Implementation of Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy into Health Systems: A Multidisciplinary Approach Across the Care Continuum 1939

Despite thousands of people experiencing disability from stroke each year, stroke survivors had limited options for significantly improving upper limb motor recovery in the chronic stage until recently. In 2021, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation was FDA approved for the chronic ischemic stroke population with moderate to severe upper limb impairment. The aim of this presentation is to demonstrate how to navigate barriers and successfully implement a Vivistim Paired VNS program within health systems and rehabilitation clinics to improve access of this effective treatment option for eligible patients. This includes understanding how paired VNS works, who is a good candidate, whom should be involved at all aspects in the continuum of care and how to achieve this, and the possible patient pathways that current health systems follow. Following this course, attendees will be empowered to develop their Vivistim program and ultimately enhance their systems' chronic stroke care.