Veteran becomes first VA patient to undergo groundbreaking epilepsy treatment

Cutting-edge epilepsy treatment changes the life of Army Veteran

In 1980, when Robert Lindemann enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, he was following a proud family tradition. His father and stepfather both served in World War II, and for Lindemann, service in the military seemed like a calling. That calling carried him through nearly 33 years in uniform, rising from enlisted soldier to commissioned officer before retiring in Texas. But in the years that followed, a new and unrecognizable battle emerged. 

“I started having episodes where I would lose chunks of time and feel disconnected from what had happened around me,” Lindemann shared. “I thought it might be sleepwalking or exhaustion, but looking back now, those moments were early warning signs that something neurological was happening. At the time I had no idea what was causing them.” 

The situation soon became impossible to ignore. Lindemann had a major seizure and was diagnosed with focal epilepsy.

The diagnosis was serious. He tried numerous medications, but he kept suffering seizures. After years of failed treatment, he was referred to the epilepsy center of excellence at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston. He underwent numerous tests, including implantation of electrodes into his brain to determine where his seizures were coming from. They found that the seizures were originating from deep in his right temporal lobe. The normal surgical solution for this would be a craniotomy to remove a large amount of his right temporal lobe.  

“That’s a scary procedure,” he admitted. Understandably, Lindemann wasn’t eager for a surgery that would remove a chunk of his brain.  

New option, new hope  

Everything changed when Dr. Garrett Banks, a neurosurgeon at MEDVAMC, approached Lindemann with a different path forward. 

Banks told him he was an ideal candidate for a far less invasive procedure using a newer technology called “Visualase.” This technology has been used at a limited number of leading academic epilepsy centers but has never been used at any VA facility.     

Last week, Lindemann became the first patient in the VA system to undergo the procedure, with Dr. Banks and MEDVAMC’s neurosurgery, neurology and radiology teams working together to make history alongside him. 

The Visualase V2 system delivers an extremely precise laser ablation through a slender fiber optic catheter placed through a 3.2mm hole in the skull—a hole smaller than a pencil eraser. Real-time MRI guidance allows surgeons to monitor tissue temperatures moment by moment, making immediate adjustments to protect surrounding brain structures while precisely targeting the problem tissue. 

“This minimally invasive procedure isn’t just about small incisions or faster recovery,” Banks said. “It’s about preserving the cognitive abilities, dignity and well-being of the Veteran patient. The Visualase system can treat focal epilepsy with very little trauma, allowing people to return to their lives with less pain, fewer complications and greater confidence.” 

First-rate care, first-rate doctors

Two days after the procedure, Lindemann was discharged home, and four days after the procedure, he reported feeling great.   

“At MEDVAMC, I got first-rate care by first-rate doctors with the latest and greatest technology,” he said. “You can’t beat that.” 

The contrast with what he had expected, the lengthy recovery and significant risks of open brain surgery, was striking. The tiny incision, the shorter hospital stay and the speed of his recovery all reflected exactly what the Visualase System was designed to deliver. But for Lindemann, the story is bigger than medical technology or even the world-class medical care received at VA.   

“I have a close relationship with Jesus and so many people were praying for me,” he said. He credits his faith, and the steadfast support of his wife Debbie, as central to his journey through diagnosis, decision and recovery. He is now looking forward to a full and swift recovery and hopes to be seizure free in the future.  

Expanding care across VA

MEDVAMC’s successful first use of the Visualase V2 opens a new chapter in VA’s neurosurgical capabilities, bringing a gentler but powerfully effective alternative to open surgery to the men and women who have served our country.

“This is an expansion of what VA can offer to Veterans living with focal epilepsy, deep brain tumors and radiation necrosis across the country,” Banks said. “We are thrilled to be able to offer Veterans this amazing technology and dramatically improve their quality of life.” 

For Lindemann—a soldier, an officer, a Veteran and now a medical pioneer—it’s one more mission accomplished.