Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is set to undergo stem cell surgery by a world-renowned doctor in an effort to regenerate his nervous system, according to reports.
The seven-time World Champion suffered a horrific skiing accident in 2013. Since then, his physical condition has been a closely-guarded secret, though it is known he was in a coma for six months after suffering his head injury whilst skiing in the Alps.
According to Italian media reports, Schumacher will undergo the operation in the coming days, which will be performed by French cardiologist, Dr. Philippe Menasche – who is believed to have operated on Schumacher before, last September.
Menasche is a pioneer in the technique of grafting stem cells onto a damaged heart and has been proven to be a safe procedure. The damaged cells will be replaced with healthy ones which have been harvested from bone marrow or blood.
Dr Nicola Acciari, a leading neurosurgeon, said Schumacher is also suffering from muscle atrophy and osteoporosis having been confined to bed for so long.