An Oelwein man is proof that new advances in medicine save lives. Just a few years ago, Rollie Stedman would have had a stroke - and perhaps even died - because of his medical condition. But thanks to new technology, that's all changed:
Frequent headaches and blurry vision had Stedman worried. Doctors discovered an un-ruptured aneurysm in his brain:
"It was very scary."
Stedman's physician referred him to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and John Chaloupka, M.D., a leading specialist in the treatment of brain aneurysms:
"I was walking around with a time bomb in my head, and it really stressed me out. I decided I needed to do something about it. And I had a lot of faith in Dr. Chaloupka," says Stedman.
The aneurysm could burst and potentially cause a massive stroke. Traditional surgery was not possible because the aneurysm was so deep in the brain. Chaloupka suggested two new therapies.
One involved placing a special coil into the aneurysm. This animation shows how the coil is fed through a catheter in the leg and up to the brain. The material fills the entire aneurysm cavity, preventing any rupture. Then a special stent is placed at the end of the aneurysm to create a permanent seal.
"The follow-up angiogram that was performed on Mr. Stedman after six months showed dramatic healing of the aneurysm - complete elimination of blood flow into the aneurysm, and angiographic evidence that there was a new covering of tissue over the neck of the aneurysm," says Chaloupka.
"I am very grateful that I'm alive today. I knew what could've happened if they would've burst, and that's - I would have had a stroke and probably would not have made it through it," says Stedman.
The technique is minimally invasive, so Stedman was out of the hospital in three days. Today, he's back at work and enjoying his new lease on life.
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