Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi debuts Middle East’s first robotically assisted bronchoscopy platform

UAE— Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced the Middle East’s first robotically assisted bronchoscopy technology, enabling physicians to access and biopsy some of the smallest and most difficult-to-reach lung nodules.

These nodules can be among the earliest visible signs of lung cancer, and the technology is designed to support more accurate diagnosis at an earlier stage without the need for open surgery.

The hospital has introduced the MONARCH™ platform, which allows physicians to navigate a flexible endoscope deep into the lungs with greater stability, control and precision.

The system enables clinicians to target small and hard-to-reach nodules in real time, supporting tissue biopsy and more accurate diagnosis.

By improving access to areas of the lungs that can be challenging to reach using conventional bronchoscopy, the technology could help physicians identify lung cancer and other lung diseases earlier.

Earlier diagnosis can, in turn, give clinicians more opportunities to intervene at the appropriate time and develop targeted treatment strategies based on each patient’s condition.

Minimally invasive approach

The robotically assisted bronchoscopy procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes between 30 and 75 minutes.

Because the approach is minimally invasive, patients can avoid the need for open surgery to access certain lung nodules.

The technology is intended to support a safer and less invasive diagnostic experience while improving the accuracy and speed of diagnosis.

By enabling physicians to reach smaller lesions with greater precision, the platform could also help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Supporting Abu Dhabi’s healthcare transformation

The introduction of the technology has received support from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which is advancing the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies that can deliver tangible benefits for patients.

The initiative also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of developing a proactive healthcare ecosystem that places greater emphasis on prediction, early detection and prevention.

By integrating advanced technologies into clinical care, healthcare providers can strengthen their ability to identify diseases earlier and deliver more personalised interventions.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said the introduction of robotically assisted bronchoscopy demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to bringing transformative, precision-led technologies to the Middle East.

He added that investing in advanced, technology-enabled solutions is helping the hospital redefine the patient experience by supporting safer, less invasive care while enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

Potential for future cancer treatment

Dr. Zaid Zoumot, Division Chair of Pulmonary Medicine at the Integrated Hospital Care Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, described robotically assisted bronchoscopy as a significant advancement in the detection and diagnosis of lung disease.

He said the technology enables physicians to precisely access and biopsy some of the smallest and most difficult-to-reach lung nodules.

This capability could support earlier diagnosis of lung cancer, when the disease may be more amenable to treatment and patients may have better outcomes.

Looking ahead, the technology could also support the development of additional minimally invasive applications.

These may include robotic surgical interventions for cancer and the treatment of detected lung nodules using techniques such as ablation, heat or cold therapy.