Paralyzed Man Regains Ability to Walk Thanks to Spine Chip Implant

A paralyzed man from Italy has been able to successfully walk again due to an implant.

Published in the journal Natural Medicine, the new data from researchers in Switzerland shows that early developments of the implant have been favorable, though there is still much work to be done. Still, it’s the first time someone with a completely severed spinal cord has regained the ability to walk.

Michel Roccati became paralyzed after a motorcycle accident five years ago and hasn’t had any feeling in his legs. But the implant, which was attached to his spine via surgery, has allowed him to walk. Another man was also given the implant, which allowed him to father a child.

The neurosurgeon who performed the surgery on Roccati told BBC that she “was extremely surprised” at how he took to the implant. “Michel is absolutely incredible. He should be able to use this technology to progress and be better and better.”

The other man, David M’zee was also able to walk with the implant after being paralyzed since 2010. He and his partner, Janine welcome their daughter Zoe about a year ago.

However, the implant doesn’t cure spinal injuries and is too complicated for everyday use. The nine patients who have received the implant use it as an aid when they practice walking. “The implant sends signals directly to his legs enabling him to walk, but only when the implant is on,” the BBC writes.

“I stand up, walk where I want to, I can walk the stairs—it’s almost a normal life,” Roccati told the outlet.