Kansas City, Kan- Breakthroughs in brain health are reshaping the future for adults living with complex neurological conditions, thanks to emerging technologies being utilized at The University of Kansas Health System.
Peter Kircher, diagnosed with adult hydrocephalus—a condition involving excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain—experienced significant improvement after receiving an investigational E shunt, a new device designed to manage brain fluid with fewer complications than traditional surgical shunts. Unlike the standard treatment, which typically requires invasive brain surgery, the E shunt is smaller, less invasive, and currently undergoing clinical trials.
Dr. Koji Ebersole and Dr. Ryan Townley, specialists in neurology and neurosurgery at The University of Kansas Health System, are leading efforts to redefine how adult hydrocephalus is treated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jennifer Milner, a stroke survivor, is experiencing the benefits of another innovative therapy: the Vivistim® implant, a small device that stimulates the vagus nerve to aid in post-stroke brain recovery. Originally developed to treat epilepsy, Vivistim is now being studied as a tool to enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and heal.
The device taps into the brain’s natural recovery process and pares physical therapy with targeted nerve stimulation.
These advancements represent a broader shift in how brain health is understood and treated. From implantable devices to personalized neuromodulation, researchers and clinicians are combining neuroscience, engineering, and rehabilitation science to deliver more precise, patient-friendly care.
