I recently came across a remarkable story about a restaurant owner named Tommy Fello who suffered a stroke and was struggling to regain function in his arm and hand. Despite months of physical therapy, he wasn’t making progress. That was until he discovered a revolutionary new technology called the Vivistim System.
The Vivistim System is an FDA-approved implant that uses vagus nerve stimulation to improve hand and arm function in stroke victims. But what makes it so unique is the way it works. During rehabilitation, a physical or occupational therapist sends wireless signals to the device, which delivers a brief, gentle pulse to the vagus nerve while the patient performs exercises.
The results are nothing short of amazing. In Tommy’s case, he began to see significant improvements in his motor skills within weeks of using the Vivistim System. He was eventually able to regain full function in his arm and hand, allowing him to return to his normal life.
So, how does it work? The Vivistim System targets the vagus nerve, which is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It’s responsible for regulating many of our involuntary functions, including heart rate and digestion. By stimulating the vagus nerve during rehabilitation, the device helps to rewire the brain and promote neural plasticity.
The implications of this technology are huge. According to the American Heart Association, there are over 7 million stroke survivors in the United States alone. Many of these individuals struggle with long-term disability and loss of function. The Vivistim System offers new hope for these individuals, providing a potential solution to a problem that has long plagued the medical community.
As I delved deeper into the story, I was struck by the potential of this technology to change lives. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible advances being made in the field of medical technology, and the impact they can have on our daily lives.
If you’re interested in learning more, I’d recommend checking out the article from CBS News that inspired this post.
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*Further reading: [Vivistim System](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/stroke-treatment-vivistim/)*