PROF. SERGIO CANAVERO, MD

THE PIONEER WHO PLANS THE FIRST HUMAN HEAD TRANSPLANTATION

Prof. Sergio Canavero, MD, is a renowned neurosurgeon from Turin, Italy, who plans the first human head transplantation in the world.

He is the former director of the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group and developed the GEMINI protocol, the scientific spinal cord fusion protocol for the first human head transplantation. Prior to that, Prof. Canavero worked as a neurosurgeon at the University Hospital Turin, Italy, for 22 years.

Mr. Canavero graduated cum laude from the University of Turin, passed the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in the Medical Sciences (USMLE) in Philadelphia, PA, USA, was a visiting physician at the Neurosurgical Division of Karolinska Hospital Stockholm, Sweden, and is a professor honoris causa of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China. Mr. Canavero was a member of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons (AANOS), a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, an intern at the Neurological and Neurosurgical Hospital Pierre Wertheimer in Lyon, France, and a consultant for the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), USA.

He has written numerous scientific books, including Central Pain Syndrome. Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management (Cambridge University Press; Canavero S, Bonicalzi V), Textbook of Therapeutic Cortical Stimulation (New York: Nova Biomedical), Textbook of Cortical Brain Stimulation (DeGruyter Open), and Immortal. Why Consciousness is Not in the Brain (Amazon), among others. Mr. Canavero has published or contributed to more than 140 scientific articles (see list below). He speaks eight languages.

THE HEAD TRANSPLANTATION

HOW WE WILL PERFORM THE SURGERY

  • Donor is a brain-dead patient, matched for height and build as well as immunotype, and screened for the absence of active systemic and brain disorders. The procedure will be conducted in a specially designed operating suite that would be large enough to accommodate equipment for two surgeries conducted simultaneously by two separate surgical teams. Both Recipient (the patient whose head, but not body, is intact) and Donor (a brain-dead patient) will be intubated and ventilated through a tracheotomy. Temperature probes will be positioned in the tympanum, nasopharynx, bladder, and rectum.

  • Surgery in sitting position. To protect the brain during the transfer of the head onto the body, cooling (deep hypothermia) will be achieved by inserting two catheters into the carotid arteries of Recipient and one into the femoral artery, all attached to a cooling unit that lowers the blood temperature. The brain temperature can also be decreased by the intra-arterial (via the internal carotid artery) local infusion of cold (4–8°C) fluid. More protective measures will be taken at this time. Donor will not receive any kind of cooling. Both patients will be in the standard neurosurgical sitting position after the induction of hypothermia in Recipient. The sitting position will facilitate the surgical maneuvers of the two surgical teams. In particular, a custom made turning stand acting as a crane will be used for shifting Recipient’s head onto Donor’s neck. Recipient’s head, previously fixed in a three pin fixation ring, will literally hang from the stand during transference, joined by long Velcro straps, for a few seconds. The suspending apparatus will allow surgeons to reconnect the head in comfort.

  • The two teams, working in concert, will make deep incisions around each patient’s neck, above the collar-bones, carefully separating all of the anatomical structures (at the C5/6 level forward below the cricoid) to expose the carotid and vertebral arteries, jugular veins and spine, and all relevant structures. All muscles in both Recipient and Donor will be color coded with markers to facilitate later linkage. Besides the axial incisions, three other cuts will be carried out, both for later spinal stabilization and access to the carotids, trachea, esophagus, and other neck structures (Recipient’s thyroid gland is left in situ): two along the anterior margin of the sternocleidomastoids, plus one standard long midline cervical incision.

  • A clean cut with the GEMIN-o-tome. Under the operating microscope, the cords in both subjects will be clean cut simultaneously as the last step before separation. This will be achieved with a next-generation blade called the GEMIN-o-tome, which self-guides itself to achieve the cleanest section possible. Some slack must be allowed for further severance to fashion a strain-free fusion and side-step the natural retraction of the two segments away from the transection plane.

    Once Recipient’s head is separated, it will be transferred onto Donor’s body and attached via silicone tubes to Donor’s circulation; at this point, Donor’s head would have already been removed. This step will be relatively quick. Transferring the head onto Donor’s body will take only a few seconds since the two surgical beds will be only 2.5 meters away. Circulation will be restarted after the head’s circulatory system is linked to Donor’s circulatory system, first with tubes, then with stitches. Upon linkage, Donor’s flow will immediately start to rewarm Recipient’s head. The previously exposed vertebral arteries will also be reconstructed.

  • The C5 vertebral body of Recipient will be linked to the C6 vertebral body of Donor via a specially crafted fixation pin that stabilizes the head immediately and then with standard fixation techniques. The two cord stumps will be joined by a specially crafted microconnector that keeps the two stumps together and prevents any dislocation during the fusion process. Inside this connector, a fusogen will be circulated immediately to kickstart the process. A spinal cord stimulator will be applied and lodged onto the connector. Electricity will speed up the process.

  • The trachea, esophagus, vagi, phrenic, and other nerves will be reconnected and fused. All muscles will be joined appropriately using the markers. Plastic surgeons will sew the skin for maximal cosmetic results.

    Recipient will then be brought to the intensive care unit (ICU), where he/she will be kept sedated for a few days to 2-3 weeks and then reawakened when electrical conduction is confirmed. Appropriate physiotherapy with more electrical stimulation and other technologies will be instituted during follow-up until maximal recovery is achieved.

BREAKING NEWS

FIRST HUMAN HEAD TRANSPLANTATION: PROFESSOR SERGIO CANAVERO PRESENTS NEW VIRTUAL REALITY SYSTEM AND CUTTING DEVICE AT GLASGOW NEURO CONFERENCE

(2016/11/18, University of Illinois/Inventum Bioengineering/Prof. Canavero) Prof. Sergio Canavero, founder of HEAVEN (Head Anastomosis Venture) and former director of the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group, who plans to perform the first human head transplantation, has presented the next milestone in the pioneering project at Glasgow Neuro Conference.

The blade for the transplantation.Farid Amirouche, professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and director of the Biomechanics Research Laboratory and of Orthopedics Research, has developed a smart surgical cutting device system for the head transplantation. The cutting device can be used in neurosurgery and for delicate surgical procedures in which depth, speed, material and angulation are primary driving parameters and in which cuts need to be performed at the micrometer and nano level.

“The system cutter includes a disposable blade holder assembly with a diamond cutting blade, with the blade holder assembly sliding into and out of a rotating head, and a retractable and adjustable nerve holder with a fitting slot to avoid blade advancement beyond the nerve diameter. A reflecting array of lights is used on the adjustable holder to provide additional light and detection of the nerve surface and its position in relation to the blade,” the multi-award-winning scientist, who is the author of seven books and over 240 technical papers, said about his invention. “The cutting blade is exposed, and its cutting speed are adjusted a priori to allow the surgeon to optimize the cutting procedure in real time. The adjustable head can also come equipped with a temperature-controlled vacuumed chamber for minimizing blood loss and maintaining nerve-structure integrity during surgery,” he added.

“Prof. Amirouche has developed probably the sharpest and most precise blade in the world,” Prof. Canavero stated, “which will allow a clear cut of the spinal cord with a minimal impact on the nerves, a cutting system that is innovative and very inventive. It is another milestone on the journey to make the first human head transplant possible.”

Virtual reality system for patients.At the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Prof. Canavero also presented, for the first time, a virtual reality system developed for the head transplant by Inventum Bioengineering Technologies, Chicago, IL.

“In preparing the patient of HEAVEN to transition into a new body, virtual reality training will be used before the surgical procedure to prevent the occurrence of unexpected psychological reactions,” Inventum’s co-founder and CEO Alexander Pavlovcik explained regarding the new system. “We are combining the latest advancements in virtual reality to develop the world’s first protocol for preparing the patient for bodily freedom after the transplantation procedure,” he added.

Inventum’s co-founder and chief science officer, Kiratipath Iamsakul, said: “The patient will engage in virtual reality experiences that will involve activities requiring the use of bodily movements. These experiences are developed by referring to techniques used in conventional neurorehabilitation for the purpose of providing the most realistic sensations involved in voluntary motor functions. The patient will engage in virtual reality training several months before the commencement of the HEAVEN procedure in order to sufficiently prepare for the normalcy of life in a new body.”

“his virtual reality system prepares the patient in the best possible way for a new world that he will be facing with his new body,” Prof. Canavero said regarding Inventum’s innovation. “A world in which he will be able to walk again,” he added.

“Virtual reality simulations are extremely important as this kind of systems allow to get involved into action and learn fast and efficiently. As a computer scientist I am extremely certain that it is an essential technology for the HEAVEN project,” Valery Spiridonov who will be the first person to have full body transplant said regarding the new technology for HEAVEN patients.

Breakthrough with Texas PEG.After the publication of various studies in Surgical Neurology International, this September researchers from Korea and the United States, under Prof. Sergio Canavero’s supervision, showed how a fully transected cervical spinal cord can be mended with the use of special substances called fusogens. Professor C-Yoon Kim at Konkuk University in Seoul, Republic of Korea, will present via live video from Seoul this next milestone at Glasgow Neuro Conference.

In Surgical Neurology International, Prof. C-Yoon Kim has already reported an ultra-fast recovery of impulse conduction across a refused spinal cord, a feat deemed impossible by contemporary medical science, after using a nano-enhanced form of polyethylene glycol (Texas PEG) supplied by the Rice University laboratory of Prof. James Tour, an authority in the field of nanomaterials. A behavioral effect was reported with full motor recovery of a rat in three weeks, which compared to no recovery in five controls.

In the meantime, Prof. C-Yoon Kim has repeated the procedure with Texas PEG on three more rats: all of them fully recovered motor function and were able to move and feed themselves, which compared to no recovery in three controls. Prof. C-Yoon Kim, who is continuing the study on more rats, will publish the scientific results shortly.

“These results prove that a severed spinal cord can be reconstructed,” Prof. Canavero stated, “and that Texas PEG will play a key role in the first human head transplantation. There will be more studies to follow, also on brain-dead organ donors before organ-harvesting, but the current results look very promising that we are on the right path.”

FULLY TRANSECTED CERVICAL SPINAL CORD CAN BE MENDED
FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE USE OF FUSOGENS

FROM THE HEAVEN/GEMINI INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE GROUP

(2016/09/21, Surgical Neurology International/Rice University/Prof. Canavero) In a string of three papers appearing in Surgical Neurology International, researchers from Korea and the USA, under Prof. Sergio Canavero’s supervision, show how a fully transected cervical spinal cord can be mended by the use of special substances called fusogens.

Their technique relies on a nano-enhanced form of polyethylene glycol (Texas PEG) supplied by the Rice University laboratory of Professor James Tour, an authority in the field of nanomaterials, and manufactured by PhD student William Sikkema.

A group led by Professor C-Yoon Kim at Konkuk University and Professor Bae Hwan Lee, Yonsei University College of Medicine, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, has reported an ultra-fast recovery of impulse conduction across a re-fused spinal cord, a feat deemed impossible by contemporary medical science.

A preliminary behavioral effect was reported, which seems no less astonishing, with full motor recovery of a rat in three weeks versus none in five controls. This result is superior to the simple use of PEG reported in an accompanying paper, in which the animals recovered motor function enough to move and feed themselves but still not in a normal range within four weeks.

Kim’s group also applied PEG to a near-completely severed cervical cord in a dog. Contrary to what is expected from natural history (no recovery), the dog regained near-complete motorfunction in three weeks.

These preliminary, proof-of-principle papers prove that a severed spinal cord can be reconstructed, as required by the Head Anastomosis Venture (HEAVEN)/GEMINI head transplant project, paving the way for the first human head transplant in history.

In November, Prof. Sergio Canavero will present the GEMIN-o-tome, the nanoblade that will be used to sever the cord in the first head transplantation as designed by pluri-awarded Prof. Farid Amirouche, professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering, as well as professor of orthopedics at the University of Illinois, Chicago (USA). At the same time, the Virtual Reality Group from Inventum Bioengineering Technologies, Chicago (USA), will present the VR protocol that will be enacted at the time of the first human head transplant.

Prof. Canavero has been invited by a neurosurgical team at MUMBAI Central Wockhardt Hospital, India, led by Dr. Ajay Bajaj, who offered to host HEAVEN in India.

 

READ THE NEW STUDIES ONLINE:

 

GEMINI: Initial behavioral results after full severance of the cervical spinal cord in mice

Houston, GEMINI has landed: Spinal cord fusion achieved

Spinal cord fusion with PEG-GNRs (Texas PEG): Neurophysiological recovery in 24 hours in rats

Accelerated recovery of sensorimotor function in a dog submitted to quasi-total transection of the cervical spinal cord and treated with PEG

HEAVEN: The Frankenstein effect

 

Graphene nanoribbons show promise for healing spinal injuries

MY MISSION: WHY I AM DOING IT

THE FIRST HUMAN HEAD TRANSPLANTATION

By Prof. Sergio Canavero, MD

  • It was in the 1970s when I first heard about the experiments of Dr. Robert J. White, an American neurosurgeon who performed the first head transplantation from one monkey onto the body of another. Although the monkey was paralyzed from the neck down, his cranial nerves within the brain were intact, and he could still hear, eat, smell, taste, and follow objects with his eyes. He lived for nine days and died as a result of immune rejection, which could not be treated effectively at that time. Prof. White performed more than 10,000 surgeries on humans during his career; authored more than 900 scientific publications; became an advisor to Pope John Paul II on medical ethics; received several honorary doctorates; was appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences; and, as a devout Roman Catholic, prayed before each surgery.

  • A new life for Steven Hawking. In the 1990s, Prof. White planned to perform the first head transplantation on humans. It was hoped he could help individuals such as Steven Hawking or actor Christopher Reeve. However, this never happened.

    A giant leap for mankind. When I first heard of Prof. White’s plans, I knew instantly that such an operation would be a giant leap for mankind. Prof. White was an excellent surgeon, and he proved that a brain can survive detachment from the spine. He succeeded totally. When I went to medical school, I was convinced that before I become a doctor, the first human head transplantation would have been performed. But it didn’t happen. So I decided to do it. It became the goal of my life. I am into the first human head transplantation since 30 years now.

  • I founded HEAVEN, the Head Anastomosis Venture, and developed the GEMINI protocol, the project outline for the first human head transplantation with spinal linkage. Today, I am collaborating with two groups: one in China, led by my friend Xiaoping Ren and based on my GEMINI protocol with the plan for the entire procedure. This includes a first testing on brain-dead donors, a full head swap, and the first head transplantation on a human being with a life expectancy of a maximum of three months. The other one is in Russia.

  • Hope for millions. Imagine if we succeed. Think of the possibilities for patients with spinal paralysis after traumatic spinal cord transections and people who are sitting in wheelchairs. We could change the lives of paraplegic patients entirely. Prof. Michael Sarr, editor of the journal Surgery and a renowned surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, predicted a “98 percent chance” of success for the operation. If we succeed, this transplantation could change the lives of thousands or even millions of people around the globe.

  • Ethical questions. No doubt, what we are planning is controversial and will raise many ethical questions. I totally respect them. But as a scientist, I know that a human head transplantation could be successful, and therefore, it is my responsibility and duty to try my best to make it possible.

    Christiaan Barnard, the pioneering surgeon who performed the first human heart transplantation, was criticized for his plan not only by the scientific community but also even by churches, who supposed the heart to be the seat of consciousness. Despite the criticism, he didn’t drop his plan. His patient survived the first heart transplantation for only 18 days, but his surgery changed the history of medicine and brought life to thousands of people.

  • When is a head transplant successful? That is what one of my colleagues asked me. The first plane that was built was the Wright Flyer, whose first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903 lasted just 12 seconds for a total distance of 120 feet. It was not a Boeing 747—it was just the beginning. The first patient maybe will not run like an athlete, but he will be able to walk.

    Is there life after death? But the first human head transplantation is much more than just a surgery. It will allow us to answer many fundamental questions: Is there life after death? Does heaven exist? Or is our physical death the final end? If we prove that the brain does not generate consciousness, it would have immense implications for our lives – and on our religions.

    Will a human head transplantation be possible one day? It will. And this day will be one of the finest hours in the history of medicine.

    Sergio Canavero, MD

GLOBAL COVERAGE

THOUSANDS OF ARTICLES ON THE MAN WHO COULD CHANGE THE COURSE OF HUMAN HISTORY

Prof. Sergio Canavero and his plan for the first human head transplantation has led to thousands of reports and articles in the print media, online, on television, and on the radio around the globe.

Television networks such as CBS, ABC, CNN, sky, ITV, BBC, RTL, CCTV, and RAI have reported on the first human head transplantation. In addition, publications such as the Washington Post, New York Times, Die Welt, OOOM, Newsweek, Zeit, SPIEGEL, BILD, Daily Mail, Forbes, The Guardian, FAZ, Huffington Post, NZZ, Mirror, Time, Paris Match, La Repubblica, El Mundo, The Independent covered Prof. Canavero’s plan.

Read some of the most interesting stories online.

INTERVIEWS & MEDIA INQUIRIES

THE FIRST HUMAN HEAD TRANSPLANTATION

For interview requests and all media inquiries, please contact:

Georg Kindel
E-mail gk@ooom-world.com
Phone +43 1 522 34 23
Fax +43 1 253 67 22–71 71

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

BOOK PROF. CANAVERO FOR YOUR EVENT.

To book Prof. Canavero’s for a speaking engagement, please contact:

Georg Kindel
E-mail gk@ooom-world.com
Phone +43 1 522 34 23
Fax +43 1 253 67 22–71 71

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

Books

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Central pain syndrome. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007 (1st ed.), Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2011 (2nd ed.), Springer (forthcoming) (3rd ed.)
  • Canavero S (Editor). Textbook of therapeutic cortical stimulation. New York: Nova Biomedical, 2009
  • Canavero S (Editor). Textbook of cortical brain stimulation. DeGruyter Open, 2014
  • Canavero S. Immortal. Why Consciousness is Not in the Brain. Amazon, 2014
  • Canavero S. Head Transplantation and the Quest for Immortality. Amazon, 2014

Book Chapters

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Extradural cortical stimulation for central pain. In: Sakas DE, Simpson BA (eds.) Operative Neuromodulation. Volume 2: Neural Networks Surgery. Wien: Springer Verlag, 2007, pp 27-36
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Extradural cortical stimulation for movement disorders. In: Sakas DE, Simpson BA (eds.) Operative Neuromodulation. Volume 2: Neural Networks Surgery. Wien: Springer Verlag, 2007, pp 223-232
  • Canavero S. Regions of application. Cerebral – Surface. In: Arle JE, Shils JL (eds) Essential Neuromodulation. San Diego: Academic Press-Elsevier, 2011, pp 19-42
  • Canavero S. Hallucinatory pain: central pain. In: Blom JD, Sommer IEC (eds) Hallucinations. Research and Practice. New York: Springer Verlag, 2012, pp 171-186

Journals
CEPHALOSOMATIC ANASTOMOSIS & EYE TRANSPLANTATION

  • Canavero S, Ren XP. Houston, GEMINI has landed: Spinal cord fusion achieved. Surg Neurol Int. 2016 Sept (in press)
  • Leskowitz E, Alexander J, Canavero S. Psychics and Surgery: The energy dynamics of human head transplantation – A Trialogue. WISE J 2016; 5:25-37
  • Canavero S. Sex in heaven. Surg Neurol Int. 2016 Apr 27; 7:49.
  • Canavero S, Ren X, Kim CY, Rosati E. Neurologic foundations of spinal cord fusion (GEMINI). Surgery. 2016 Jul; 160(1):11-9.
  • Ren X, Orlova EV, Maevsky EI, Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Brain protection during cephalosomatic anastomosis. Surgery. 2016 Jul; 160(1):5-10.
  • Canavero S, Ren XP. Editorial commentary. The Spark of Life: Engaging the Cortico-Truncoreticulo-Propriospinal Pathway by Electrical Stimulation. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016 Feb 17; doi:10.1111/cns.12520
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Central Pain Following Cord Severance for Cephalosomatic Anastomosis. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016 Feb 16; doi:10.1111/cns.12527.
  • Ren XP, Canavero S. Human head transplantation. Where do we stand and a call to arms. Surgical Neurology Int 2016 Jan 28; 7:11
  • Canavero S. Commentary (to: Ethical Considerations regarding Head Transplantation). Surgical Neurology Int 2015 June 15; 6:103
  • Canavero S. Editorial. The “Gemini” spinal cord fusion protocol: Reloaded. Surgical Neurology Int 2015 Feb 3; 6:18.
  • Canavero S. HEAVEN: The HEad Anastomosis VENture. Project outline for the first human head transplantation with spinal linkage (GEMINI). Surgical Neurology Int 2013 Jun 13; 4(Suppl 1):S335-42
  • Canavero S. Total eye transplantation for the blind: a challenge for the future. Med Hypotheses. 1992 Nov; 39(3):201-11. Required reading at the Neurobiology and Behavior Section of the Psychology Course at Cornell University, Fall 1998

NEUROMODULATION: PAIN

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V.Extradural cortical stimulation for central pain. Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2007; 97(Pt 2):27-36.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Transcranial magnetic stimulation for central pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2005 Apr; 9(2):87-9.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Motor cortex stimulation for central and neuropathic pain. Pain. 2004 Mar; 108(1-2):199-200.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Neuromodulation for central pain. Expert Rev Neurother. 2003 Sept; 3(5):591-607.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Spinal cord stimulation for central pain. Pain. 2003 May; 103(1-2):225-6.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Dotta M, Vighetti S, Asteggiano G. Low-rate repetitive TMS allays central pain. Neurol Res. 2003 Mar; 25(2):151-2.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Dotta M, Vighetti S, Asteggiano G, Cocito D. Transcranial magnetic cortical stimulation relieves central pain. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 2002; 78(3-4):192-6.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Therapeutic extradural cortical stimulation for central and neuropathic pain: a review. Clin J Pain. 2002 Jan-Feb; 18(1): 48-55. Erratum in: Clin J Pain 2002 May-Jun; 18(3):195.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Electroconvulsive therapy and pain. Pain. 2001 Jan; 89(2-3):301-2.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Castellano G, Perozzo P, Massa-Micon B. Painful supernumerary phantom arm following motor cortex stimulation for central poststroke pain. Case report. J Neurosurg. 1999 Jul; 91(1):121-3.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Cortical stimulation for central pain. J Neurosurg. 1995 Dec; 83(6): 1117. First demonstration that parietal cortex stimulation may relieve central pain.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Pagni CA. Chronic pain, electroconvulsive therapy and reverberation. Pain. 1994 Dec; 59(3):423-4.

NEUROMODULATION: MOVEMENT DISORDERS

  • Pagni CA, Albanese A, Bentivoglio A, Broggi G, Canavero S, Cioni B, et al. Results by motor cortex stimulation in treatment of focal dystonia, Parkinson’s disease and post-ictal spasticity. The experience of the Italian Study Group of the Italian Neurosurgical Society. Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2008; 101:13-21.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Extradural cortical stimulation for movement disorders. Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2007; 97(Pt 2):223-32.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Cortical stimulation for parkinsonism. Arch Neurol. 2004 Apr; 61(4):606.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Paolotti R, Castellano G, Greco-Crasto S, Rizzo L, Davini O, Maina R. Therapeutic extradural cortical stimulation for movement disorders: a review. Neurol Res. 2003 Mar; 25(2):118-22.
  • Canavero S, Paolotti R, Bonicalzi V, Castellano G, Greco-Crasto S, Rizzo L, Davini O, Zenga F, Ragazzi P. Extradural motor cortex stimulation for advanced Parkinson disease. Report of two cases. J Neurosurg. 2002 Nov; 97(5):1208-11.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Motor cortex stimulation. J Neurosurg. 2001 Apr; 94(4):688-9.
  • Canavero S, Paolotti R. Extradural motor cortex stimulation for advanced Parkinson’s disease: case report. Mov Disord. 2000 Jan; 15(1):169-71. First report introducing surgical cortical stimulation for the treatment of PD.

NEUROMODULATION: STROKE AND TRAUMA

  • Canavero S. Halfway technology for the vegetative state. Arch Neurol. 2010; 67:777
  • Canavero S, Massa-Micon B, Cauda F, Montanaro E. Bifocal extradural cortical stimulation-induced recovery of consciousness in the permanent post-traumatic vegetative state. J Neurol. 2009 May; 256(5):834-836 First report of bifocal surgical cortical stimulation for the vegetative state.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Intonti S, Crasto S, Castellano G. Effects of bilateral extradural cortical stimulation for plegic stroke rehabilitation. Case report. Neuromodulation. 2006 Jan; 9(1):28-33. First report of bilateral, bifocal, surgical cortical stimulation for stroke rehabilitation.

NEUROMODULATION: PSYCHIATRY

  • Canavero S. Criminal minds: neuromodulation of the psychopathic brain. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 2014 Mar 5; 8:124. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00124.

NEUROTRAUMA & STROKE

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Narcisi P. Safety of magnesium-lidocaine combination for severe head injury: the Turin lidomag pilot study. Surg Neurol. 2003 Aug; 60(2):165-9. First study of magnesium-lidocaine combination for neuroprotection.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Prevention of eclampsia. N Engl J Med. 2003 May 22; 348(21):2154-5.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Treating head injuries. Outcomes in specialist units using protocols may not be better. BMJ. 2002 Dec 14; 325(7377):1420.
  • Luparello V, Canavero S. Treatment of hypertensive cerebellar hemorrhage–surgical or conservative management? Neurosurgery. 1995 Sep; 37(3):552-3.

COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCES

  • Cauda F, Massa Micon B, Sacco K, Duca S, D’Agata F, Geminiani G, Canavero S. Disrupted intrinsic functional connectivity in the vegetative state. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2009; 80 (4):429-431. First Resting State fMR study of the vegetative state.
  • Canavero S. Come again? New Scientist, 3-March-2001
  • Canavero S, Fontanella M. Behavioral-attentional syndrome following bilateral caudate head ischaemia. J Neurol. 1998 Jun-Jul; 245(6-7):322-4.

PAIN

  • Canavero S,Bonicalzi V. Pain Myths and the Genesis of Central Pain. Pain Med. 2015 Feb; 16(2):240-8
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Role of primary somatosensory cortex in the coding of pain. Pain 2013 Jul; 154(7):1156-8
  • Bonicalzi V, Graziano A, Roero C, Canavero S. Reversibile, hyperacute allodynia following evacuation of a cervical epidural ematoma. J Pain Symptom Manage 2012; 43(2):e8-11
  • Cauda F, Sacco K, Duca S, Cocito D, D’Agata F, Geminiani GC, Canavero S. Altered resting state in diabetic neuropathic pain. PloS ONE 2009; 4(2):e4542. First Resting State fMR study of neuropathic pain.
  • Canavero S. Central pain and Parkinson’s disease. Arch Neurol. 2009; 66(2):282-283
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Special Report. Central pain syndrome: elucidation of genesis and treatment. Expert Rev Neurother. 2007 Nov; 7(11):1485-1497.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain: present and future directions. Therapy. 2006 Sept; 3(5):651-657.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Clemente M. No neurotoxicity from long-term (>5 years) intrathecal infusion of midazolam in humans. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2006 Jul; 32(1): 1-3. First long-term safety report on IT midazolam for chronic pain.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Drug therapy of trigeminal neuralgia. Expert Rev Neurother. 2006 Mar; 6(3):429-40.

PAIN

  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Intrathecal ziconotide for chronic pain. JAMA. 2004 Oct 13; 292(14): 1681-2.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Intravenous subhypnotic propofol in central pain: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2004 Jul-Aug; 27(4):182-6.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Norepinephrine and pain. Pain. 2004 Feb; 107(3):279.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Chronic neuropathic pain. N Engl J Med. 2003 Jun 26; 348(26):2688-9.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. A case of trigeminal-vagal neuralgia relieved by peripheral self-stimulation. Acta Neurol Belg. 2002 Dec; 102(4):188-90.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Sympathetic pain again? Lancet. 2002 Nov 2; 360(9343):1426-7.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Paolotti R. Reboxetine for central pain: a single-blind prospective study. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2002 Jul-Aug; 25(4):238-9.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Nurisso C. Neurorehabilitation: the neurosurgeon’s role with special emphasis on pain and spasticity. Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2002; 79:67-74.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Paolotti R. Lack of effect of topiramate for central pain. Neurology. 2002 Mar 12; 58(5):831-2.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Lacerenza M, Narcisi P, Garabello D, Marchettini P, Perozzo P. Disappearance of central pain following iatrogenic stroke. Acta Neurol Belg. 2001 Dec; 101(4):221-3.

PAIN

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Reversible central pain. Neurol Sci. 2001 Jun; 22(3):271-3.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Role of microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia. Lancet. 2000 Mar 11; 355(9207):928-9.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Bilateral central pain with unilateral brain lesion. Eur Neurol. 1999; 42(2):118.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Resolution of central pain. J Neurosurg. 1999 Oct; 91(4):715-6.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. CRPS: are guidelines possible? Clin J Pain. 1999 Jun; 15(2):159-60.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Comments on Kingery, PAIN, 73 (1997) 123-139. Controlled randomized trials failed to demonstrate that sympathetic blocks (SB) are more effective than placebo for relieving complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS). Pain. 1999 Feb; 79(2-3):317-9
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, De Lucchi R, Davini O, Podio V, Bisi G. Abolition of neurogenic pain by focal cortical ischemia. Clin J Pain. 1998 Sep; 14(3):268-9.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Pain after thalamic stroke: right diencephalic predominance and clinical features in 180 patients. Neurology. 1998 Sep; 51(3):927-8.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S, Cerutti A, Micon BM, Cerutti F, Clemente M, Montrucchio N. The ordeal of chronic pain. Eur Neurol. 1998 Jul; 40(1):61-2.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Comments on Zakrzewska et al., PAIN, 73 (1997) 223-230. Pain. 1998 May; 76(1-2):270-1.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. The neurochemistry of central pain: evidence from clinical studies, hypothesis and therapeutic implications. Pain. 1998 Feb; 74(2-3):109-14.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Massa-Micon B. Central neurogenic pruritus: a literature review. Acta Neurol Belg. 1997 Dec; 97(4):244-7.

PAIN

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Ferroli P. Can trauma alone to the trigeminal root relieve trigeminal neuralgia? The case against the microvascular compression hypothesis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1997 Sep; 63(3):411-2. Erratum in: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1998 Jan; 64(1):142.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S, Cerutti F, Piazza M, Clemente M, Chio A. Lamotrigine reduces total postoperative analgesic requirement: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Surgery. 1997 Sep; 122(3):567-70.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Lamotrigine control of trigeminal neuralgia: an expanded study. J Neurol. 1997 Aug; 244(8): 527.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Comments on De Benedittis and Lorenzetti: on topical aspirin/diethyl ether for postherpetic neuralgia, PAIN, 65 (1996) 45-51. Pain. 1997 Apr; 70(2-3):287-9.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Lamotrigine control of central pain. Pain. 1996 Nov; 68(1):179-81. First report of lamotrigine treatment for central pain.
  • Canavero S. Bilateral central pain. Acta Neurol Belg. 1996 Jun; 96(2): 135-6.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Castellano G. Two in one: the genesis of central pain. Pain. 1996 Feb; 64(2):394-5.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Ferroli P, Zeme S, Montalenti E, Benna P. Lamotrigine control of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1995 Dec; 59(6): 646. First report of lamotrigine treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.
  • Canavero S, Pagni CA, Bonicalzi V. Transient hyperacute allodynia in Schneider’s syndrome: an irritative genesis? Ital J Neurol Sci. 1995 Nov; 16(8): 555-7.

PAIN

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Ferroli P. Can trauma alone to the trigeminal root relieve trigeminal neuralgia? The case against the microvascular compression hypothesis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1997 Sep; 63(3):411-2. Erratum in: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1998 Jan; 64(1):142.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S, Cerutti F, Piazza M, Clemente M, Chio A. Lamotrigine reduces total postoperative analgesic requirement: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Surgery. 1997 Sep; 122(3):567-70.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Lamotrigine control of trigeminal neuralgia: an expanded study. J Neurol. 1997 Aug; 244(8):527.
  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Comments on De Benedittis and Lorenzetti: on topical aspirin/diethyl ether for postherpetic neuralgia, PAIN, 65 (1996) 45-51. Pain. 1997 Apr; 70(2-3):287-9.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Lamotrigine control of central pain. Pain. 1996 Nov; 68(1):179-81. First report of lamotrigine treatment for central pain.
  • Canavero S. Bilateral central pain. Acta Neurol Belg. 1996 Jun; 96(2):135-6.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Castellano G. Two in one: the genesis of central pain. Pain. 1996 Feb; 64(2):394-5.
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Ferroli P, Zeme S, Montalenti E, Benna P. Lamotrigine control of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1995 Dec; 59(6):646. First report of lamotrigine treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.
  • Canavero S, Pagni CA, Bonicalzi V. Transient hyperacute allodynia in Schneider’s syndrome: an irritative genesis? Ital J Neurol Sci. 1995 Nov; 16(8):555-7.

PAIN

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Pagni CA, Castellano G, Merante R, Gentile S, Bradac GB, Bergui M, Benna P, Vighetti S, et al. Propofol analgesia in central pain: preliminary clinical observations. J Neurol. 1995 Sep; 242(9):561-7. First proof of the analgesic properties of propofol at very low concentration.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S. Functional thalamic depression in a case of reversible central pain due to a spinal intramedullary cyst. Case report. J Neurosurg. 1995 Jul; 83(1):163-5.
  • First proof of the reversibility of thalamic deactivation in central pain
  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V, Pagni CA. The riddle of trigeminal neuralgia. Pain. 1995 Feb;60(2):229-31.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S. Cordomyelotomy in the treatment of paraplegia pain. Experience in two cases with long-term results. Acta Neurol Belg. 1995; 95(1):33-6.
  • Canavero S, Pagni CA, Castellano G, Bonicalzi V. SPECT and central pain. Pain. 1994 Apr; 57(1):129-31.
  • Canavero S. Dynamic reverberation. A unified mechanism for central and phantom pain. Med Hypotheses. 1994 Mar; 42(3):203-7. Demonstration of how central pain is maintained.

PAIN

  • Pagni CA, Canavero S. Pain, muscle spasms and twitching fingers following brachial plexus avulsion. Report of three cases relieved by dorsal root entry zone coagulation. J Neurol. 1993 Sep; 240(8):468-70.
  • Pagni CA, Lanotte M, Canavero S. How frequent is anesthesia dolorosa following spinal posterior rhizotomy? A retrospective analysis of fifteen patients. Pain. 1993 Sep; 54(3):323-7.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S. Paroxysmal perineal pain resembling tic douloureux, only symptom of a dorsal meningioma. Ital J Neurol Sci. 1993 May; 14(4):323-4.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S. The thalamocingular loop: recordings from the past. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 1993; 61(2):102-4.
  • Canavero S, Pagni CA, Castellano G, Bonicalzi V, Bello M, Duca S, Podio V. The role of cortex in central pain syndromes: preliminary results of a long-term technetium-99 hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime single photon emission computed tomography study. Neurosurgery. 1993 Feb; 32(2):185-9. First functional imaging study implicating the cortex in the genesis of neuropathic pain.

EDITORIALS

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Guest editorial. Tramadol sustained release capsules. A viewpoint by Sergio Canavero and Vincenzo Bonicalzi. Drugs. 2006; 66(2):232-233.

PALLIATIVE CARE

  • Bonicalzi V, Canavero S. Dutch experience of euthanasia. Lancet. 2001 Aug 25; 358(9282):668

ONCOLOGICAL NEUROSURGERY

  • Canavero S, Pagni CA, Duca S, Bradac GB. Spinal intramedullary cavernous angiomas: a literature meta-analysis. Surg Neurol. 1994 May; 41(5):381-8. First natural history study of intramedullary cavernomas.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S. Spinal angiolipomas. J Neurosurg. 1994 Feb; 80(2):354.
  • Mascalchi M, Canavero S, Arnetoli G, Pagni CA. Symptomatic spinal arachnoid cyst in an elderly subject. Ital J Neurol Sci. 1993 Sep;14(6):457-60.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S, Fiocchi F, Ponzio G. Chromosome 22 monosomy in a radiation-induced meningioma. Ital J Neurol Sci. 1993 Jun; 14(5):377-9. First demonstration of C22 monosomy of radiation-induced meningiomas.
  • Canavero S. Intramedullary cavernous angiomas of the spinal cord: clinical presentation, pathological features, and surgical management. Neurosurgery. 1993 Apr; 32(4):692-3.

EDITORIALS

  • Pagni CA, Canavero S. Intradural extramedullary cavernous angioma: case report. Neurosurgery. 1992 Oct; 31(4):804.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S. Spinal epidural angiolipoma: rare or unreported? Neurosurgery. 1992 Oct; 31(4):758-64.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S, Giordana MT, Mascalchi M, Arnetoli G. Spinal intramedullary subependymomas: case report and review of the literature. Neurosurgery. 1992 Jan; 30(1):115-7.
  • Mascalchi M, Arnetoli G, Dal Pozzo G, Canavero S, Pagni CA. Spinal epidural angiolipoma: MR findings. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1991 Jul-Aug; 12(4):744-5.
  • Pagni CA, Giordana MT, Canavero S. Benign recurrence of a pilocytic cerebellar astrocytoma 36 years after radical removal: case report. Neurosurgery. 1991 Apr; 28(4):606-9.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S, Vinattieri A, Forni M. Intramedullary spinal ependymal cyst: case report. Surg Neurol. 1991 Apr; 35(4):325-8.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S, Gaidolfi E. Intramedullary “holocord” oligodendroglioma: case report. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 1991; 113(1-2):96-9.
  • Canavero S, Pagni CA. Meningioma and Takayasu disease: case report. Ital J Neurol Sci. 1990 Aug; 11(4):393-4.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S, Vinci V. Left trochlear nerve palsy, unique symptom of an arachnoid cyst of the quadrigeminal plate. Case report. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 1990; 105(3-4):147-9.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S, Cento A. Multiple spinal meningiomas: case report and review of the literature. Zentralbl Neurochir. 1990; 51(4):225-8.
  • Pagni CA, Canavero S, Forni M. Report of a cavernoma of the cauda equina and review of the literature. Surg Neurol. 1990 Feb; 33(2):124-31.

MEDICINE, GENERAL

  • Canavero S, Bonicalzi V. Fall of the Titans. The demise of Basic Neuroscience Research. Engineering 2015, 1(4) (doi: 10.15302/J-ENG-2015092), highlighted in: BMJ Jan 16 2016, p84