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."
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.
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.
