New Delhi, January 16: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi have successfully developed a low-cost indigenous voice box instrument, known as the AIIMS-IIT tracheoesophageal prosthesis. The instrument, used by patients as a voice box, offers an affordable alternative to the expensive options currently available in the market.
Dr. Alok Thakar, Professor of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery at AIIMS, explained, In collaboration with IIT, an indigenous prosthesis has been developed that is very similar to the other versions and will cost much less than what is currently available on the market. The tracheoesophageal prosthesis plays a crucial role in voice restoration, enabling patients who have undergone laryngectomy surgery to regain their ability to speak.
The existing voice box instrument available in the market is significantly more expensive compared to the newly developed indigenous version. Dr. Thakar highlighted that the current market leader version costs approximately 40,000 rupees, which many patients cannot afford. The AIIMS-IIT tracheoesophageal prosthesis aims to bridge this affordability gap, providing a more accessible solution to patients in need.
During the initial phase of development, the instrument has been successfully tested on 20 patients. Dr. Thakar also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve the technology further. While highlighting the future aspirations of the research collaboration, he said, With time, we would wish to have more advanced versions, which should be an improvement on the currently available versions on the market. But as tends to happen with these situations, we are still in a stage wherein we have successfully made the prosthesis, which is tested in terms of its resistance and biocompatibility, and subsequently successfully used it in a clinical trial in 20 patients that we were given initial permission for. As we progress, we would wish to make this available to all sections of society, and as you progress, we will naturally wish to get better versions of the same.
The tracheoesophageal prosthesis acts as a small plastic instrument that aids patients who have undergone a laryngectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the larynx (voice box). Dr. Thakar emphasized the impact of the prosthesis on patients’ lives, stating, The main solution available for these patients was the use of a tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP speech), a small device that is used in patients. It’s a successful prosthesis used to return patients to speech and the speaking world.
The development of the AIIMS-IIT tracheoesophageal prosthesis showcases the potential for collaborative efforts between research institutions to create cost-effective solutions that benefit a wide range of patients. With the ongoing focus on further advancements and improved versions, the development team aims to make this innovative instrument accessible to all sections of society, ensuring that patients can regain their ability to speak and lead fulfilling lives.
