Henry Hasson was injured in a car accident in 1994 that left him paralyzed at injury level T7. Although recovery from his injury was strenuous, Henry didn’t let it slow him down, as he went on to graduate medical school in 2001, followed by a neurology residency and fellowship in 2006. Dr. Hasson has now been practicing neurology for 15 years, with special qualifications in child neurology.
Dr. Hasson read an article in the Wall Street Journal about a clinical research study at NYU for the Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton, which would give people with paraplegia the ability to walk again. After learning more, he decided to see if he would be a candidate for the device. His T7 injury level fell within the FDA approval range, making him eligible for training. He began his rehabilitation with the device in October 2016. Physical Therapist Clare Hartigan of Shepherd Center conducted the training with Dr. Hasson at his home in Brooklyn, where he said learning how to walk again was “easy and fun.” After his first walk with Ekso Indego Personal, Henry said he felt excited that the device would help with his core muscle strength and balance. He was also excited that the weight bearing would be beneficial for his bones.
Henry had tried other exoskeletons, but he chose Esko Indego Personal based on a variety of key features. The modular design of the device that allows it to be broken down into small parts for easy transport was one such differentiator. Other key attributes included how smoothly the device walks, the variable assist feature (which allows the user to customize the level of support given by the device), how easy it is to put the device on, and the fact that there is no backpack or exposed wires.
Although the exoskeleton has not replaced Dr. Hasson’s wheelchair, it acts as a complementary tool that has enabled him to do things he hasn’t done in years, such as exercising in an upright position. Henry uses Ekso Indego Personal for his daily exercise and regular walks and hopes to one day use it on stairs (currently, Ekso Indego Personal is not meant for staircase use). He says that being upright has improved his quality of life and assisted with his breathing, circulation, and weight bearing.
Dr. Henry Hasson is one of the first users to own Ekso Indego Personal. He finds the device to have a positive influence on his day-to-day life and hopes it continues to improve his overall quality of life.
In November 2017, Dr. Hasson completed the 1 Mile Spinal Cord Damage Research Center Fundraiser Race using Ekso Indego Personal, and he couldn’t be more proud.
Now offered under Ekso Bionics, Ekso Indego Personal is a flagship at-home exoskeleton that is designed to help patients with spinal cord injuries walk again in their homes and community. Equipped with a modular, quick-connect design, you can put it on and take it off anytime without assistance. It’s also extra light, weighing only 29 lb (13kg), and is designed to help you take it with you anywhere you want to go. Try Ekso Indego Personal today and regain your independence. For any inquiries, reach out to us today.