KARACHI: Experts from the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) announced at a press conference on Tuesday the successful treatment of multiple patients using locally manufactured 3D-printed Polyetheretherketone (Peek) implants —high-performance, customised devices that can replace bones in various parts of the body, including the skull, jaw, and spine.

According to the speakers, these implants stand out due to their strength, lightweight nature, and compatibility with the human body, reducing the risk of infection and improving long-term success rates.

“AKUH is currently the only hospital in Pakistan that designs and manufactures 3D-printed Peek implants in-house, using a state-of-the-art facility formally approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap),” said Dr Saleem Sayani, Director of the Technology Innovation Support Centre at AKU.

He added that these implants are customised with precision, offering world-class treatments previously unavailable in Pakistan.

The speakers explained that the Peek material used in these implants is FDA-approved, attesting to its adherence to international safety and quality benchmarks.

With Drap approval and internationally recognised Peek material, AKUH guarantees that patients receive implants meeting rigorous global quality standards, they said.

Discussing the impact of this innovation, Dr Shahzad Shamim, Professor and Section Head of Neurosurgery at AKUH, said, “3D-printed Peek implants are a game-changer in surgery, not only improving the accuracy of surgeries but also offering better integration with the human body, leading to faster recovery times and improved patient outcomes.”

Dr Asim Belgaumi, Chief Medical Officer of AKUH, Pakistan, praised the development, stating, “The introduction of our own manufactured Peek implants not only elevates our surgical capabilities but also marks a vital step in making high-quality medical treatment accessible at a much lower cost for the people of Pakistan. This represents a new era in healthcare, where advanced, patient-specific solutions are within reach for everyone.”

The local production of Peek implants, the speakers noted, also benefits the environment by reducing reliance on international shipments for imported implants, supporting sustainable healthcare practices.

Since introducing the Peek implant procedure, AKUH has successfully treated 14 patients with 3D-printed implants, witnessing firsthand the positive impacts on patient recovery and quality of life. Currently, the hospital employs Peek implants for cranial reconstruction, maxillofacial surgeries, and other non-weight-bearing bone procedures.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2024