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New Delhi: In a significant milestone for medical innovation, the collaborative efforts between IIT Delhi and AIIMS New Delhi have resulted in the development of an indigenous and cost-effective tracheoesophageal prosthesis, marking a breakthrough in the field of medical technology in India. Designed to restore speech for individuals who have undergone laryngectomy – a surgical procedure involving the removal of the voice box, typically due to advanced larynx or hypopharyngeal cancer, this innovative voice box device represents a revolutionary advancement. The existing prostheses in the market are prohibitively expensive, with prices averaging around 40,000 rupees, rendering them unaffordable for a significant number of patients. The AIIMS-IIT tracheoesophageal prosthesis stands out with its emphasis on affordability, aspiring to deliver performance comparable to currently available alternatives in the market. Clinical trials with a group of 20 patients have already revealed the promising potential of this groundbreaking instrument. Demonstrating resilience and biocompatibility in the trials, the device instills greater confidence in its effectiveness. Underscoring the objective of broad accessibility across all societal segments, Dr. Alok Thakar from AIIMS emphasized the ambition surrounding the prosthesis. In addition, he shared plans for the future development of more advanced versions of the prosthesis. In the pursuit of democratizing medical technology, this initiative takes a substantial leap forward, contributing to an enhanced quality of life for cancer patients deprived of their ability to speak.