I am excited to announce a regional first at
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH): The successful implementation of the
Vivistim System, a cutting-edge procedure designed to enhance mobility
for patients experiencing moderate to severe upper extremity motor
deficits following an ischemic stroke.
This
innovative treatment has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and places NCH at the forefront of stroke
rehabilitation. We are currently the only facility in Southwest Florida
offering this groundbreaking procedure, distinguishing ourselves as one
of only five Joint Commission-accredited Comprehensive Stroke Centers in
the state and the sole provider on the Gulf Coast.
Ischemic
stroke often leaves survivors with significant long-term motor
challenges, drastically affecting their quality of life. Traditional
treatments have typically offered limited mobility improvements, leaving
many patients dependent on others for daily activities.
The
Vivistim System is a breakthrough in fostering neuroplasticity,
providing renewed hope and significantly shifting the landscape of
stroke rehabilitation. It involves the use of an implantable pulse
generator (IPG) that delivers mild electrical pulses, implanted under
the skin in the chest. A lead wire connects the IPG to electrodes
positioned near the vagus nerve on the left side of the neck. This
stimulation aims to lessen motor function deficits in the arms and
hands, improving patients’ independence.
Millions
of stroke survivors suffer from continued impairment in their hands and
arms at three to six months following a stroke. This is often called a
recovery plateau, which means their condition stops improving. Research
indicates that moving past the recovery plateau requires
neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to form new neural pathways.
We
are proud to be offering this revolutionary treatment to our stroke
patients. This accomplishment highlights our unwavering commitment to
advancing medical science to enhance patient outcomes.
This
milestone not only underscores significant progress in the field of
stroke rehabilitation but also emphasizes our commitment to excellence
in patient care and medical innovation. As our healthcare system
continues to evolve into an Advanced Community Healthcare System™, this
achievement solidifies our status as a leader in stroke treatment across
the region.
