A human head transplant is a very important step in the development of the science of transplantology. Previously, such an operation seemed impossible, since it did not seem realistic to connect the spinal cord and brain. But according to the Italian neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero, there is nothing impossible and this operation will still happen.
Some historical data
Until 1900, organ transplantation was described only in science fiction books. For example, Herbert Wells, in Dr. Moro's Island, describes animal transplantation experiments. Another science fiction writer of that time, Alexander Belyaev, in the novel “The Head of Professor Dowell” proves that in the 19th century one could only dream of organ transplantation. A human head transplant was not just a myth, but a ridiculous tale.
The world turned upside down in 1905 when Dr. Edward Zirm transplanted the cornea to the recipient, and she took root. Already in 1933 in Kherson, the Soviet scientist Yu. Yu. Voronoi performed the first successful heart transplant from person to person. Every year, organ transplant operations gained momentum. Today, scientists are already able to transplant the cornea, heart, pancreas, kidneys, liver, upper and lower extremities, bronchi and genitals of men and women.
How and when will the head be transplanted for the first time?
If in 1900 one of the scientists seriously started talking about transplanting a human head, most likely, he would be considered abnormal. However, in the 21st century this is spoken about with complete seriousness. The operation is already scheduled for 2017, and preparatory work is currently underway. A human head transplant is a very complicated operation, which will involve a huge number of neurosurgeons from around the world, but the Italian surgeon Sergio Canavero will oversee the transplant.
In order for the first human head transplant to be successful, it will be necessary to cool the head and the donor body to 15 ° C, but only by 1.5 hours, otherwise the cells will begin to die. During the operation, arteries and veins will be stitched, and a polyethylene glycol membrane will be installed at the place where the spinal cord is located. Its function is to connect neurons at the site of the incision. It is estimated that a human head transplant operation will last about 36 hours and require a cost of $ 20 million.
Who will take the risk and for what?
The question that worries many people: "Who is the daredevil who decided to transplant a brain?". Without delving into the depths of the problem, it seems that this venture is risky enough and can cost someone life. The person who agreed to a head transplant is a Russian programmer Valery Spiridonov. It turns out that head transplantation for him is a necessary measure. Since childhood, this talented scientist has been ill with myopathy. This is a disease that affects the muscle structure of the whole organism. Every year the muscles weaken and atrophy. Motor neurons located on the anterior layers of the spinal cord are affected, and the person loses the ability to walk, swallow and hold his head.
Transplantation should help Valery restore all motor functions. Undoubtedly, a human head transplant operation is very risky, but what is there to lose to someone who does not have long to live? As for Valery Spiridonov (he is currently 31 years old), children with this disease most often do not even reach adulthood.
Head transplant difficulties
This is a very difficult task, which is why for almost 2 years preparatory work will be carried out before the operation. Let’s try to figure out what exactly the difficulties will be and how Sergio Canavero plans to deal with them.
- Nerve fibers. Between the head and the body there is a huge number of neurons and conductors that cannot be restored after damage. We all know cases when after a car accident a person managed to survive, but he lost his motor activity for life due to damage to the cervical spinal cord. At the moment, highly qualified scientists are developing methods that allow you to enter substances that will restore damaged nerve endings.
- Tissue compatibility. A human head transplant requires a donor (body), on which it will be transplanted. It is necessary to select the new body as accurately as possible, because if the tissues of the brain and body are incompatible, edema will occur and the person will die. At the moment, scientists are finding a way to combat tissue rejection.
Frankenstein could be a good lesson
Despite the fact that, it would seem, a head transplant is very exciting and useful for society, there are a number of negative circumstances. Many scientists from around the world are against conducting a head transplant. Not knowing the true reasons, this seems rather strange. But let's recall the story of Dr. Frankenstein. He had no evil thoughts and strove to create a man who helps society, but his uncontrolled monster became his brainchild.
Many scientists draw a parallel between the experiments of Dr. Frankenstein and the neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero. They believe that a person who is transplanted head can become uncontrollable. Moreover, if such an experiment succeeds, humanity will have the opportunity to live indefinitely, over and over again replanting its head on new young bodies. Of course, if he is a good promising scientist, then why not live forever? And if it will be a criminal?
What will a head transplant bring to society?
After we figured out whether a human head transplant is possible, let's think about what this experience can bring to modern science. In the world there are a huge number of diseases associated with impaired spinal cord function. And although this part of the body has been thoroughly studied by many scientists of the world, an absolute solution to the problems associated with the innervation of the spinal cord has not been found.
In addition, in the cervical region there are cranial nerves that are responsible for vision, tactile sensations, and touch. Violation of their work has not yet been cured by any neurosurgeon. If a head transplant is successful, it will put the majority of the disabled on their feet and save the lives of millions of people on the planet.