Highlights
- HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center completed its first Vivistim Paired VNS System implant on June 11, 2026.
- The device pairs vagus nerve stimulation with occupational therapy to help stroke survivors regain arm and hand movement after recovery has stalled.
- Candidates are ischemic stroke patients who have completed rehab, hit a plateau, and retain some movement in the affected limb.
- The procedure adds to a growing stroke-care portfolio at Osborn that already includes the RAISE clinical trial for BB-031, a new ischemic stroke drug.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center completed its first implantation of the Vivistim Paired VNS System on June 11, 2026, giving ischemic stroke survivors who have plateaued in traditional rehabilitation a new option for recovering use of an affected arm or hand.
Neurosurgeons Neil Majmundar, MD, and Andrew Yang, MD, performed the procedure at Osborn. Following surgery, the implanted device delivers stimulation to the vagus nerve during occupational therapy sessions while patients practice repeated movements such as reaching and grasping. Patients continue the protocol at home by activating the device during prescribed exercises, according to HonorHealth's announcement.
Candidates are typically ischemic stroke patients who have completed rehabilitation, reached a recovery plateau, and still retain some ability to move the affected arm and hand. Most participate in 90-minute therapy sessions three times a week for at least six weeks, followed by a daily home exercise program.
Who qualifies for the Vivistim therapy?
The therapy is designed for ischemic stroke survivors who have exhausted conventional rehabilitation and plateaued in recovery but still have partial movement in the affected arm or hand. Patients typically commit to 90-minute sessions three times weekly for at least six weeks, then continue a daily home exercise program using the implanted device.
The Vivistim addition extends Osborn's stroke-care reach at the Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute, which covers stroke, multiple sclerosis, ALS, spine care, movement disorders, and related conditions. The institute also houses the RAISE clinical trial for BB-031, a drug developed by Basking Biosciences Inc. that targets von Willebrand Factor to inhibit platelet adhesion in ischemic stroke patients. A HonorHealth Research Institute patient became the first in Arizona to receive BB-031 on January 20, 2026, with HonorHealth Research Institute listed as one of only a handful of national RAISE trial sites.
HonorHealth holds a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center designation and operates neurology services out of the Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute at 7242 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale. Referrals for the Vivistim program can be directed to Majmundar's office at 480-425-8004 or Yang's at 855-779-3299.
Where to find them
- Basking Biosciences Inc · leadiq.com · Facebook · X
Sources
Every factual claim in this article traces to one of the sources below. See how we work for the editorial process.
- honorhealth.com retrieved 16/09/2026 07:23
- honorhealthresearch.org retrieved 16/09/2026 07:23
- Basking Biosciences Inc (official site) retrieved 16/09/2026 07:23
Authored by The Scottsdale Signal. Drafted by AI from primary-source material under our beat-specific editorial guides; reviewed by humans before publish under our five-gate process. Sources retrieved at 16/09/2026 07:23. Every claim traces to a source.
