First Human Head Transplant
Emily Shaw
Last year, Dr. Sergio Canavero had announced his plans for in 2017 to perform the first human head transplant. He has teamed up with Dr. Xiaoping Ren for this procedure. Their plan is simple. First, they will freeze the body of their volunteer patient, Valery Spiridonov, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder which give him limited control of his body, at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to delay tissue death in the brain. Next, they will remove both heads of the patients with a transparent diamond blade. Then, they will shift Spiridonov's head onto the neck of the donor's body. They will then seal it with polyethylene glycol which promotes the regrowth of cells in the spinal cord. Over time the muscle and blood will be joined with Spiridonov's head while he is in a coma for about 4 weeks while healing. This procedure will, if approved, cost tens of millions of dollars and at least 80 surgeons. Though many scientists doubt them, Canavero claims of the procedure having an at least 90% chance of success. Many think that it is horrible idea. Some even saying that they should be charge with murder if it fails, which is likely. The procedure will not be approved in the Western World, so if approved it will take place in China or any other country that isn't the U.S. or in Europe.
This sounds like something you'd see in a science fiction movie. I honestly think that the procedure sounds maybe a little too simple. I can't imagine this going to well especially since the chances of death are probably pretty high and, even if it is a success, how much of a change in the way of life for the patient. If he has children, his children aren't going to have his genes. How awkward is that? The patient has live his entire life without being able to control his body, so adjusting so suddenly to a new one will also be very difficult. I believe that this procedure is to have an unlikely success.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-man-volunteers-for-first-human-head-transplant/ar-AAiey6h?li=AA4Zpp&ocid=spartanntp
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I think the idea is actually amazing. If the man is going to live his life in a miserable state, it's his choice if he wants to try to change his fate. He is a brave man willing to risk his own life for science advancement!
ReplyDeleteI find your post interesting, but the fact that we can already transplant heads(!) is pretty scary. I mean, just imagine: in a couple of years, we could be transplanting pieces of the brain, or the whole brain! -Alex Travell
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ReplyDeleteIf they would be charged for murder if this procedure fails, why aren't doctors today charged for murder when they fail a heart transplant, or a liver transplant? I also agree with you, it sounds too simple to actually work. - Mila Fisher
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