Скачать или смотреть VIVISTIM-ULATE Your Recovery, With Becca Carr, OTL/R and Amanda Saylor, OTL/R,

Breakthrough Implant Technology Is Revolutionizing Stroke Recovery

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In this video, Ralph Preston hosts occupational therapists Becca Carr and Amanda Saylor who present VIVISTIM - a groundbreaking vagus nerve stimulation device for stroke recovery. They explain how this FDA-approved implant works alongside therapy to boost neuroplasticity, showing real patient outcomes and explaining candidacy requirements. If you or a loved one are struggling with upper extremity mobility after stroke, this innovative technology could be a game-changer for your recovery journey.

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Video Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to VIVISTIM: FDA-approved vagus nerve stimulation for stroke recovery
01:54 Patient testimonial showing real-world functional improvements
04:30 Why this technology matters: Understanding recovery plateaus after stroke
06:03 How VIVISTIM works: Implant details and stimulation process explained
08:15 The surgical procedure: Same-day outpatient with two small incisions
09:40 How VNS boosts neuroplasticity in the brain during therapy
11:15 Clinical study results: 2-3 times better improvement than therapy alone
13:42 Before and after patient movement demonstrations
17:05 Candidacy requirements: Who can benefit from this technology
19:35 Minimum movement requirements for successful treatment
22:20 Therapy requirements: 6 weeks of intensive sessions plus home program
24:10 Long-term results and device lifespan information
25:45 Real patient success story showing return to kayaking

Summary:

VIVISTIM is the first FDA-approved Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) implant specifically designed for rehabilitation of stroke survivors, particularly those with chronic ischemic stroke and upper extremity motor deficits. The system consists of an implant with a battery pack in the chest and lead coils on the left vagus nerve in the neck. During therapy sessions, a therapist uses a specialized clicker to stimulate the nerve while patients perform movements, or patients can self-activate the device with a magnet at home during daily activities.

The outpatient procedure takes 30-90 minutes with two small incisions. After a brief healing period, patients begin an intensive therapy regimen of three weekly 90-120 minute sessions for six weeks, performing 300-500 active movements per session. The VNS technology works by sending signals to the brain, increasing neurotransmitters and enhancing neuroplasticity when paired with movement - essentially acting as a "turbo booster" for the brain to make neural connections.

Clinical studies demonstrated that patients receiving VNS with therapy showed 2-3 times better improvement than control groups who received only high-intensity therapy. Ideal candidates are adult chronic stroke survivors (6+ months post-stroke) who have reached a plateau with traditional therapy but still maintain some active movement in their affected limb.

The home program allows patients to activate stimulation up to 8 times daily during exercises or functional tasks. Importantly, improvements are retained even without the device because new neural pathways are built. The battery lasts 5-7 years and can be replaced if desired. Success stories include patients regaining functional abilities like kayaking, improved hand dexterity, and significant increases in standardized assessment scores.

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Becca Carr, OTL/R
Cell: (954) 258-6794
Email: [email protected]
MicroTransponder https://www.vivistim.com/
The Neuro OTs, found on Instagram @Neuro_OTs.

Amanda Saylor, OTL/R
Cell: 630.607.9991
Book a time to meet on my calendar https://calendly.com/amandasaylor34
The Neuro OTs https://calendly.com/amandasaylor34
LinkedIn   / amanda-saylor