MONARCH platform guides endoscopes deep into the lungs with greater precisionLast updated: July 28, 2026 | 12:272 MIN READSuppliedCleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has become the first hospital in the Middle East to introduce robotically assisted bronchoscopy, a technology that allows doctors to biopsy tiny, hard-to-reach lung nodules that are often the earliest visible signs of lung cancer without the need for open surgery.The hospital said the MONARCH™ platform guides a flexible endoscope deep into the lungs with greater stability and precision, enabling physicians to collect tissue samples from small nodules in real time. The technology is expected to improve the accuracy of diagnosis at an earlier stage, helping doctors decide on treatment sooner.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Robot-assisted technology targets hard-to-reach lung nodules
The minimally invasive procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes between 30 and 75 minutes.Beyond supporting the early detection of Stage 1 lung cancer, the platform can also be used to diagnose lung nodules caused by cancers that have spread to the lungs, as well as benign lung nodules, tuberculosis and inflammatory lung diseases.According to the hospital, Stage 1 lung cancer has a five-year survival rate of more than 70%, underscoring the importance of identifying suspicious nodules as early as possible.Department of Health backs rollout of new technologyThe introduction of the robotic bronchoscopy platform has been supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as part of wider efforts to expand the use of advanced medical technologies and strengthen early detection and diagnosis across the emirate.Doctors say technology could improve diagnosis
