Tommy Fello, a 71-year-old restaurateur from Ohio, faced a life-altering challenge on Christmas Eve. After a long day preparing a holiday feast, he experienced troubling symptoms while driving home, initially attributing it to a flat tire. But the real issue was far more serious—when he stepped out of his truck, he realized he couldn't keep his balance.

"I finally understood that it wasn’t the truck veering; it was me," Fello recalled, as his family quickly called for help. After being rushed to the hospital, he was left with no movement in his left arm and leg, feeling as if they were merely "appendages."

Despite receiving a clot-busting drug that partially reversed the stroke, Fello remained numb, struggling to swallow and eat. Traditional physical therapy offered only minor improvements, leaving him frustrated and scared as he pondered whether he could ever regain his former life.

The Game-Changer: An Innovative Implant

In a twist of fate, another stroke survivor introduced Fello to the Vivistim System—an FDA-approved implant designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, enhancing motor function during rehabilitation. This cutting-edge technology is the first of its kind, aiming to rewire the brain through targeted nerve stimulation.

Dr. Erez Nossek, a neurosurgeon at NYU Langone, explained that this method fosters neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to create new connections crucial for recovery. It promises greater and faster improvements in arm function than conventional rehab alone.

Fello Enters the Next Phase of Recovery

Fello was thrilled to learn he was a candidate for this groundbreaking treatment and became the first patient at the Cleveland Clinic to receive the Vivistim implant on April 29, 2025. The procedure was straightforward, involving a small incision near his neck to place the device, which sits discreetly beneath his collarbone.

Just two weeks post-surgery, Fello began rehabilitation, and the results were remarkable. His occupational therapist, Dr. Sharon Covey, noted significant progress; he was growing stronger each day, tackling tasks he previously deemed impossible.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Fello stated proudly, "I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made. The sky’s the limit now!" With around 800,000 ischemic strokes occurring in the U.S. annually, innovations like Vivistim offer new hope to many who struggle to regain their independence after a stroke.

Dr. Mark Bain, the neurosurgeon overseeing his care, predicts an influx of new technologies in stroke recovery over the next decade, leading to groundbreaking advancements. The Vivistim System is changing the game, with more patients receiving it and opening the door to brighter futures.

Covey remarked, "This is the first real technique in over 20 years that has the potential to revolutionize stroke rehabilitation." With technology like this, the landscape of recovery looks more promising than ever.