At the Frontier: The Ethics of Innovative Surgery

All modern surgical techniques were once new, so the ethics of surgical innovation is not a new topic. But as our understanding of the brain advances, so does our ability to surgically treat disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and possibly even depression. Increasingly, we must consider whether innovation in brain surgery poses any special ethical challenges.

Since alterations in the brain have the potential to alter cognition, personality, and even the sense of self, do surgical innovations require special ethical consideration? Should "invasiveness" matter ethically, or do we simply weigh risks against benefits? Should we have distinct policy or regulation regarding neurosurgical innovation? Do patients contemplating such innovations require special protections?

Panelists:

Paul Ford, PhD, Director of the NeuroEthics Program at Cleveland Clinic
Darin D. Dougherty, MD, Director, Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
Elizabeth Hohmann, MD, Chair and Physician Director, Partners Human Research Committees