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Ground-breaking stroke research highlighted in BBC show

Ground-breaking stroke research highlighted in BBC show

15th February 2018

The work of researchers and healthcare staff from NRS Stroke, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and Glasgow Clinical Research Facility was highlighted by BBC2’s Trust Me I’m a Doctor on Wednesday night (14 February 2018).

The segment focussed on a clinical trial completed in November 2017 testing the Vivistim® System, a medical device created by MicroTransponder Inc. which is surgically implanted just below the collar bone and delivers electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve. The stimulation, which is given in conjunction with rehabilitation physiotherapy, is believed to cause the brain to be more receptive to the recovery training exercises delivered after stroke.

Following successful completion of the randomised pilot study, a larger UK-wide, multi-site study is now planned, led by NRS Stroke and is looking to recruit 120 patients. The study demonstrates our commitment to partnering with innovative clinical technology companies to deliver high-quality research. Professor Dr. Jesse Dawson, NRS Stroke Research Champion and lead investigator on the vagus nerve stimulation trial, commented: “Our NRS Stroke Network brings together Scotland’s leading clinicians, academics, carers and patients alongside dedicated commercial support and UK wide engagement. This collaborative environment enables ambitious research projects – such as the research into vagus nerve stimulation – to be conducted ultimately leading to improved treatment options and better outcomes for patients.”

Scotland’s renowned expertise and infrastructure also supported the ability to deliver this trial highlighted by Frank McEachern, CEO, MicroTransponder Inc: “Despite this being a complex trial requiring surgical implantation of a medical device, the infrastructure, expertise and support available in Scotland enabled rapid start-up of this study and real-world testing of our device. Our Scottish site was our best recruiter and acted as a trusted partner in the development of our program. We look forward to working with the team on our phase 3 clinical trial.”

Trust Me I’m a Doctor is a BBC2 show that goes behind the headlines to give the definitive answers to healthcare questions. You can watch new episodes on Wednesdays, 8.30pm.

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