If you have experienced a stroke and still struggle to move your arm or hand, there is a new source of hope. Tampa General Hospital (TGH), in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine, is pleased to offer Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy. This innovative, FDA-approved treatment focuses on helping the brain and body work together to restore movement, even long after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
This breakthrough therapy is designed for people whose rehabilitation progress has stalled but who still believe in their ability to improve. With Vivistim, the next step in stroke recovery—and renewed independence—may be within reach.
How This Paired Therapy Can Reconnect Your Brain and Arm
After a CVA, many people experience lasting weakness or limited movement in one arm or hand. In the past, experts believed most aspects of stroke recovery occurred within the first few months. However, recent research shows the brain can continue to change and heal well beyond that early stage. This natural ability, known as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to reorganize and form new pathways in response to learning, experience or injury. In other words, the recovery process does not have a fixed endpoint. With the right therapy and ongoing support, the brain can keep improving, adapting to challenges and finding new ways to control movement.
Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy aims to help the brain form neural connections more efficiently. This cutting-edge system combines vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)—a gentle electrical pulse sent to a nerve in the neck—with targeted rehabilitation exercises for the arm and hand. During active therapy, the Vivistim device will deliver a mild, precisely timed pulse to the brain via the vagus nerve each time a specific movement is performed. This unique pairing of stimulation and movement can improve the connection between the brain and muscles, enabling the brain to relearn how to move the stroke-affected limb.
Over time, these repeated signals can boost the brain’s neural activity, helping it establish lasting connections that continue to work even when the Vivistim device is not in use. The resulting improvements in movement, strength and coordination can increase the patient’s confidence in everyday tasks, such as eating, dressing and writing, and ultimately enhance their quality of life.
The Key Components: Device and Therapy
The Vivistim Paired VNS System works by uniting advanced medical technology with focused stroke rehabilitation. Core features include:
- Pacemaker-like device – A surgeon will implant a tiny, battery-powered medical device just under the skin of the chest, then connect the device to the vagus nerve in the neck via a thin lead wire. Most people cannot feel the implant under their skin.
- Therapist-guided rehabilitation – During supervised therapy sessions, a physical or occupational therapist will activate the Vivistim device and signal it to deliver gentle electrical pulses as the patient performs real-world arm and hand movements, such as grasping, reaching and lifting. These paired signals can help the brain strengthen the motor pathways responsible for the movement of the stroke-affected limb.
- At-home therapy – After completing the in-clinic phase, the patient can continue their personalized rehabilitation program at home. With a simple swipe of a handheld magnet, the patient can initiate a 30-minute Vivistim therapy session at any time, gaining the flexibility to build strength and control at a comfortable pace.
By combining stimulation with movement, Vivistim for stroke recovery can reinforce the brain’s ability to relearn motor function, making therapy more effective and helping the patient achieve ongoing progress, even after traditional rehabilitation has plateaued.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy?
Vivistim was developed to support people who are living with chronic stroke-related upper limb impairment, which is defined as arm or hand weakness that has persisted for several months or even years after a CVA.
In general, you may be a good candidate for Vivistim stroke rehab if you:
- Had an ischemic stroke (the most common type, caused by a blood clot) at least six months ago
- Have some movement remaining in your stroke-affected arm or hand
- Have participated in traditional rehabilitation therapy, but the results have leveled off
- Are motivated to take an active role in your recovery
- Are willing to complete an intensive, six-week rehabilitation program followed by at-home therapy
Your physician will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether Vivistim is appropriate for you and, if so, guide you through the next steps.
The First Step: Getting Your Eligibility Screening
To determine whether you qualify for Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy at TGH, the process begins with two key appointments:
- Occupational therapy evaluation – Your physician or neurologist will refer you for an occupational therapy assessment, which will include a Fugl-Meyer Assessment to measure your current arm and hand function.
- Neurosurgery consultation – If your occupational therapy assessment shows that you could potentially benefit from Vivistim, you will be referred to the TGH Functional Neurosurgery Program in the Neuroscience Institute for a consultation with Dr. Yarema Bezchlibnyk or Dr. Oliver Flouty, who specialize in Vivistim implantation and postsurgical care.
From there, your healthcare team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and coordinate your insurance pre-authorization through the Vivistim Pre-Service Clearance Program.
From Consultation to Regained Independence: Your Vivistim Timeline
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared as you take the next step in your stroke recovery with Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy. Here is a general overview of the treatment process at TGH:
- Implantation (one day) – During a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, the Vivistim device will be placed under the skin of your chest. This low-risk surgery typically takes just a few hours to complete, and you will likely be able to return home the same day.
- Healing (five days to two weeks) – A brief recovery period will allow time for your incisions to heal and your body to adjust before you start active therapy.
- Guided therapy (six weeks) – You will participate in intensive in-clinic rehabilitation sessions scheduled three times per week for approximately six weeks. Based on your functional goals, your therapist will guide you through a customized series of active movement tasks while signaling the Vivistim implant to deliver gentle pulses to your vagus nerve to stimulate your brain.
- Self-activated therapy (three months or longer) – Once you complete the in-clinic program, you can safely continue your exercises at home. Using the Vivistim magnet, you can activate the device while you perform rehab exercises or daily activities at any time. Consistency is key: Staying engaged and committed to your therapy will help you achieve meaningful, lasting results.
You may begin noticing improved hand and arm function after just a few weeks of therapy. With ongoing effort and support, Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy can help you regain your confidence and freedom, empowering you to return to the activities that matter most.
Why Choose Tampa General Hospital
TGH is proud to be the first hospital on Florida’s West Coast to perform the Vivistim Paired VNS procedure, reaffirming our commitment to advancing stroke recovery through world-class innovation and compassionate care. In partnership with the USF Health Department of Neurosurgery, our experienced team of rehabilitation specialists provides proficient, coordinated care at every stage, from evaluation to long-term follow-up.
At TGH, we know stroke recovery continues well beyond the first few months. With the right technology, expert guidance and dedicated support, meaningful progress is always possible. For those living with upper limb weakness after a brain attack, Vivistim offers a path to reconnect the brain and arm, helping to restore function, mobility and hope for a better tomorrow.
Take the next step toward your stroke recovery. Contact Tampa General Hospital’s Neuroscience Institute and Functional Neurosurgery Program today at (855) 566-3627 to learn more or schedule an evaluation for Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy.
