The cryogenics of humans, known scientifically as cryonics, is a technique that allows the body to be cooled down to a temperature of -196ºC, causing the deterioration and aging process to stop. Thus, it is possible to keep the body in the same condition for several years, so that, in the future, it can be revived.
In this way, cryogenics has been used especially in terminally ill patients with serious diseases, such as cancer, in the hope that they will be resuscitated when the cure for their disease is discovered, for example. However, this technique can be done by anyone, after death.
Cryogenics of humans cannot yet be done in Brazil, however there are already two companies in the United States that are practicing the process for people from all countries.
How is done
Although it is popularly referred to as a freezing process, cryogenics is actually a process of vitrification in which body fluids are kept in neither a solid nor a liquid state, similar to that of glass.
To do this, you need to follow a step-by-step that includes:
- Supplementation with antioxidants and vitamins during the terminal phase of the disease, to reduce damage to vital organs; Cooling of the body, after declared clinical death, with ice and other cold substances. This process must be done by a specialized team and as soon as possible, to maintain healthy tissues, especially the brain; Injection of anticoagulants into the body to prevent blood from freezing; Transport the body to the cryogenics laboratory where it will be kept. During transport, the team performs chest compression or uses a special machine to replace the heartbeat and keep the blood circulating, allowing oxygen to be carried throughout the body; The blood is completely removed in the laboratory and replaced with an antifreeze substance specially prepared for the process. This substance prevents the tissues from freezing and suffering injuries, as would happen if it were blood; The body is kept in an airtight container and the temperature is slowly reduced until it reaches -196ºC.
In order to obtain the best results, a member of the laboratory team must be present during the final phase of life, to begin the process shortly after death.
People who do not have a serious disease, but who want to undergo cryogenics, should wear a bracelet with information to call someone from the laboratory team as soon as possible, ideally in the first 15 minutes.
What prevents the process
The biggest obstacle to cryogenics is the process of resuscitating the body, since it is currently not yet possible to revive the person, having only been able to revive animal organs. However, it is hoped that with the advancement of science and medicine it will be possible to revive the whole body.
Currently, cryogenics in humans are only performed in the United States, as this is where the only two companies in the world with the capacity to preserve bodies are found. The total value of cryogenics varies according to the person's age and health status, however, the average value is 200 thousand dollars.
There is also a cheaper cryogenics process, in which only the head is preserved to keep the brain healthy and ready to be placed in another body, like a clone in the future, for example. This process is cheaper, being close to 80 thousand dollars.
