AUSTIN, Texas– Connecticut has passed landmark legislation establishing a $2 million Neuromodulation Center of Excellence to provide veterans access to Vivistim®, a breakthrough therapy for chronic stroke recovery. The initiative marks a significant step in expanding access to cutting-edge care for stroke survivors, particularly military veterans, through a partnership between UConn Health and Hartford HealthCare.
Vivistim, developed by MicroTransponder®, Inc., is an FDA-approved, implantable device that pairs vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with physical or occupational therapy. The system has been shown to help chronic ischemic stroke survivors improve arm and hand function two to three times more than standard therapy alone. The therapy, delivered during 90-minute in-clinic sessions over six weeks, enhances neuroplasticity by using a wireless remote to stimulate the vagus nerve during targeted movement exercises.
The new legislation, proposed by Connecticut Representative Henry Genga and backed by the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force, is designed to bring the benefits of Vivistim Therapy™ to veterans struggling with long-term stroke-related impairments. The center will begin treating veterans in 2027, starting with 10 individuals who will undergo the Vivistim protocol at UConn Health, with therapy administered by Hartford HealthCare.
“This is a remarkable first for Connecticut and a model for the nation,” said Rep. Genga. “We’re setting a new standard in how we ensure veterans are first in line to receive breakthrough medical treatments that can restore dignity, independence, and hope.”
Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S., and options for patients in the chronic phase of recovery are limited. Vivistim is the first device of its kind to be clinically validated for improving upper limb function well after the acute phase of stroke. A recent study published in Stroke (May 2025) confirmed that patients who received the therapy maintained gains in mobility, participation, and quality of life one year after completing treatment.
UConn Health, an early adopter of Vivistim, has already implanted the device in 13 patients since launching its program in 2024. Dr. Chris Conner, director of functional and epilepsy neurosurgery at UConn Health, reported growing interest from patients nationwide, with many willing to travel for access to the therapy. “We’re seeing incredible results that support Vivistim’s clinical promise,” said Conner. “We’re proud that Connecticut is leading this innovation in stroke care.”
Among the program’s first success stories is John Nute, a stroke survivor who became the first Vivistim recipient in the state. His therapy focused on regaining motion for everyday activities like cooking. Since undergoing Vivistim Therapy, Nute has regained the ability to perform kitchen tasks with increased precision and independence.
The Center of Excellence is also a direct response to veteran health disparities, including elevated suicide rates and limited access to advanced medical interventions. Chairwoman Sherri Vogt of the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force, who helped drive the initiative, emphasized the program’s long-term vision. “As a veteran, I’ve seen how Vivistim gives people their lives back,” she said. “This center reflects our shared commitment to ensuring those who served our country benefit from every innovation available.”
MicroTransponder CEO Richard Foust praised the bipartisan support behind the initiative. “This legislation validates Vivistim as therapy for life and offers a scalable model to expand stroke recovery access for veterans and civilians alike,” he said.
With its launch planned for 2027, the Neuromodulation Center of Excellence positions Connecticut as a national leader in rehabilitative care and innovation for stroke survivors—especially those who have served.
