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Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation: A New Standard in Post-Stroke Recovery

In a significant advancement for post-stroke care, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) have included pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) in their latest guidelines for managing acute ischemic strokes. This recognition solidifies the clinical relevance of PES, particularly through the innovative work done by Phagenesis, a leading medical technology company specializing in neuromodulation therapies.

Understanding Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation

The Phagenyx® system is the only available device that utilizes PES to retrain the brain's control over swallowing functions. The system delivers electrical stimulation to the sensory nerves in the throat, facilitating the restoration of swallowing abilities in patients who have suffered from strokes or other neurological injuries. The AHA/ASA now recommends PES to help mitigate severe dysphagia, a common complication after strokes. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects nearly 45% of stroke survivors, significantly impacting their quality of life and exposing them to serious health risks such as aspiration pneumonia.

Dr. H. Alex Choi, a neurovascular expert at the University of Texas Health Science Center, emphasizes the critical role of swift interventions in dysphagia treatment. He expresses concern over the prevalence of dysphagia and the lack of effective therapeutic options. Dysphagia not only poses health risks, increasing the likelihood of fatal complications, but also deprives patients of the fundamental joy of eating and drinking.

Clinical Significance and Recommendations

The new AHA/ASA guidelines highlight specific recommendations regarding PES therapy:
1. For stroke patients facing dysphagia, PES significantly improves swallowing control and reduces aspiration risks. This is classified as a Class IIA recommendation with Level B-R evidence.
2. In patients with severe dysphagia who require tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation, PES can be beneficial after weaning from ventilation, further accelerating recovery and minimizing complications.

The formal inclusion of PES in these guidelines is a testament to its efficacy, supported by a wealth of peer-reviewed research and clinical trials. Notably, studies indicate that PES can enhance the safety of swallowing and halve the severity of dysphagia, leading to safer oral intake and reduced reliance on feeding tubes.

The Impact on Patient Care

Phagenesis CEO Chad Hoskins underscores that this guideline update symbolizes a significant advancement in incorporating validated therapeutic options into routine stroke care. By providing clinicians with effective tools like PES, patient outcomes can be dramatically improved. The guidelines advocate for viewing dysphagia not merely as a hindrance to discharge, but as a critical target for intervention.

As healthcare providers strive for comprehensive stroke management, integrating PES into standard care may significantly uplift the quality of life for stroke survivors, enabling them to partake in the simple pleasures of eating and drinking again.

Phagenesis, with robust support from various investment partners, including EQT Life Sciences and British Patient Capital, remains dedicated to improving treatment strategies for dysphagia. With ongoing research and commitment to innovation, Phagenesis is at the forefront of transforming the landscape of neuromodulation therapies.

Conclusion

The endorsement of pharyngeal electrical stimulation in the latest AHA/ASA stroke management guidelines marks a pivotal shift in addressing dysphagia post-stroke. As clinicians adopt these recommendations, there exists a promising avenue to enhance patients' recovery experiences and health outcomes.