Chattanooga Vitalstim Plus Hand Switch

Maximize the efficacy of dysphagia therapy sessions with the VitalStim Plus Hand Switch. This essential accessory grants clinicians precise control over the VitalStim Plus Electrotherapy System, bridging the gap between passive stimulation and active muscle re-education. By enabling manual triggering, the device ensures that electrical impulses align perfectly with the patient's voluntary swallowing attempts. This synchronization is critical for effective neuromuscular re-education, helping patients regain control and coordination more efficiently. Designed for the clinical environment, the switch allows therapists to customize the timing of treatment to match the specific pace and ability of each patient. This personalized approach is essential for addressing the individual needs and challenges of dysphagia patients, as no two cases are exactly alike.

Active muscle re-education involves exercises and techniques that aim to improve muscular strength, coordination, flexibility, and endurance. In the context of swallowing therapy, active muscle re-education focuses on training and strengthening the muscles involved in swallowing. It may include exercises such as tongue presses, chewing drills, or lip closure exercises. These activities help to strengthen the muscles used during swallowing and improve their coordination with other muscles involved in the process.

Key Features and Benefits

• Precise Stimulation Timing: Allows the clinician to manually trigger stimulation to coincide exactly with the patient's functional swallowing activities, reinforcing motor learning.
• Enhanced Therapeutic Control: Moves beyond pre-set cycles, giving the therapist the flexibility to start and stop stimulation based on real-time observations of the patient's performance.
• Ergonomic Design: Features a comfortable grip and a responsive, tactile button that ensures immediate feedback and reliable activation during intensive sessions.
• Seamless Integration: Connects instantly to the VitalStim Plus unit, providing a stable and reliable link without complex setup procedures.
• Patient Engagement: Facilitates active participation in therapy, reinforcing the neural connection between the intent to swallow and the resulting muscle contraction.

Indications for Use

The VitalStim Plus Hand Switch is an accessory intended for use exclusively with the VitalStim Plus Electrotherapy System. It is indicated for the manual application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) during the treatment of dysphagia. The device is designed to be operated by a trained healthcare professional (such as a Speech-Language Pathologist) to time stimulation delivery with specific swallowing exercises or maneuvers.

Contraindications

• Do not use the VitalStim Plus Hand Switch as a standalone device.
• Do not use if the patient has a pacemaker or other implanted electronic medical devices without first seeking advice from the physician responsible for the implanted device.
• Do not place stimulation electrodes over carotid sinuses (located on both sides of the neck, just below the angle of the jaw).
• Do not use on patients with active implantable devices such as medication pumps and cochlear implants.
• Do not use in areas of known malignant tumor growth.
• Do not apply stimulation across open wounds or rashes, including those caused by shingles.

Specifications

• Compatibility: VitalStim Plus Electrotherapy System
• Activation Mechanism: Momentary push-button switch
• User Interface: Tactile feedback button
• Connection Type: Direct plug-in port specific to VitalStim Plus
• Cable: Medical-grade flexible cabling for extended reach