Spasticity Management for the Vivistim Patient

January 15, 2026

Original Air Date

On-Demand Webinar

Guest Speakers:

Ryan Hafner, MD, FAAPMR

M&R Chair & Medical Director of Acute Inpatient Rehab

SMH’s First Physicians Group

Debra Henderson, OTR, MBA

Occupational Therapist

This webinar will discuss spasticity management interventions, post-stroke, that can optimize motor recovery and improve patient readiness for Vivistim® Paired VNS™ Therapy. Learn practical strategies for managing spasticity to enhance functional outcomes and support individualized rehabilitation plans.

Topics for Discussed

Overview of Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy
Review of Post-Stroke Spasticity
Medical Interventions to Manage Spasticity
Adjunctive Rehab Interventions
Q & A

Dr. Ryan C. Hafner is a board-certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician based in Sarasota, Florida. He completed his medical degree at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, followed by training at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Temple University Hospital/MossRehab, and a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Hafner specializes in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with advanced expertise in interventional spasticity management. Dr. Hafner regularly assesses patients for Vivistim VNS Paired Therapy candidacy and helps optimize outcomes by managing spasticity to improve eligibility. Dr. Hafner practices with First Physicians Group at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, providing individualized, function-focused care.

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The MicroTransponder^® Vivistim^® Paired VNS^™ System is intended to be used to stimulate the vagus nerve during rehabilitation therapy in order to reduce upper extremity motor deficits and improve motor function in chronic ischemic stroke patients with moderate to severe arm impairment. Do not use if the patient has had a bilateral or left cervical vagotomy. Risks may include, but are not limited to pain after surgery, hoarseness, bruising, swelling, coughing and throat irritation. Infection leading to explant is a risk associated with any device surgery. For full safety information, please see www.vivistim.com/safety. Individual results may vary.