Abu Dhabi, July 2025 — Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has successfully performed the first robotic lung transplant in the Gulf region, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of healthcare across the Middle East. This cutting-edge procedure, carried out on two patients with advanced lung disease, positions the hospital among a select group of elite centers globally capable of offering robotic lung transplants.

A Landmark Achievement in Gulf Healthcare

The landmark surgery is a major leap forward for thoracic medicine in the region. Unlike conventional lung transplants, which typically require large chest incisions and longer recovery times, this new approach uses robotic technology to perform minimally invasive surgery. This technique allows surgeons to operate through small incisions with robotic arms and 3D visual guidance, ensuring greater precision and reduced trauma for the patient.

The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi team, led by Dr. Usman Ahmad, Chair of Thoracic Surgery, utilized state-of-the-art surgical robotics to carry out the complex procedure. The team included experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, and transplant specialists working together across disciplines.

Patients with Critical Lung Conditions Benefit

Both patients who underwent the robotic lung transplants were suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and progressive lung disease. They also faced complications from pulmonary hypertension, making them high-risk candidates for traditional open surgery. In order to support their lung and heart functions during the procedure, the team used veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), a form of life support that temporarily takes over the functions of the lungs and heart.

The use of robotic systems in lung transplantation is rare globally and especially in patients with such complex medical conditions. By opting for this advanced technique, the Cleveland Clinic team minimized blood loss, reduced postoperative pain, and accelerated patient recovery.

Minimally Invasive, Maximally Impactful

Robotic-assisted lung transplantation is one of the most complex surgical procedures ever performed in the region. With smaller incisions, there is less disruption to the chest wall, which reduces complications and enhances healing. The precision of robotic arms allows surgeons to navigate delicate blood vessels and lung tissues with unparalleled accuracy.

This minimally invasive method is particularly beneficial for frail or elderly patients who may not tolerate traditional surgical approaches. It also shortens hospital stays and improves long-term outcomes—factors that are crucial in lung transplant recovery.

Building a World-Class Transplant Ecosystem

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s success in this field is not a stand-alone effort. It is supported by a robust ecosystem involving the hospital’s organ transplant program, critical care teams, and international collaborations. The surgeries were made possible through the cooperation of the UAE’s national organ donation and transplantation system, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health.

The transplant team credited the availability of well-matched donor organs, timely coordination with donor hospitals, and streamlined logistics for contributing to the procedure’s success. Since restarting its lung transplant program in 2022, the hospital has now completed over 60 lung transplants, making it one of the most active transplant centers in the Gulf.

Reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s Role in Global Healthcare Innovation

This breakthrough cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a rising global hub for medical innovation and advanced surgical care. According to Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the robotic lung transplant underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class care within the region. It also highlights the expertise of local surgeons and the hospital’s readiness to adopt next-generation medical technologies.

With this success, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi becomes one of only a handful of hospitals worldwide offering robotic lung transplantation. The achievement is expected to attract patients from across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia who are seeking cutting-edge treatment for end-stage lung disease, including conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary hypertension.

The Future of Lung Transplants in the Gulf

The use of robotic surgery in organ transplantation is a major step forward in modern medicine. As Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to expand its transplant services, more patients in the Gulf region will have access to advanced care previously only available overseas.

This successful robotic lung transplant is more than just a medical first—it represents hope for critically ill patients, the power of innovation, and the strength of healthcare collaboration in the UAE.

With its growing track record, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is poised to lead the next wave of minimally invasive transplant surgeries in the region, bringing world-class care closer to home.