San Jose Medical Facility Tests Bionic Legs

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) – In San Jose, a paralyzed patient has been able to walk again thanks to a new technology being tested at Valley Medical Center.

They are called eLEGS, a pair of bionic legs attached to a backpack battery that allow patients who are paralyzed from the waist down to walk.

KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:

"It feels good. I feel tall," said Stephanie Seblan of Salinas. "I'm used to being two-feet shorter now, but when I'm up and standing, I feel tall."

Seblan is one of the first patients to test the eLEGS, which move with the touch of a remote control.

"The machine actually does the moving for me. The only thing I'm doing is shifting my weight and keeping my balance," she said.

Dr. Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner with Valley Medical Center said the facility is one of ten in the U.S. testing the technology

"We are currently doing a safety and efficacy trial with this device," she said.

Senior engineer Adam Zoss with Berkeley Bionics said the eLEGS may soon be ready for home use.

"The long term goal is to bring it to the home market. I think right now, that's on a 2013 timeline," he said.

There is currently no price tag for the product.