Juan Manuel Correa is set to undergo “very complex” surgery on his leg wounds on Sunday, with doctors hopeful that they can avoid amputating any limbs.
Correa sustained severe leg injuries in the high-speed Formula 2 crash at Spa-Francorchamps in August that claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert, and fell into a coma a few days later as he developed lung difficulties.
The 20-year-old, Alfa Romeo's Formula 1 Development Driver, was placed on an ECMO machine but that was gradually withdrawn as his lungs improved, with Correa now fully conscious.
Doctors now feel that Correa has improved to the extent that he can face a complex surgical procedure on Sunday that is set to last for over 10 hours.
Doctors have so far been unable to fully operate on his leg injuries due to the lung complications that developed.
“Earlier this week, Juan Manuel was transferred to a new hospital in London, England that specialises in orthopaedic surgeries as the focus shifts from his lungs to his lower body extremities.” read a statement issued by his family.
“Juan Manuel is now fully conscious, and his lungs have recovered much faster than anticipated. His overall physical improvement and willpower has doctors impressed.
“The main objective this week has been to get Juan Manuel in the best condition possible for his surgery on Sunday that will be 10+ hours in duration.
“Sunday’s surgery will be crucial in determining Juan Manuel’s future. Doctors will have, for the first time since the accident, complete access to the wounds on his lower right leg.
“They will be able to determine the actual level of damage to his tibia, ankle, and foot.
“During surgery, they will save what can be saved and removed what needs to be removed in order to rebuild his right lower leg to the best possible condition.
“The surgeons are the top in their field and are cautiously optimistic given the fast-paced recovery that Juan Manuel has had in the previous week.
“The injuries that Juan Manuel sustained are severe, and the surgery procedure is very complex.
“Doctors gave Juan Manuel the option of right foot reconstructive amputation. He has chosen NOT to have the amputation and to proceed with the surgery, understanding all the challenges involved.
“Additional details will be provided on Juan Manuel’s condition when available.”
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