Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Provision of signed and dated informed consent form * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Adult, aged 18-64 * In good general health as evidenced by medical history and diagnosed with first time cervical spinal cord injury resulting in an ASIA grade B, C, or D, and level 1 or better motor function as described by the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). * SCI caused by trauma that occurred ≥ 12 months prior to enrollment * Meets all clinical criteria for the surgical VNS implantation as determined by the PI, surgeon, and anesthesiologist * Must demonstrate some residual upper limb and hand movement in either arm * Appropriate candidate for VNS implantation * Willing and able to comply with the study protocol Exclusion Criteria An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Spinal cord injuries by sharp objects, firearms, and non-traumatic or congenital causes, even if at different levels of the spinal cord * Any evidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (Evident during required laryngoscopy for all participants with Prior right-sided anterior cervical surgery- done prior to randomization) * Excessive scar tissue marking implantation unsafe (evident at surgery) * Concomitant clinically significant brain injuries * Prior injury to vagus nerve * Prior or current treatment with vagus nerve stimulation * Participant receiving any therapy (medication or otherwise) that would interfere with VNS * Pregnancy or lactation * Clinical complications that hinder or contraindicate the surgical procedure * Psychiatric disorders, psychosocial, and/or cognitive impairment that would interfere with study participation, as assessed by medical evaluation * Abusive use of alcohol and/or illegal substances use * Participation in other interventional clinical trial * Participants with known immunodeficiency including participants who are receiving or have received chronic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, immunostimulating agents or radiation therapy within 6 months * Significant comorbidities or conditions associated with high risk for surgical or anesthetic survival (e.g. renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, unstable cardiac disease, poorly controlled diabetes, immunosuppression, etc.). * Active neoplastic disease. * Participants with significant local circulatory problems, (e.g. thrombophlebitis and lymphedema). * Participants with any medical condition or other circumstances that might interfere with their ability to return for follow-up visits in the judgment of the Investigator, including systemic illness, neuromuscular, neurosensory, or musculoskeletal deficiency that would render the participant unable to perform appropriate postoperative rehabilitation. * Any condition which, in the judgment of the Investigator, would preclude adequate evaluation of device's safety and performance. * Aphasia and other cognitive deficits that make understanding the potential risks and benefits of the study impossible for participant. Inability to personally provide informed consent. * A recent history of syncope * A recent history of dysphagia * Currently require, or are likely to require diathermy * Significant respiratory issues that would interfere with participation * Non-English speaking * Patients who are acutely suicidal and/or have been admitted for a suicide attempt * Incarceration or legal detention