#USA #Nashville #Stroke Recovery #Phagenesis #Phagenyx

Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation: A Vital Tool for Post-Stroke Recovery

In a significant development in stroke recovery, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) have included pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) as a crucial intervention in their latest guidelines for acute ischemic stroke management. This recognition underscores the therapeutic value of PES, particularly its ability to enhance recovery from dysphagia, a common yet often debilitating condition affecting stroke survivors.

Phagenesis, a pioneering company in this field, has developed the Phagenyx® system—currently the only clinically validated neuromodulation system that administers PES to patients suffering from swallowing disorders following a stroke. PES functions by electrically stimulating sensory nerves in the pharynx, thereby retraining the brain's control over the swallowing process. The therapeutic benefits of this method are profound, notably accelerating recovery from severe dysphagia.

Dr. H. Alex Choi, MD, MS, a prominent figure at the University of Texas Health Science Center, emphasizes the clinical significance of dysphagia, highlighting how it complicates the recovery process by increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia and necessitating interventions like tracheostomy. Dysphagia affects approximately 45% of stroke patients and is linked to severe complications, including heightened mortality risk and increased need for nutritional support.

The new guidelines from AHA/ASA recommend the integration of PES into standard treatment protocols for patients with dysphagia. Specifically, they suggest that PES can:

• - Reduce the severity of dysphagia in stroke patients.
• - Lower the risk of aspiration during swallowing.
• - Facilitate faster decannulation in patients recovering from tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation.

Such endorsements are significant as they confirm the viability of PES as a clinical intervention that can be incorporated into routine care practices for stroke survivors. Chad Hoskins, CEO of Phagenesis, expressed his pride in this official endorsement, noting it as a testament to the efficacy of their system in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

The Phagenyx® system is grounded in extensive research, including over 30 peer-reviewed publications and multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating that PES provides substantial safety improvements in swallowing. Patients using the Phagenyx system show a marked increase in swallowing safety and a significant decrease in the severity of dysphagia, which contributes to better quality of life and less reliance on feeding tubes.

As healthcare professionals recognize dysphagia not merely as an obstacle for hospital discharge but as an essential treatment goal, the incorporation of innovative solutions such as PES will surely play a pivotal role in future stroke rehabilitation strategies. The AHA/ASA's endorsement is an important victory for both clinicians and patients—an affirmation that medical advancements can meaningfully impact recovery journeys.

In conclusion, the integration of pharyngeal electrical stimulation into stroke management guidelines signifies not only a step forward in treating dysphagia but also a broader commitment to enhancing recovery outcomes for stroke survivors. As the field continues to evolve, it is vital for healthcare professionals to stay informed about such advancements and consider them as standard practice in their therapeutic arsenal.

For more information about pharyngeal electrical stimulation and the Phagenyx system, visit www.phagenesis.com.