Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi introduces first robotic bronchoscopy platform in the Middle East

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced MONARCH, a robotically-assisted bronchoscopy platform, marking the first deployment of the technology in the Middle East. The platform is designed to support earlier diagnosis of lung disease, including lung cancer, by giving physicians access to small nodules deep within the lungs that are otherwise difficult to reach.

The system guides a flexible endoscope through the lungs with what the hospital describes as enhanced stability and precision, allowing real-time targeting of nodules for biopsy without open surgery. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia and typically takes between 30 and 75 minutes.

According to the hospital, the technology is intended to support diagnosis at Stage 1, when lung cancer’s five-year survival rate exceeds 70%. It can also be used to assess nodules linked to cancer that has spread to the lungs, benign nodules, infections such as tuberculosis, and inflammatory lung conditions.

The rollout is backed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, part of a wider push by the emirate to expand adoption of predictive and early-detection technologies in healthcare.

Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, chief executive officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said the platform reflected the hospital’s continued commitment to bringing transformative, precision-led technologies to the Middle East.

Dr Zaid Zoumot, division chair of pulmonary medicine at the hospital’s Integrated Hospital Care Institute, said the technology allows clinicians to precisely access and biopsy even the smallest, most difficult-to-reach lung nodules.

The hospital said future applications could extend to robotic surgical interventions and nodule treatment via ablation, heat or cold therapy.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, based on Al Maryah Island, operates 411 beds across eight specialised institutes and is designated a Centre of Excellence by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi for adult cardiac surgery, stroke and multi-organ transplantation.