It is clear that the programmer has nothing to lose... except one single chance - to stay alive at all ((( ..

What would the great Tzadikim say to science?


A Russian programmer is donating his head for a transplant.

The world's first human head transplant is scheduled for 2017. Russian programmer Valery Spiridonov has been selected as the candidate.

The Turin Advanced Neuromodulation research team, led by Dr. Sergio Canavero, has been working in this unique area of transplantation for several years. Italian doctors announced a major breakthrough earlier this year, and at the same time, a tentative date was announced: 2017. However, the identity of the donor for this vital organ was not disclosed.


In general, the surgery is as follows: the ends of the spinal cord in the head and body will be connected with a special material called polyethylene glycol, and large blood vessels will be connected with microscopic tubes. The transplant itself can take about 36 hours; the patient will then be placed in an induced coma for a month, and will be able to stand and walk within a year.


The name of the first person in the world to undergo this procedure has now been revealed. Valery Spiridonov, a 30-year-old programmer from Vladimir who suffers from a rare genetic disorder, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and is confined to a wheelchair, sees no other way to lead a normal life. According to Business FM, Valery met the Italian neurosurgeon two years ago. Throughout this time, the doctor and the prospective patient discussed the risks and prospects online.


Since such operations have never been performed before, there are numerous legal issues beyond the medical ones. Canavero doesn't rule out the possibility that the operation itself could be performed in China or another country where European laws don't apply.


Valery has already flown to the United States, where the annual conference of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons will open in Annapolis on June 10th. The cost of the surgery, according to preliminary estimates, could reach into the millions of dollars. Together with Dr. Canavero, the future patient will try to convince the scientific community and investors of the feasibility of a head transplant. In a media interview, Valery says he wants to at least try to regain a healthy body and understands the risks he's taking.


http://www.nat-geo.ru/science/237321-programmist-iz-rossii-otdaet-svoyu-golovu-dlya-peresadki/