Capital District Times

Albany Medical Center has become the first in upstate New York to implement a device designed to enhance arm and hand function in stroke patients. The Vivistim Paired VNS System, developed by MicroTransponder, is an FDA-approved technology that employs vagus nerve stimulation during rehabilitation. Research shows that this method can improve upper limb functionality two to three times more than traditional therapy alone.

The device, small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, is implanted in the patient's upper left chest. During therapy sessions, a wireless transmitter communicates with software to activate the Vivistim device, delivering mild pulses to the vagus nerve as patients perform tasks such as opening doors or preparing food.

Dr. Alexandra Paul, an endovascular neurosurgeon at Albany Medical Center, was the first to apply this technology in an outpatient procedure on Jenna Shersky from Delmar. Shersky, who had limited use of her dominant left side following an ischemic stroke in 2022, was treated with the Vivistim System in September.

"Like many ischemic stroke survivors, Jenna’s rehabilitation therapy had reached a plateau," said Dr. Paul. "But she has noticed progress since using the Vivistim therapy."

Frances Williams, an occupational therapist at Albany Medical Center’s Outpatient Therapy Office trained in working with this device, noted its impact on neural connections and upper limb function. "Vivistim is the most promising technology for stroke survivors with chronic upper limb impairment that has emerged over the course of my entire career in occupational therapy," she stated.

"We’re grateful to have the resources and support from our rehab partners to offer this revolutionary treatment to stroke survivors," added Dr. Paul. She emphasized the importance of advanced treatments that help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Shersky expressed hope that her experience will motivate others: "I’m slowly beginning to see some progress in activities like opening doors and pushing something across the counter."

Albany Medical Center remains dedicated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center offering round-the-clock access to cutting-edge treatments aimed at improving recovery outcomes for stroke patients throughout upstate New York and neighboring regions.