Vivistim® Paired VNS™ Therapy System for Stroke Recovery

We are happy to announce that we are now offering screenings & therapy for Vivistim–a breakthrough treatment for stroke survivors to improve their hand and arm function. Vivistim is the first FDA-approved neurostimulation device to pair VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) with your rehabilitation therapy and daily activities. This pairing helps strengthen the brain connections needed to improve hand and arm function. It’s the only
system of its kind, and it is proven safe and effective.

How Does it Work?

The Vivistim System is designed to help increase neuroplasticity to help you improve your hand and arm movements. During rehabilitation exercises and at-home activities, Vivistim is activated to gently stimulate the brain via the vagus nerve. This boost to the brain helps strengthen and create new neural pathways, like building a new bridge to bypass the damaged area. When the Vivistim Therapy boosts the brain’s neural activity, it builds lasting connections that continue to work even when Vivistim is not in use.

What is Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)?

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body and the superhighway of the nervous system. It sends messages between your brain and many parts of the body. Gentle electrical stimulation of the vagus
nerve activates the parts of the brain that are important for motor learning. For over 25 years, safe VNS implantation procedures have been performed to treat other nerve-related conditions such as epilepsy.

Are there any risks associated with the Vivistim System?

All medical devices and therapies have risks. To learn more about specific Vivistim system risks and full safety information, please visit www.vivistim.com/safety

What is the Process?

• Vivistim is implanted a same-day, outpatient procedure. The small medical device (similar to apacemaker) that can fit in the palm of a hand, is placed under the skin in the upper left chest wall and neck region during a short outpatient procedure.
• A few weeks after the Vivistim device is implanted, when the stroke survivor is cleared for physical activity by the surgeon, they will start Vivistim Therapy with a therapist in a rehabilitation setting. The therapist will use a remote that sends a wireless signal to the implanted device via a laptop computer which delivers a brief, gentle pulse to the vagus nerve while the stroke survivor performs various rehabilitation tasks. This in-clinic rehabilitation therapy typically lasts 6 weeks, a
  few times per week.
• Vivistim Therapy is also done outside the rehabilitation environment (e.g. at home) and patients are encouraged to start this part of rehabilitation as early as the first day of therapy in the clinic. Patients activate a session on their own with a simple swipe of the Vivistim Magnet.

Am I a Candidate for Vivistim?

Vivistim Therapy is intended for chronic ischemic stroke survivors who have limited hand and arm function six months or more after their stroke and are considered to have moderate to severe deficits by a healthcare professional. Complete this qualification survey to find out it if Vivistim might be right for you! TAKE SURVEY

Real Vivistim User Stories:

Hear from patient ambassadors about their stroke recovery journey with Vivistim and see how Vivistim might be able to help you too. Watch the Stories Now

Why Choose HARTZ PT for your Vivistim Therapy?

• At HARTZ Rehabilitation you will have the same OT throughout your care, not bounced between providers.
• You have a new “set of eyes” and a therapist who will work with you to see the possibilities, instead of the obstacles!
• Emily is able to see you for the intensity of therapy you need not just (2) 30-45 minute sessions per week.
• HARTZ PT and Vivistim offer a real path to stroke recovery through high quality rehab and paired VNS, not just another “course of care.”