Vergas Man Beats the Odds After Life-Saving Care at Essentia Health

A 67-year-old Vergas man is sharing his remarkable story after surviving a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)—a condition with a 1 in 5 survival rate.
Up until August 15, 2023, Arden Shulstad had never been hospitalized. Aside from mild arthritis and taking blood pressure medication, he considered himself healthy. But after nearly a week of unexplained constipation, Shulstad visited his primary care provider, Garrett Penton, PA-C, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes.
Penton ran bloodwork and discovered Shulstad’s white blood cell count was low, prompting further tests. A CT scan revealed an enlarged, weakened aorta—measuring nine centimeters near his kidneys—that had ruptured.
“It was like a pinhole, and blood was squirting out of it,” Shulstad recalled.
Emergency Surgery Saves His Life
Shulstad was quickly airlifted to Essentia Health-Fargo, where Dr. Adam DeFoe, an interventional radiologist, performed a minimally invasive endovascular aortic repair. Using small incisions in the groin, surgeons inserted an endograft—a flexible, fabric-covered tube—to seal the aneurysm from the inside.
“Only one in five people survive a ruptured AAA,” explained Dr. DeFoe. “But thanks to fast action and teamwork, Arden’s life was saved.”
Shulstad woke up three days later, surrounded by family, and immediately knew how lucky he was. Today, he is fully recovered, walking his dog daily, and urging others to stay on top of their health screenings.
Know the Signs & Risks of AAA
AAA is often silent until it becomes life-threatening. It primarily affects men over 65, smokers, and those with high blood pressure or a family history of aneurysms. Symptoms can include back pain, a pulsing sensation near the belly button, and dull abdominal pain. A rupture requires immediate emergency care.
February is American Heart Month, making it a great time to schedule heart screenings and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
For more information, visit Essentia Health’s Newsroom.
AP Citation: Essentia Health Press Release, Feb. 25, 2025.
________________________________________