit: Patients must exhibit persistent upper limb motor deficits.
• Rehabilitation participation: Patients must be willing and able to participate in a prescribed therapy program.

Vivistim rehabilitation therapy

Vivistim therapy helps stroke survivors regain movement in their arms and hands. It's a special kind of treatment that works best when you pair it with exercises. When working with the Vivistim device, it’s important to know that the Vivistim device doesn't work by itself. You need to do regular exercises and rehabilitation therapy with your arm and hand. This helps the device do its best work.

Individualized therapy plan

A few weeks after surgery, patients will undergo specific therapy paired with the electrical stimulation from the device. During these sessions, you'll practice movements that help you reach your recovery goals while the device stimulates the vagus nerve. Patients will continue to use the device at home multiple times a day during a functional home exercise program utilizing their affected extremity. Our goal is to see your arm and hand function improve little by little over weeks and months as you keep up with your therapy. This work also includes:

• Practicing at home: You'll also get exercises to do at home while using the device. The Vivistim device will be used to give you pulses during these home exercises too.
• Making adjustments: Our team will check your device settings and adjust them as you get stronger and more comfortable.
• Keeping up with maintenance: The Vivistim device has a battery that will eventually need to be changed after several years, or when the battery dies the device can be removed. This is an outpatient surgery, so patients go home the same day of the surgery.

Vivistim device FAQs

A Vivistim neurostimulation device provides stroke patients with an opportunity to regain essential motor functionality and hand and arm movement. Your AHN care team will be with you throughout your stroke rehabilitation and are always available to provide you with answers to your questions or talk through concerns. We’ve included answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. These can help guide future conversations with your care team.

What is the Vivistim procedure?

The Vivistim procedure is an innovative medical treatment for moderate to severe stroke side effects affecting a patient’s upper limbs. It's a combination therapy that pairs vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with intensive rehabilitation exercises that can help restore function. 

How effective is Vivistim therapy? 

Vivistim rehabilitation therapy has shown significant improvement for patients who have experienced loss of motor function and upper extremity use when combined with rehabilitation.*  Many patients find they have improved use and report an improved quality of life post-therapy. 

What are the long-term effects of Vivistim?

The long-term effects of Vivistim most often include sustained return of movement, improved quality of life, and enhanced neuroplasticity, which is your brain’s ability to structure, build, and adapt to changes. Results can be variable with some patients getting profound improvement and others having more limited improvement. The Vivistim device website offers a full overview of long-term effects.

Contact us

To schedule an AHN Comprehensive Vivistim Clinic visit or to fax a referral for evaluation, please call our Vivistim Program Coordinator Megan Boden directly at 412-359-4139 or fax 412-359-8993.