In name of science: Disabled Russian all set to undergo world's first full head transplant

A disabled Russian man, who is all set to undergo for the world's first full head transplant, has met the doctor who claimed to do the surgery.

Valery Spiridonov, who has a muscle-wasting disease called spinal muscular atrophy, said he was prepared to let an Italian neurosurgeon, who claims he can transplant an entire head, do the procedure in the name of science, News.com.au has reported.

The surgeon, Dr Sergio Canavero, has been making headlines globally for his claims he can do the procedure, but has called in the US to help make it happen.

The American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons and International College of Surgeons invited Dr Canavero to speak at their meeting in Annapolis.

Dr Canavero's transplant strategy is to cool the body so the head has more time to survive. He would then cut some of the neck and join the blood vessels before transplanting the entire head. He would use polyethylene glyco on the ends of the spinal cord to encourage nerve cells to stick.

But some believe the entire thing could be an elaborate hoax and medical experts have been casting doubts on the claims it is possible.