The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has started using the MONARCH assisted bronchoscopy platform. This makes it the first hospital in the Middle East to use this technology to find and diagnose lung cancer early.
The new system will make it easier for doctors to reach lung nodules that’re hard to get to. This means doctors can find disease by using a procedure that is not very invasive. The technology helps doctors get deep into the lungs precisely and steadily. This makes it possible for them to take a sample of nodules. These nodules are often the signs of lung cancer that can be seen.
The MONARCH assisted bronchoscopy platform is very good at helping doctors navigate the lungs. The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is using the MONARCH platform to help doctors diagnose lung cancer. Unlike conventional approaches that may require more invasive procedures, the MONARCH platform enables real-time guidance during bronchoscopy, helping doctors obtain tissue samples more accurately while reducing the need for open surgery.
Supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the launch aligns with the emirate’s strategy of expanding access to advanced medical technologies that promote early diagnosis and precision medicine. Health officials say the investment reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of shifting healthcare from treating disease after it develops to predicting, detecting and managing conditions at earlier stages.
According to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the platform can significantly improve the diagnosis of Stage 1 lung cancer, where five-year survival rates can exceed 70% when the disease is detected and treated early. In addition to identifying primary lung cancer, the system can also assist in diagnosing metastatic lung lesions, benign nodules, tuberculosis and other inflammatory lung conditions.
Hospital officials said the technology offers patients a safer and less invasive experience while improving diagnostic accuracy and enabling faster treatment decisions. Looking ahead, the robotic platform could also support future therapeutic procedures, including targeted tumour ablation and robot-assisted interventions for selected lung conditions.
The introduction of MONARCH further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional centre for advanced healthcare and medical innovation. As healthcare providers continue to adopt cutting-edge technologies, the initiative is expected to enhance patient outcomes, expand access to specialised care and reinforce the UAE’s commitment to delivering world-class medical services.
