The Spark of Life: Engaging the Cortico-Truncoreticulo-Propriospinal Pathway by Electrical Stimulation

Sergio Canavero, Xiao-Ping Ren
2016 CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics  
Cephalosomatic anastomosis (HEAVEN/AHBR) is enabled by the GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol [1, 2] . This hinges on two pillars: the possibility to refuse a certain number of axons of the severed cords by way of substances called fusogens [1-3] and, more importantly, on the reconnection of the cortico-truncoreticulopropriospinal (CTRPS) pathway, a sensorimotor highway that links the motor cortical areas to the spinal motor neurons via the brainstem reticular formation and spinal propriospinal
more » ... neurons (or interneurons) [2,4]. As explained [1,2], a very sharp severance ensures virtual sparing of the gray matter at the point of section, so that cells on both sides of the fusion interface can reextend [resprout] their axons and reestablish continuity. To accelerate this process of reconnection, electrical stimulation at the interface will be delivered via an implanted, peridural multichannel paddle.
doi:10.1111/cns.12520 pmid:26888177 fatcat:6noxold3wrchvnq2r5fgnq4vjm