Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Performs First-Ever Robotic Lung Transplant In Gulf Region

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has achieved a significant milestone by conducting the Gulf region's inaugural robotic lung transplant. This accomplishment places the clinic among only five centres globally to have performed such a procedure. The successful surgeries of two patients highlight the region's advanced capabilities in surgical and organ transplants.

Both patients suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and secondary pulmonary hypertension. These conditions progressively scar the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult. The complexity of these surgeries was heightened due to pulmonary hypertension, which adds extra stress on the heart and lungs.

The medical team employed Veno-Arterial ECMO during the operations. This technique temporarily assumes the functions of the heart and lungs while replacing damaged lungs. Such life-saving procedures were made possible through the generosity of organ donor families, whose selfless contributions enable these transplants.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi acknowledges the vital contributions of healthcare professionals from donor hospitals, along with support from various organisations. These include the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation – HAYAT, Department of Health- Abu Dhabi, and the National Centre at MOHAP.

This year, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi marked a significant achievement by completing over 60 lung transplants since relaunching its programme in 2022. This establishes it as the most advanced and active centre of its kind in the region, reinforcing its leadership in regional transplant medicine.

The success of these cases underscores Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s role as a global referral hub for patients with end-stage lung disease. The programme caters to complex conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Interstitial Lung Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Bronchiectasis.

These achievements highlight Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing medical care in the region. The hospital continues to set new standards in transplant medicine while providing hope to patients with severe lung diseases.

With inputs from WAM