KARACHI, November 12 2024: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has made a groundbreaking advancement in healthcare by introducing 3D-printed PEEK implants, a high-performance, customized bone replacement option now accessible in Pakistan. Designed and manufactured in-house by AKUH experts, these implants mark a transformative step towards enhancing healthcare quality, affordability, and accessibility for patients needing complex bone surgeries.
These 3D-printed PEEK (polyether ether ketone) implants, tailored to fit patients’ needs precisely, offer numerous advantages: they are strong, lightweight, and biocompatible, which reduces infection risks and supports faster recovery. The ability to produce these implants in-house at AKUH significantly reduces costs compared to imported alternatives, making advanced bone replacements affordable for many Pakistanis.
Dr. Shahzad Shamim, Professor and Section Head of Neurosurgery at AKUH, highlighted the importance of this innovation: “3D-printed PEEK implants are a game-changer, enhancing surgical precision and improving patient recovery times with better integration.”
AKUH is the only hospital in Pakistan with the capability to design and produce 3D-printed PEEK implants locally. These implants adhere to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) guidelines and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring the same quality found internationally. Made with FDA-approved PEEK material, these implants meet stringent global safety standards, allowing patients to receive the highest quality care without relying on costly imports.
Dr. Saleem Sayani, Director of AKU’s Technology Innovation Support Centre, added, “With in-house production, we can provide patient-specific, world-class solutions previously unavailable in Pakistan.”
Dr. Asim Belgaumi, Chief Medical Officer at AKUH, remarked, “Manufacturing PEEK implants locally not only enhances our surgical capabilities but makes high-quality medical treatments more affordable, benefiting especially those from low- and middle-income backgrounds.”
Since introducing PEEK implants, AKUH has successfully treated 14 patients, achieving notable improvements in recovery and quality of life. Currently, these implants are used for cranial reconstruction, maxillofacial procedures, and other non-weight-bearing bone replacements. AKUH aims to expand their application to various surgeries, further enhancing patient outcomes and accessibility.
This innovation marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s healthcare landscape, representing AKUH’s dedication to providing accessible, globally competitive medical care and significantly impacting the lives of patients across the country.
