In May 2020, Arlet Lara, a Cuban teacher living in Miami, experienced one of the most difficult moments of her life when she suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) that affected the left side of her body, leaving her unable to walk.
Although, after years of traditional therapy, he managed to regain some of his mobility, he continued to face serious difficulties moving normally.
It was in this context that, in the summer of 2024, the Cuban became the first patient in South Florida to receive an innovative treatment that would change her life: a nerve stimulation device called Vivistim, approved by the FDA.
This device, designed to aid in the recovery of movement in the arms and hands of people who have suffered ischemic stroke, was developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas.
It works similarly to a pacemaker, being implanted in the patient’s chest and neck. Its goal is to electrically stimulate the vagus nerve, which improves mobility in limbs affected by the stroke.
After several weeks of treatment with Vivistim, Lara began to experience notable improvement. One of the most significant was his ability to perform daily tasks that were previously impossible, such as brushing his teeth with his left hand or eating more easily.
These advances gave him a new opportunity to improve his quality of life and regain the independence he had lost.
The device, which is now available at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, has begun to benefit other patients.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, four people have received the implant so far, and many more are expected to do so as the technology expands.
Nerve stimulation has been shown to be effective even in patients who suffered a stroke more than 20 years ago, opening up new possibilities for the rehabilitation of people with chronic brain damage.
Although the device is not available to everyone, its coverage is guaranteed by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, as long as patients meet certain medical requirements.
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What is the Vivistim nerve stimulation device and how does it function in stroke recovery?
Interview: Time.news Editor and Dr. Maria Torres, Neurology Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Torres. Today, we’re discussing an incredible story about Arlet Lara, a Cuban teacher in Miami who recently became the first patient in South Florida to receive the Vivistim nerve stimulation device. Can you tell us more about the implications of this treatment for stroke recovery?
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. Arlet’s story is truly inspiring and highlights the remarkable advancements in stroke rehabilitation. The Vivistim device, which stimulates the vagus nerve, represents a significant breakthrough in medical technology. It could potentially change the way we approach recovery for millions of stroke survivors.
Editor: Prior to receiving the Vivistim, Arlet faced considerable challenges with mobility after her cerebrovascular accident. How does the device work to improve her movement?
Dr. Torres: The Vivistim device essentially acts like a pacemaker for the vagus nerve. By electrically stimulating this nerve, it helps to improve communication between the brain and the limbs affected by the stroke. This stimulation can enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—which is essential for recovery in stroke patients.
Editor: That’s fascinating. What sets this device apart from traditional rehabilitation methods?
Dr. Torres: Traditional therapies have focused primarily on physical rehabilitation, which is critical, but progress can often be slow and limited. The Vivistim device augments this process by directly influencing the neural pathways involved in movement. It’s an additional tool that could potentially accelerate recovery and improve the quality of life for those with motor impairments following a stroke.
Editor: Following the treatment, Arlet reported significant improvements in her daily tasks, such as brushing her teeth and eating. How quickly can patients typically expect to see results after starting this treatment?
Dr. Torres: Individual responses can vary widely based on several factors, including the severity of the stroke and the duration since the incident. However, many patients may start experiencing improvements within weeks, as was the case with Arlet. This rapid feedback can be incredibly motivating and provide hope to those who have struggled with similar challenges.
Editor: It’s wonderful to hear that people like Arlet are gaining new independence through these advancements. What challenges do you foresee in the wider implementation of this technology?
Dr. Torres: While the potential is promising, there are challenges to consider, such as regulatory hurdles, insurance coverage, and the need for trained professionals to manage the device effectively. It’s vital that we continue researching not only the efficacy but also the accessibility of treatments like Vivistim, ensuring that all stroke survivors can benefit from it.
Editor: What’s the next step for further research in this area?
Dr. Torres: Ongoing trials and studies are crucial to understanding how we can optimize this therapy. Researchers will need to explore various protocols, patient demographics, and long-term effects. The more we learn about the device’s effectiveness across a diverse patient population, the better we can improve and personalize stroke rehabilitation.
Editor: Those insights are incredibly valuable. Thank you for shedding light on this innovative treatment and sharing your expertise, Dr. Torres.
Dr. Torres: It was my pleasure! I’m excited about the future of stroke recovery and look forward to seeing more success stories like Arlet’s.
Editor: And so do we. Thank you for joining us today, and for our readers, let’s continue to keep an eye on these breakthroughs in medical technology.