Atlantic Health introduces Phagenyx®: Advanced therapy for post-stroke swallowing disorders
PR contact: Rob Seman
973-660-3145EmailMORRISTOWN & SUMMIT, NJ – MAY 2026 — Atlantic Health recently became among the first in New Jersey to use the Phagenyx® System, a novel neuromodulation technology designed to improve swallowing safety and accelerate recovery for patients suffering from severe dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) following a stroke.
The Phagenyx System uses low-energy electrical pulses to stimulate critical swallowing nerves in the throat (pharynx). The stimulation helps re-establish communication between the swallowing nerves and the brain for coordinated swallowing.
Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center successfully utilized the new treatment for their first stroke patients in February. Soon after, Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center in Summit successfully treated their first patient using Phagenyx.
“Atlantic Health is at the forefront of treating neurological conditions thanks to our incredibly talented team and powerful new platforms like the Phagenyx System,” said Saad Ehtisham, President and CEO of Atlantic Health. “Restoring function for our patients and improving their quality of life is our mission, and we are excited to continue pioneering new therapies in the growing field of neuromodulation.”
Dysphagia is a common and serious complication after stroke, and is associated with higher risks of pneumonia, longer hospital stays and even increased mortality. After a stroke, the brain areas that control swallowing function can be damaged resulting in swallowing difficulty.
“Using innovative measures to preserve a normal function like swallowing – and in turn, all of the actions that depend on it, from taking a sip of water to enjoying a meal with one’s family – is an example of our commitment to patient-centered care,” said Kiwon Lee, MD, system director of Stroke and Neuro Critical Care for Atlantic Health.
Why this matters for patients and families
- For patients and families in New Jersey who experience a stroke, Atlantic Health hospitals are now even better equipped to provide rapid, high-quality care — from acute management to functional recovery
- The Phagenyx System has been proven to provide meaningful benefits, including:
- Improvement in swallowing function and airway safety
- Reduced risk of aspiration
- Faster return to oral nutrition
- Fewer days in the ICU or hospital
The addition of the Phagenyx System underscores Atlantic Health’s commitment to innovation, excellence in stroke management and collaborative, patient-centered rehabilitation.
About Atlantic Health
Atlantic Health is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 25,000 team members and more than 5,667 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 14 counties and 7.5 million people.
The not-for-profit system offers more than 550 sites of care, including its eight hospitals: Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Atlantic Health Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Atlantic Health Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Atlantic Health Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and Atlantic Health CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ.
The system includes Atlantic Medical Group, part of a physician enterprise that makes up one of the largest multispecialty practices in New Jersey with almost 2,000 physicians and advance practice providers. Joined with Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners they form part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 4,000 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.
Atlantic Health provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 26 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Health Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.
Founded by Atlantic Health, the Healthcare Transformation Consortium is a partnership of seven regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability. Atlantic Health has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University, is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Atlantic Health Morristown and Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Centers and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.