Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

The MicroTransponder Vivistim System is an active implantable medical device with direct internal contact with the patient. It is intended to be used to stimulate the vagus nerve during rehabilitation therapy in order to reduce upper extremity motor deficits and improve motor function in chronic ischemic stroke patients with moderate to severe arm impairment.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for medical supplies or medical services necessary for the delivery of care and treatment at medical, dental, or veterinary teaching facilities utilized by SIU or U of I (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b-5)) The procurement is in the best interest of the University as it offers an innovative medical device for patients who have suffered from a stroke. It helps stroke survivors who have chronic arm and hand deficits six months to 10 years after their stroke. Where previous physical therapy or occupational therapy did not help them make their desired recovery, this type of device permits patients to recover independence by improving partial to full mobility. Without such a device, the quality of life is compromised for the patient's entire life.