How does the process begin? The body is not only packed in ice immediately, but also injected with an anticoagulant so that the blood does not clot. [The next step is] profusing the circulatory system with chemicals that minimize ice formation, so that ice crystals don’t damage the cells. So people say “frozen,” but technically, that’s not correct.
How are the bodies stored? They’re put into a container that looks like a giant thermos bottle. The body is put into a sleeping bag–usually just a normal polyester one–then into an aluminum pod and then into the giant thermos. Some people only get their heads saved, and the heads go in a smaller container, like a bucket. Then the body is slowly cooled to the temperature of liquid nitrogen.
Can family visit? Family members can visit, but because these things are steel thermos bottles, there’s no good way to look inside.
Why are the bodies stored upside-down? The head is the last thing you want to thaw out in case of an emergency.
What’s the plan to bring bodies back to life? The problem is like what happens when you’ve torn a phonebook into pieces. There are many ways to restore it, but the main thing is that you know it’s doable because all the information is still there in front of you.
Is cryogenics for the wealthy? Absolutely not. If you can afford $60,000 in life insurance, you can do head only; $120,000 and you can go whole body.
