Human head transplantation is a very important step in the development of the science of transplantation. Previously, such an operation seemed impossible, since it was not possible to connect the spinal cord and brain. But according to the Italian neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero, nothing is impossible and this operation will still happen.
Some historical data
Even before the 1900s, organ transplantation was described only in science fiction books. For example, H. G. Wells, in The Island of Doctor Moreau, describes experiments on transplanting animal organs. Another science fiction writer of that time, Alexander Belyaev, in the novel "Professor Dowell's Head" 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 story.
The world turned upside down in 1905 when Dr. Edward Zirmtransplanted the cornea to the recipient, and it took root. Already in 1933 in Kherson, the Soviet scientist Yu. Yu. Voronoi performed the first successful heart transplants from person to person. Every year, organ transplant operations are gaining momentum. To date, scientists are already able to transplant the cornea, heart, pancreas, kidneys, liver, upper and lower limbs, bronchi and genital organs of men and women.
How and when will the head be transplanted for the first time?
If in 1900 one of the scientists seriously spoke about transplanting a human head, most likely, he would have been considered abnormal. However, in the 21st century, this is spoken about with all seriousness. The operation has already been scheduled for 2017, and preparatory work is currently underway. A human head transplant is a very complex operation that will involve a huge number of neurosurgeons from around the world, but the transplant will be overseen by the Italian surgeon Sergio Canavero.
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 for 1.5 hours, otherwise the cells will begin to die. During the operation, arteries and veins will be sutured, and a polyethylene glycol membrane will be installed in the place where the spinal cord is located. Its function is to connect neurons at the site of the incision. The human head transplant is expected to take about 36 hours and cost $20 million.
Who will take risks and for what?
The question that worries many people: "Who is the daredevil who decided on a brain transplant?". Without delving into the depths of the problem, it seems that this undertaking is quite risky and can cost someone their life. The person who agreed to the head transplant is Russian programmer Valery Spiridonov. It turns out that a head transplant is a necessary measure for him. Since childhood, this most talented scientist has been ill with myopathy. This is a disease that affects the muscular structure of the entire body. Every year the muscles weaken and atrophy. Motor neurons located in 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, the operation to transplant a human head is very risky, but what to lose for someone who does not have long to live? As for Valery Spiridonov (he is currently 31 years old), children with such a disease most often do not even reach adulthood.
Difficulties in head transplantation
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 cope with them.
- Nerve fibers. Between the head and the body there is a huge number of neurons and conductors that do not recover after damage. We all know cases when, after a car accident, a person managed to survive, but he lostmotor activity for life due to damage to the cervical spinal cord. At the moment, highly qualified scientists are developing techniques that allow the introduction of substances that will restore damaged nerve endings.
- Fabric compatibility. A human head transplant requires a donor (body) to which it will be transplanted. It is necessary to choose a new body as accurately as possible, because if the tissues of the brain and torso are incompatible, swelling will occur and the person will die. At the moment, scientists are finding a way to deal with tissue rejection.
Frankenstein could be a good lesson
Despite the fact that, it would seem, a head transplant is very exciting and beneficial to society, there are a number of negative circumstances. Many scientists from all over the world are against head transplantation. Without knowing the true reasons, this seems rather strange. But let's remember the story of Dr. Frankenstein. He did not have evil thoughts and sought to create a person who helps society, but an uncontrollable monster became his brainchild.
Many scientists draw a parallel between the experiments of Dr. Frankenstein and neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero. They believe that a person who gets a head transplant can become uncontrollable. Moreover, if such an experiment succeeds, humanity will have the opportunity to live indefinitely, over and over again transplanting its head onto new young bodies. Of course, if this is a good promising scientist, then why shouldn't he live forever? What ifwill it be the culprit?
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 disruption of the spinal cord. 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, there are cranial nerves in the cervical region, which are responsible for vision, tactile sensations, and touch. No neurosurgeon has yet been able to cure the disruption of their work. If successful, the head transplant could put the majority of the disabled on their feet and save the lives of millions of people on the planet.
