Russian Candidate for First-Ever Human Head Transplant, Surgeon Meet in US

© Sputnik / Kirill Kallinikov / Go to the mediabankRussian Valery Spiridonov agrees to world's first head transplant
Russian Valery Spiridonov agrees to world's first head transplant - Sputnik International
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Italian neurosurgeon Dr. Sergio Canavero, a volunteer to perform world’s first-ever human head transplant, and a Russian candidate for the surgery met in Annapolis, the United States, for the first time.

ANNAPOLIS (Sputnik) — On Friday, Canavero delivered the keynote lecture on the human head transplant at the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons in Annapolis, Maryland.

A 30-year-old Russian man named Valery Spiridonov, who suffers from a muscle atrophy, called Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, appeared on stage with Dr. Canavero. as the surgeon would expect to transplant Spiridonov’s head onto the body of a healthy donor in 2017.

"Let's be humble, let's suspend judgment, let's push forward," Canavero said at the conference, adding that "the greatest competition of the men history has begun."

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He urged the public, consisting mainly of doctors, researchers and reporters that the world’s first human head transplant could really take place in the next two years, as he was confident of what he was going to do and had "a detailed plan" on the issue.

Canavero said his intention might seem unrealistic, but if performed, would be phenomenal and was likely to revolutionize science and human life.

The surgeon said his goal was to cure people like Spiridonov, suffering from severe diseases, and his first patient must be "happy to have this new body." "I cannot deny that my final goal is life extension," Canavero added.

"I have no fear. I am an engineer and I understand that there are steps that are necessary to achieve success, and we will take them," Spiridonov told reporters, adding that he was sure of the success of the surgery and was absolutely ready for the challenge.

Meanwhile, Canavero’s potential Russian-based patient Spiridonov was convinced the surgery would be a success, adding he was "absolutely" sure to undergo the transplant and had no fear.

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Canavero’s surgery would involve linking of the blood supply between the head and the donor body. He is expected to use extremely sharp and thin blades so that the fibers in the spinal cord can be directly and easily connected to the head. The surgeons team would use a chemical, polyethylene glycol, and electrodes to support new connections and stimulation.

Canavero’s idea has caused controversial reaction among specialists, as some are convinced that the technology is disputable, but still vital and requires huge investments, while others believe it to be totally unsustainable.

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