London, Ont. - After struggling with debilitating epilepsy seizures for nearly 10 years, Steve Kieffer became the first patient in London, Ontario, to undergo a new donor-funded epilepsy procedure at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). His seizures, which occurred at night, significantly impacted his quality of life. He was faced with a choice: undergo a new laser ablation procedure that could potentially stop his seizures - or opt for a much more invasive surgery that would involve removing part of his brain.

Steve chose to undergo the donor-funded laser ablation procedure last year. Today, under the care of LHSC Neurosurgeon Dr. Jonathan Lau, Steve is now six months seizure-free. 

“Today, I’m feeling the best I have in years,” said Steve, from Kitchener. “I later learned a generous donor made it possible to bring this procedure to London by funding the equipment and setup. That act of kindness, from someone I may never meet, gave me a chance at a better life. I've now gone six months without a seizure. My journey may not be over, and there are still unknowns ahead, but I’m staying positive.”

Funded by a generous $500,000 donation from Domino’s Pizza, Inc., this procedure offers a better alternative to open brain surgery, minimizing damage to surrounding brain tissue and lowers the risk of infection.  

“Using LITT technology allows us to selectively destroy a seizure focus without having to perform an open surgery,” said Dr. David Steven, neurosurgeon at LHSC. “In some patients, this will be great option for treatment of their epilepsy, allowing for a much faster recovery and shorter stay in the hospital.”

The introduction of laser ablation technology at LHSC is a major advancement in epilepsy treatment in Southwestern Ontario. Early results have been promising, with patients discharged the day after their procedures.

"Laser ablation allows us to offer a minimally invasive treatment option for epilepsy, complementing our traditional surgical approaches," said Dr. Lau.  "As more patients undergo this procedure, we’re excited to see how this technology continues to transform epilepsy treatment and improve patient outcomes."  

Thanks to donors like Domino’s, this procedure, with a 50–60% success rate, is now available at LHSC.  

“This is more than just a donation; it’s a game-changer for epilepsy care in our region,” said John MacFarlane, President and CEO of London Health Sciences Foundation. “Thanks to Domino’s, patients now have access to an advanced treatment that wasn’t available here before. This technology is transforming lives, offering new hope and faster recoveries and we’re proud to see it making an immediate impact.” 

 

For more information about LHSF, please contact:      
Jenn Basa     
Communications Officer, Media and Internal Communications   
London Health Sciences Foundation     
Cell: 647.409.8903 | Jennifer.basa@lhsc.on.ca