Arnold Sherman has a family history of heart problems dating back several generations. So it’s not surprising his father went into heart medicine. But what is surprising is how important his father’s work would be for his son.

Just a few months ago, Arnold went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

"Boy, all I knew was the room started spinning and I think I woke up about seven days later," Arnold said.

Arnold had to be shocked 40 times after his heart attack. But the new pump his father helped develop has helped him return to a normal life.

University of Iowa Heart Care specialist, Brian Olshansky, M.D., decided to use a special device to help stabilize Arnold’s weak heart. It’s called an intra-aortic balloon pump.

"The advantage of the intra-aortic balloon pump is that it can improve the short-term survival and allow other treatments to do their job and take care of the problems for the long term," Olshansky said.

The pump expands in the aorta and pushes blood throughout the body, taking pressure off the heart. Arnold’s father was instrumental in developing the balloon pump and ultimately in saving his son’s life.

"It’s rare that a father can give that kind of gift to his son," said Arnold. "It’s very, very fortunate that I’m alive today."

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University of Iowa Heart Care

Brian Olshansky, M.D.