Pääsiirtäminen

Pääsiirtäminen is a Finnish term that translates to "head transplant" or "head transplantation." It refers to a hypothetical surgical procedure in which the head of one individual is surgically removed and attached to the body of another individual. This concept, while explored in science fiction and theoretical discussions, is currently not a medically feasible procedure.

The primary challenges associated with head transplantation are immense and include the reconnection of the spinal cord, the central nervous system, and vascular systems. The spinal cord, in particular, is incredibly complex and its severed ends are not known to fuse or regenerate effectively in such a manner. Immune rejection of the transplanted head by the recipient's body would also be a significant obstacle, requiring profound immunosuppression.

While some experimental animal studies have been conducted in the past, none have resulted in a successful, long-term survival with functional recovery. These experiments primarily focused on demonstrating the technical possibility of rejoining blood vessels and supporting the head for a short period. Ethical considerations surrounding such a procedure are also extensive, raising questions about identity, consent, and the definition of life.

In contemporary medicine, the focus remains on repairing and regenerating damaged tissues and organs within an individual's own body, rather than attempting such drastic and currently impossible procedures as head transplantation.