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4584
qualitative
journal
Mays, Robert G. and Suzanne B. Mays. "The Phenomenology of the Self-Conscious Mind." Al Sullivan Case. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 27(1), 17, 2008
Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 27 Pages 17 2008
2008
56
M
Al Sullivan, 56 years old, underwent emergency coronary bypass surgery and experienced an out-of-body experience during the procedure. While unconscious under general anesthesia, Sullivan felt himself leave his body and was able to look down from above the operating table. From this elevated perspective, he observed his surgeon performing an unusual motion with his arms - "flapping his elbows" as if trying to fly. This peculiar movement puzzled Sullivan as he watched the surgical team working on his body below.
The specific observation involved the surgeon's distinctive habit of pointing with his elbows to avoid touching the sterile operating field. Sullivan noticed this repeated elbow-flapping motion throughout the procedure, which appeared almost comical from his out-of-body vantage point. The surgeon would raise his arms and use his elbows to indicate directions or point to specific areas, keeping his gloved hands away from any non-sterile surfaces. Upon regaining consciousness after the surgery, Sullivan immediately related his observation to another physician on staff. He described the unusual elbow-flapping behavior he had witnessed during his out-of-body experience. The physician confirmed that the surgeon indeed had this peculiar habit during operations. Nine years later, researchers followed up and the surgeon himself confirmed that it was his regular habit to point with his elbows during surgery to maintain sterile technique. This verification provided strong evidence for the veridical nature of Sullivan's out-of-body perception during his near-death experience.
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Hospital
7
12
34
Moderate Evidence
15
Emergency coronary bypass surgery under general anesthesia with monitoring
Specific unusual observation of surgeon's elbow-flapping habit verified by multiple sources
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