An Italian scientist says that it should be possible to successfully perform a human head transplant — perhaps as soon as 2017.
Dr. Sergio Canavero of the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group first proposed his “Gemini” spinal fusion procedure in 2013, but continued research led to an updated publication in the journal Surgical Neurology International on Feb. 3.
In short, once Dr. Canavero’s found a suitable patient and donor he would then cool both bodies to a temperature that allows them to survive longer without oxygen, connect the recipient’s head to the donor’s body, fuse their spinal cords, and finally induce a coma for roughly one month to allow nerve connections to grow, CBS reported Thursday.
“If a head transplant were ever to take place, it would be very rare. It’s not going to happen because someone says ’I’m getting older, I’m arthritic, maybe I should get a body that works better and looks better,’” Patricia Scripko, a neurologist and bioethicist at the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in California, told the New Scientist on Thursday.
Dr. Canavero plans to discuss his research at the annual conference of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons in Annapolis, Maryland, in June, CBS reported.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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