Europe1: presentation of the IVS3 by Nicolas Fournier
Interview recorded on July 2020.
Nicolas Fournier, Dessintey’s company founder introduces the IVS3 device in “la France bouge » with Elisabeth Assayag and Emmanuel Duteil. This programm highlights the innovative and positive projects from France.
IVS3: How many centres are equipped?
Mid-2020, around 50 rehabilitation centres are equipped with IVS3 system. The IVS3 device allows patients, without any upper limb motor recovery to work on their central motor command. In France the objective is to equip 200 until 250 hospitals within the next 3 years. IVS3 device allows patients, without any upper limb motor recovery to work on their central motor command. In France the objective is to equip 200 until 250 hospitals within the next 3 years.
IVS3 : How does it work?
IVS3 was developped in partnership with Saint Etienne university hospital. Pr Pascal Giraux, head of the adult rehabilitation department of CHU saint Etienne and manager of the research and clinical application is at the root of the project.
Based on the fundamental principles of mirror therapy, the device deceives the brain to make him believe that the painful or paralysed limb is able to move. It works as follows : first, movements performed by the healthy arm are recorded, then the video is flipped and is broadcasted over the paralysed arm. The brain has then the illusion that the impaired limb is able to move. For people without any motor capacity, watching this positive movement representation is a means to recover faster.
IVS3: what kind of additional benefits compared with standard mirror therapy?
Standard mirror therapy was born in the USA around 1995. It consists in placing a mirror in the mid sagittal plan between both arms to stimulate brain plasticity. After a stroke, patients are not only paralysed but they often suffer from associated disorders, spasticity, or neglect: these troubles remain a real issue. Standard mirror therapy does not allow the patient to work intensively, though repetition is the key point to recover motor capacities. Thanks to our device, most of the patients are able to do so. “The goal of IVS3 is to propose an immersive and intensive experience to all patients”.
IVS3: what kind of role for the therapist?
This innovative solution was developed with designers as a therapist tool to bring a more efficient care to the patient. The therapist is at the heart of the simulation as he guides the patient in the use of the device but also gives the patient the protocols to be followed. IVS3 does not replace the therapist, it is his extended assistant.