Schuey op hope
Pioneering surgery for former F1 hero
RACING legend Michael Schumacher is set to undergo a pioneering stem cell operation.
The procedure – seven years after the Formula One icon’s ski accident that left him with a catastrophic head injury – is expected to “regenerate his nervous system”.
French cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasché is due to perform the op “in the next few days”.
Schuey is treated privately by a team of doctors at his home in Geneva, Switzerland, and his condition is kept private.
Dr Nicola Acciari, a top neurosurgeon, revealed the 51-yearold is suffering from osteoporosis and muscle atrophy caused by lack of movement.
Dr Acciari said: “The goal is to regenerate Michael’s nervous system.”
In stem cell therapy, cells are taken from either bone marrow or the patient’s own heart and injected into other parts of the body in order to repair damaged tissue.
Dr Menasché, who is known as a pioneer in the technique, is reportedly going to create stem cells from the seven-time F1 world champion’s heart.
The details of the procedure are unknown and the doctor’s techniques have been called “mysterious”.
According to sources, he will transfer stem cells from
Schuey’s heart to his brain.
He is said to be carrying out tests where a “stem cell juice” is injected into the veins. Until now it has reportedly been tested only on animals.
After Schumacher’s first stem-cell therapy in Paris last September, a nurse claimed he was “conscious”.
In October, Dr Menasché warned fans he “does not work miracles”.