In a recent American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons meetup held in Maryland, an Italian neurosurgeon, Dr. Sergio Canavero, wowed convention participants (and the rest of the world) when he announced that he will be performing the first ever human head transplant in December 2017.
Dr. Canavero’s patient, Valery Spiridonov from Russia, is a 30-year old man afflicted with Werdnig-Hoffman, a type of spinal muscular atrophy that has led him to a life of total misery. It is rare for someone with this disease to reach adulthood, which reflects just how brave and determined Spiridonov is to combat his illness having gone through a long period full of suffering amidst the failure of Western medicine to provide any cure, as Dr. Canavero put it.
Both Canavero and Spiridonov expressed confidence in the success of the procedure despite controversies and criticisms here and there anchored on a range of ethical issues. For the patient, he believes it’s his best hope to live the normal and healthy life that he’s always longed for; and for the doctor, his scientific and psychological preparation coupled with his determination will overcome whatever margin of risk there may be.
At least a hundred medical workers are required to give a hand during the transplant session that could last for a full day and a half. China and the USA are the venues being considered.
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