Team 7

VinStim: Paired Minimally-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Improvement in Post-Stroke Recovery

Team Members: Devin Dhooge, Nicholas Holmes, Vishvak Rangarajan, Kiryl Sheleg, Shivanshi Shukla - SBHSE

Team Mentors: Dr. Jeffrey Kleim - SBHSE
Dr. Bradley Greger - SBHSE
Dr. Kay Wing, PT, DPT, NCS - SWAN Rehab

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/99689544245

Abstract

Hundreds of thousands of strokes that occur every year result in some form of motor impairment. Although physical therapy aids in rehabilitation, it is expensive, and patients receive only a small fraction of the therapy that they need. Therefore, there is a great need for faster, inexpensive post-stroke treatments. One novel and exciting way to achieve this is through electrical stimulation of nerves. Recent studies have found that stimulation of the vagus nerve in particular improves recovery of motor function after stroke when it is coupled with physical therapy. Forefront Therapeutic Systems (F.T.S.) has designed a minimally invasive vagal nerve stimulator to improve post-stroke recovery. The physical alpha prototype is a pulse generator strapped to the lower arm and coupled with pin electrodes that deliver percutaneous stimulation to the external ear. Research has further demonstrated that the vagus nerve connects to the auricular nerve in the outer ear. The stimulator is coupled to a radio frequency identification system to allow patients to undergo stimulation while independently performing physical therapy exercises in their homes. The team has achieved milestone product specifications, developing a robust electrical pulse generator system that produces a biphasic square wave with variable frequency, amplitude, and pulse width. They have further demonstrated that the projected cost of the device will be much lower than the aggregate cost of physical therapy. The only existing competitor to VinStim® is undergoing clinical trials for an implantable vagus nerve stimulator that is controlled by a third party. F.T.S. believes their device will have a significant competitive advantage since it does not require surgery and will deliver automatic stimulation independent of a caregiver or therapist. The team is currently in the process of procuring a patent to establish intellectual property rights. The plan going forward is open-ended, as the team may choose to seek funding to conduct clinical trials or attempt acquisition by a larger biomedical firm. Regardless of the path to market, F.T.S. hopes that VinStim® will produce profound, lasting improvement in the lives of stroke survivors across the United States and worldwide.

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