Stefan Sallaberger feels reborn. A 30-centimeter stent has reopened an artery that had been closed for 37 years. All his radiologist colleagues said, “How is this supposed to work?” One doctor in Vienna had enough confidence to perform the procedure.
“You have to live with that.” Stefan Sallaberger has heard these words over and over again. And I almost believed it myself. Until last week when the miracle happened. Yes, that is how you can describe the story of the 38-year-old from Bad Schallerbach.
He was born three months prematurely, followed by 101 days in intensive care, including three attempts at resuscitation. Immediately after birth, a venous access was placed in the right groin. The result was an occlusion of the pelvic vein.
‘I had an eleven percent chance of survival’
“When I was six years old, it was discovered that my right leg was significantly thicker than my left. As a child, I had enormous varicose veins and was always bullied at school. For as long as I can remember, I had to wear support stockings and then the doctors noticed that the pelvic vein was blocked – and I was told: ‘You’ll just have to live with that.’ But this meant that the venous blood couldn’t flow out – there was a big risk that my leg would open up and become a chronic wound. My leg turned blue.”
A doctor in Vienna performed the miracle
“I found a doctor in Vienna, Prof. Oliver Schlager from the AKH, who wanted to try an operation. He pierced the femoral vein and inserted a 30-centimeter stent with a wire. All the radiologists asked: ‘How is this supposed to work?'”, says the practicing general practitioner and radiologist in Edt near Lambach, pleased with the successful procedure.
The vein that has been closed for 37 years is open again. ‘I had an emergency baptism as a baby and had an eleven percent chance of survival. I used that. The doctors thought I wouldn’t make it. And now, at 38, I feel like a new person.’
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
