Frequently Asked Questions
To determine if you are eligible for Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy, you will undergo an initial assessment with a rehabilitation professional to evaluate your current hand and arm function. You will then be referred for a consultation with a surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the implantation procedure.
Most people will not feel the implant under their skin. Immediately after the procedure, you may have some soreness in your upper chest where the device was implanted, but it should resolve in time.
Typically, people do not feel the pulses during stimulation. Settings can be adjusted by your clinician or therapist during your in-office visit to make Paired VNS comfortable for you.
Response to treatment varies for each person. In a clinical trial, Paired VNS Therapy study subjects experienced 2-3 times more improvement in hand and arm function than those who received intense rehabilitation therapy without Paired VNS.
In a clinical trial, Paired VNS Therapy study subjects reported improvement as early as 2-3 weeks. Individual results may vary.
The battery is expected to last approximately 5 years at typical settings. Your specific situation and settings may result in shorter or longer battery life. During scheduled visits with your clinician, they will use the system software to check the battery status of your implant.
As you perform your prescribed at-home therapy, you may continue to see improvement in your hand and arm function. Stopping Paired VNS Therapy does not inherently have adverse effects but may slow down or stop your progress. Talk to your clinician to learn more.
The Vivistim System may be removed at any time, in a same-day outpatient procedure. Depending on your surgeon’s decision, all or part of the implants can be removed at any time. Talk with your surgeon for further details.
Some common side effects of VNS Therapy include hoarseness, shortness of breath, throat irritation, pain, and coughing. While not observed with Vivistim, infection is a risk associated with implantable surgeries. Please see https://www.vivistim.com/safety/ for more safety information.
No. Paired VNS Therapy is an implanted device and system used in conjunction with rehabilitation therapy.
Yes! Reach out to MicroTransponder Customer Service at 855-628-9375 or customerservice@microtransponder.com to put you in touch with a Vivistim user or a rehabilitation professional specialized in Paired VNS Therapy.
Yes. There are no specific travel restrictions. Flying will not affect the system or the delivery of stimulation. You may want to inform the airport or security personnel that you have an implant by showing your Patient Identification Implant Card. Properly operating metal detectors are not expected to affect the Vivistim System.
Once you have the Vivistim System, you should not undergo the following:
- Diathermy
- Vagotomy
Also, talk to your physician if you wish to participate in contact sports.
Certain types of MRI can be performed, provided specific guidelines are followed. Before scheduling an MRI, contact your Vivistim surgeon or physician.
For a replacement magnet, please contact MicroTransponder Customer Service at 855-628-9375 or customerservice@microtransponder.com.
Walking past a household magnet will not affect an implanted Vivistim device. Household magnets are generally not strong enough to activate the Vivistim device. Stronger magnets would need to be swiped directly over the implant area to affect the Vivistim device.
The wallet-sized card lets others know you are using the Vivistim System. It will also make them aware of MRI conditions, your physician’s name and phone number, and which product you have.