Eastside Neuroscience Institute at EvergreenHealth First to Launch Novel Stroke Rehab Treatment in Washington State
Vivistim is a state-of-the-art device that greatly improves outcomes for stroke patients working to improve limb function.
KIRKLAND, Wash.— Through its Eastside Neuroscience Institute alliance, EvergreenHealth is the first hospital system in Washington state to begin using the new groundbreaking stroke rehabilitation technology known as Vivistim. The FDA-approved treatment is a breakthrough device that works together with the brain and body to enhance the effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation therapy.
The Vivistim system is made up of a small number of components including the Vivistim implant, a transmitter and a self-activating magnet. The implant along with the transmitter, which is controlled using a computer, gently stimulates the brain through the Vagus nerve. The Vagus nerve is located in the neck and connects the brain to the body for a variety of functions. The Vivistim system gently stimulates this nerve during therapy to boost neuroplasticity and help the brain build new pathways around areas damaged by a stroke.
"The Vivistim system is a major leap forward in treating patients recovering after a stroke,” said Neurosurgeon Ryder Gwinn, MD. "Patients who are right for Vivistim and receive the implant often feel noticeable improvement in their hand and arm function. They are frequently able to achieve their movement goals such as cooking a meal, or even playing cards.”
In addition to providing stimulation during targeted physical therapy sessions, the self-controlled magnet allows patients to trigger the Vivistim implant even during their daily activities to enhance their recovery. That means Vivistim can help patients recover even while they are going about their daily activities, shopping at the grocery store or walking the dog. And because of the Eastside Neuroscience Institute alliance, patients will be able to receive rehabilitation care at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland or Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue.
EvergreenHealth's Medical Director for Stroke Care Rachael Schutz, MD, said, "Historically, significant improvements in motor function rarely occur beyond three months after a stroke. By harnessing the brain's ability to reroute signaling, vagal nerve stimulation provides new hope for patients to regain lost function of the arm and hand up to ten years after stroke. It is very exciting to be able to offer this treatment to help improve the quality of life of stroke survivors in our community."
Vivistim is available for stroke survivors through the Eastside Neuroscience institute at EvergreenHealth, an alliance between EvergreenHealth and Overlake Medical Center & Clinics. The Eastside Neuroscience Institute is designed to meet the neurosurgical, neurological, and spine healthcare needs of our Eastside community and beyond. For more information about Stroke Care at EvergreenHealth visit EvergreenHealth.com.
