The first operation of a human head transplant. Is it possible to transplant a person's head? The person who agreed to a head transplant

The transplantation of a person's head is a very important step in the development of the science of transplantology. Earlier such an operation seemed impossible, because it did not seem real to connect the spinal cord and the brain. But according to Italian neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero, there is nothing impossible and this operation will still happen.

Some historical data

Even before 1900 organ transplantation was described except in fantastic books. For example, Herbert Wells in the work "The Island of Dr. Moreau" describes the experiments on the transplantation of organs of animals. Another science fiction writer of that time, Alexander Belyaev, in the novel "The Head of Professor Dowell" proves that in the 19th century organ transplants could only be dreamed of. The transplantation of a person's head was not just a myth, but a ridiculous fiction.

The world overturned in 1905, when Dr. Edward Zirme 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 transplantation from person to person. With each year, organ transplant operations were gaining momentum. To date, scientists already know how 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 spoke seriously about the transplantation of the human head, most likely, he would be considered abnormal. However, in the 21st century this is said with full seriousness. The operation has already been scheduled for 2017, and preparatory work is underway. Transplantation of a person's head is a very complicated operation, in which a huge number of neurosurgeons from around the world will be involved, 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 donor body to 15 ° C, however, only for 1.5 hours, otherwise the cells will die off. During the operation, arteries and veins will be sewed, and a membrane made of polyethylene glycol will be installed on the site where the spinal cord is located. Its function is to connect the neurons at the cut site. It is assumed that the operation of a person's head transplant will last about 36 hours and will require a cost of $ 20 million.

Who will take risks and for what?

The question that worries many people: "Who is the brave man who decided to transplant the brain?". Without going into the depth of the problem, it seems that this venture is risky enough and can cost someone a life. The person who agreed to a head transplant is the Russian programmer Valery Spiridonov. It turns out that head transplantation for him is a forced measure. Since childhood, this talented scientist has been suffering from myopathy. This disease, which affects the muscular structure of the whole body. Every year, the muscles weaken and atrophy. The motor neurons located on the anterior layers of the spinal cord are affected, and the person loses the ability to walk, swallow and hold the head.

Transplantation should help Valery restore all motor functions. Undoubtedly, an operation to transplant a person's head is very risky, but what to lose to someone who lives and does not last long? As for Valery Spiridonov (to him at the moment 31 years), then with such a disease, children often do not reach even to adulthood.

Difficulties in head transplantation

This is a very difficult task, which is why the preparatory work for the operation will be carried out for almost 2 years. Let's try to figure out what exactly will be the difficulties and how Sergio Canavero plans to deal with them.

1. Nerve fibers. Between the head and the body there are a huge number of neurons and conductors, which after the damage are not restored. We all know cases when after a car accident a person managed to survive, but he lost his motor activity for life because of damage to the cervical spinal cord. At the moment, highly skilled scientists are developing techniques that allow the introduction of substances that will repair damaged nerve endings.
2. Compatibility of fabrics. Transplantation of the human head requires a donor (body) to which it will be transplanted. It is necessary to choose the new body as accurately as possible, because if the brain tissue and trunk are incompatible, edema will occur and the person will die. At the moment, scientists are finding ways to fight tissue rejection.

Frankenstein could serve as 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 head transplants. Not knowing the true reasons, it seems rather strange. But let's remember the history of Dr. Frankenstein. He had no evil intentions and sought to create a man helping society, but his brainchild became an uncontrollable monster.

Many scientists draw a parallel between the experiments of Dr. Frankenstein and neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero. They believe that a person who has a head transplant can become uncontrollable. Moreover, if such an experiment is obtained, humanity will have the opportunity to live endlessly, over and over again replacing the head with new young bodies. Of course, if this is a good promising scientist, then why should he not live forever? And if it is a criminal?

What does head transplant bring to society?

After we figured out whether it is possible to transplant a person's head, 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 was thoroughly studied by many scientists of the world, an absolute solution for problems related to innervation of the spinal cord was never found.

In addition, in the cervical region, there are cranial nerves, which are responsible for vision, tactile sensations, and touch. Violation of their work has not yet been cured by any neurosurgeon. If the head transplant is successful, it will put most of the disabled on their feet and save lives for millions of people on the planet.