UConn Health has recently announced the establishment of a Neuromodulation Center of Excellence at the Brain and Spine Institute, which aims to provide revolutionary care options for veterans recovering from strokes. This initiative, driven by Connecticut’s newly created legislation, offers veterans access to Vivistim, a groundbreaking intervention developed by MicroTransponder. Vivistim is designed specifically for ischemic stroke survivors to enhance upper limb function during the often challenging chronic phase of recovery.
The Importance of Stroke Recovery
Stroke is known to be a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), effective rehabilitation after a stroke can significantly improve a survivor’s quality of life. Recognizing this, Connecticut Representative Henry Genga was instrumental in proposing legislation for the Neuromodulation Center of Excellence to ensure that veterans, who often face unique health challenges, can access state-of-the-art medical technology.
This partnership between UConn Health and Hartford HealthCare emphasizes a commitment to improving the stroke recovery continuum. UConn Health has already successfully implanted 13 Vivistim systems in stroke survivors, demonstrating its role as a leader in this innovative area of healthcare.
Vivistim: A Breakthrough Therapy
The Vivistim Paired VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) System represents a substantial advancement in post-stroke rehabilitation by allowing stroke survivors to regain significant functionality in their upper limbs. Following the implantation of the device, patients undergo a six-week therapeutic protocol that includes a combination of physical and occupational therapy sessions. During these sessions, therapists use a wireless remote to synchronize the vagus nerve stimulation with therapy tasks tailored to the unique goals of each patient.
Dr. Chris Conner, the director of functional and epilepsy neurosurgery at UConn Health, has highlighted the impressive results observed since the launch of the Vivistim program. "We are seeing incredible outcomes with our stroke survivors," he stated. He noted that there has been a surge of interest from national and international stroke survivors eager to participate in the Vivistim Therapy, which is a testament to its efficacy.
Legislative Support and Collaboration
The Neuromodulation Center of Excellence, championed by Rep. Genga, sets an ambitious standard for veteran care in the nation. Genga expressed pride in helping to pave the way for this initiative, emphasizing the strong clinical evidence that supports Vivistim’s role in improving the lives of stroke survivors. The legislation aims not only to offer cutting-edge therapies but also to restore both independence and dignity to those who have suffered from strokes.
Vivistim stands out as the only intervention clinically validated to enhance upper extremity function during the chronic phase of stroke recovery. Clinical protocols have shown that stroke survivors utilizing this technology can achieve improvements in functionality that are two to three times greater than those achieved with high-intensity conventional therapies alone.
Long-term Efficacy of Vivistim Therapy
Recent studies have further validated the long-term effectiveness of Vivistim Therapy. A one-year follow-up published in May 2025 in the journal Stroke revealed that patients who underwent paired VNS therapy maintained significant improvements in their physical capabilities, overall activity, and quality of life well after completing their therapy. This level of sustained recovery is especially critical for those who wish to reintegrate into their daily lives following a stroke.
Richard Foust, CEO of MicroTransponder, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have made the Neuromodulation Center of Excellence possible. He noted that the center represents a replicable model for addressing the unique public health concerns of veterans and looks forward to seeing its impact expand.
Patient Success Stories
John Nute, who experienced a stroke in 2013, became the first patient in Connecticut to receive the Vivistim system in May 2024. His therapy focused on his passion for cooking, enabling a significant increase in his range of motion. With Vivistim Therapy, John found that he could once again enjoy activities such as preparing meals—a vital aspect of his quality of life.
The Neuromodulation Center of Excellence is set to open in 2027, initially accommodating ten patients who will undergo implantation at UConn Health’s Brain and Spine Institute. Following this, Hartford HealthCare will provide the necessary therapy, further demonstrating the collaborative spirit aimed at improving veteran care.
Looking Forward
As the Neuromodulation Center of Excellence prepares for its launch, stakeholders—including stroke survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals—are encouraged to explore how Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy can significantly enhance upper limb function post-stroke. For those interested in additional information, educational resources can be found at Vivistim.com or by contacting the Neurosurgery Department at UConn Health.
In summary, the establishment of the Neuromodulation Center of Excellence at UConn Health marks a pivotal moment for stroke recovery, particularly for veterans. Through innovative therapies like Vivistim, the center aims to revolutionize rehabilitation, offering hope and restoration to those navigating the challenges of stroke recovery.
