LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Recognizing the need for advanced stroke recovery options, UofL Health is the first in the region to partner with Vivistim® to utilize the company’s Paired VNS ™ System, a neuromodulation device paired with specialized rehabilitation services. Through this new technology, patients can pursue improved arm and hand function by combining neuromodulation technology with targeted, high-intensity therapy.
The Vivistim approach integrates two components: a small, implanted device and structured rehabilitation sessions guided by an occupational or physical therapist. The device, roughly the size of a matchbox, is placed just beneath the skin during an outpatient procedure. Once implanted, it delivers gentle electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, a major communication pathway that helps regulate essential functions throughout the body and is known to influence brain activity.
When these pulses are paired with specific rehabilitation tasks, the stimulation helps the brain strengthen existing neural pathways and create new ones. As a result, the therapy can enhance motor learning and support greater functional recovery.
“Most stroke procedures have been emergent interventions to stop the stroke as it occurs, but little could be done to improve recovery once the stroke was complete,” said Joseph Neimat, M.D., a neurosurgeon with UofL Physicians – Neurosurgery, a part of UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute and chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at University of Louisville School of Medicine. “This new therapy gives patients a chance to recover critical function even years after the stroke has occurred. The outcomes have been very encouraging.”
Dr. Neimat and Parag Patil, M.D., recently performed the first implant surgery at UofL Health – Jewish Hospital. The patient is expected to start the second half of the therapy regimen in mid-December.
How Paired VNS Therapy Works
Two to three weeks after the device is implanted, the patient begins Vivistim therapy in an outpatient rehabilitation setting. During each session, the therapist uses a wireless remote connected to a laptop to deliver a brief pulse of stimulation at the exact moment the patient performs a therapeutic task. These tasks are chosen based on individual goals, such as grasping objects, reaching overhead or improving fine motor control.
Clinical research shows that pairing vagus nerve stimulation with task-specific therapy can significantly accelerate recovery. In pivotal studies, patients receiving Vivistim therapy demonstrated two to three times more improvement in upper-limb function compared to those who received therapy alone. Many also reported gains in independence, self-care and everyday activities.
“Living with stroke-related arm or hand weakness is incredibly difficult,” said Darryl Kaelin, M.D., with UofL Physicians – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and medical director for UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute. “It affects everything from self-care to work to enjoying time with family. With advances like VNS therapy, we’re finally able to offer patients renewed hope, even years after their stroke. This technology is helping people recapture independence and improve their overall quality of life.”
A Collaboration Focused on Patient Outcomes
The partnership between UofL Health and Vivistim reflects a shared commitment to advancing recovery options and delivering evidence-based care. By bringing this technology to the region, UofL Health aims to support patients who have not regained meaningful arm or hand function through traditional therapy alone.
“With Kentucky positioned along the stroke belt, this means our communities face higher risks and more long-term effects from stroke,” said Joshua Beardsley, vice president of neuroscience for UofL Health. “As the fifth-leading cause of death in our state, stroke demands a forward-thinking response. At UofL Health, we are investing in technologies like Vivistim to expand access to advanced care and reduce the number of survivors left with life-changing deficits.”
Who May Be a Candidate for Vivistim?
The system is designed for stroke survivors who still have arm or hand weakness after an ischemic stroke—even if their stroke occurred many years ago. While patients must be at least six months post-stroke to qualify, there is no time limit on when they can begin this therapy. Many people who believed their recovery had plateaued are now seeing meaningful improvement through this approach.
A rehabilitation specialist can help determine whether this therapy is a good fit for your recovery goals. If you’re ready to explore whether Vivistim could support your stroke rehabilitation, talk with your care team or schedule a consultation with a rehabilitation specialist by calling 502-588-2160. Additional details about the therapy can be found here.
