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Karachi: Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has announced a groundbreaking development in healthcare by introducing locally manufactured 3D-printed Polyetheretherketone (Peek) implants.
These high-performance, customized implants are designed to replace bones in various parts of the body, including the skull, jaw, and spine. The announcement, made during a press conference on Tuesday, marks a significant step in Pakistan’s medical advancement, with AKUH being the first hospital in the country to design and manufacture these implants in-house.
About the Peek Implant
The Peek implants are made from a specialized material called Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which is known for its strength, lightweight nature, and compatibility with the human body. These implants are designed to reduce the risk of infection, improve integration with bone tissue, and enhance long-term success rates in surgical procedures.
Dr. Saleem Sayani, Director of the Technology Innovation Support Centre at AKU, highlighted that AKUH is currently the only hospital in Pakistan that manufactures 3D-printed Peek implants in-house using a state-of-the-art facility. The facility has been formally approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), ensuring that the implants meet the highest safety and quality standards.
The Peek material used in these implants is FDA-approved, which means it adheres to stringent international safety and quality benchmarks. This makes the implants not only suitable for use in Pakistan but also compliant with global medical standards, providing patients with access to world-class treatments that were previously unavailable in the country.
Dr. Shahzad Shamim, Professor and Section Head of Neurosurgery at AKUH, referred to the 3D-printed Peek implants as a “game-changer” in the field of surgery. He emphasized that these implants improve the accuracy of surgeries, offer better integration with the human body, and contribute to faster recovery times and improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Asim Belgaumi, Chief Medical Officer of AKUH, praised the local production of Peek implants, noting that it not only enhances Pakistan’s surgical capabilities but also makes high-quality medical treatments more affordable for the general population. He stressed that this innovation opens a new era in healthcare, where advanced, patient-specific solutions are now within reach for all.
The local manufacturing of Peek implants also brings environmental benefits. By reducing the need for international shipments, AKUH is promoting sustainable healthcare practices and contributing to a greener healthcare model.
Since the introduction of the Peek implant procedure, AKUH has successfully treated 14 patients with 3D-printed implants, including surgeries for cranial reconstruction, maxillofacial surgeries, and other non-weight-bearing bone procedures. The hospital has witnessed firsthand the positive impacts of these implants on patient recovery and quality of life.
