The facility is one of five centers globally to use robotic-assisted surgery for lung transplantation, offering a minimally invasive option for high-risk patients.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Regional Milestone: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi completed the Gulf region’s first robotic-assisted lung transplants, joining only four other centers worldwide performing this procedure.
- Patient Selection: The robotic approach was utilized for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and secondary pulmonary hypertension, conditions that traditionally increase surgical risk.
- Clinical Advantages: By using smaller incisions and enhanced visualization, the robotic platform aims to reduce chest trauma, minimize bleeding, and accelerate patient recovery.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has performed the Gulf region’s first robotic lung transplant, making it one of only five centers globally to complete the complex procedure, according to the organization.
The surgery was performed on two patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and secondary pulmonary hypertension. These conditions cause progressive scarring of the lungs and increase surgical risk due to the extra strain placed on the heart.
“Performing a robotic-assisted lung transplant requires not just the surgical expertise, but more importantly a fully integrated ecosystem of advanced technology, expert anesthesia support, and meticulous perfusion management,” said Usman Ahmad, division chair of thoracic surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Because of the complexity of the cases, the medical team used veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to temporarily take over heart and lung functions during the transplant. The robotic platform allowed the surgical team to operate through smaller incisions, which enhances precision and may reduce recovery time and pain compared to traditional open surgery, according to the news release.
“In these cases, the robotic approach was chosen due to its minimally invasive nature, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with severe frailty,” said Ahmad, in a news release. “By using smaller incisions and offering enhanced visualization, the robotic platform allowed us to reduce trauma to the chest, minimize bleeding, and accelerate recovery.”
The facility has completed more than 60 lung transplants since relaunching its program in 2022. The program treats various forms of end-stage lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis.
“Our patients benefit from significantly shorter wait times, access to size-matched donor organs through our integrated transplant network, and minimal ischemic time, which directly improves outcomes,” said Fadi Hamed, staff physician, critical care, integrated hospital care institute, in a news release.
The success of the procedures involved collaboration with the National Program for Organ Donation and Transplantation – HAYAT, the Department of Health- Abu Dhabi, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
“Being one of only a handful of centers in the world capable of performing these procedures reflects the exceptional skill, talent, and world-class expertise we have at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi,” said Georges-Pascal Haber, chief executive officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, in a news release. “It also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for healthcare innovation.”
