Abu Dhabi: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Cleveland Clinic in the U.S. teamed up to perform the world’s first remotely conducted transcontinental robotic-assisted focal therapy procedure for prostate cancer On April 16, 2025.
Using the Focal‑One system—a robotic arm guided by high‑intensity focused ultrasound—Dr. Waleed A. Hassen led the on‑site operation while Dr. Ruben Olivares provided real‑time support from Ohio over secure digital links, completing the one‑hour treatment without complications (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi press release, April 16, 2025).
The innovative focal therapy targets only the cancerous portion of the prostate, sparing healthy tissue and avoiding major surgery or radiation.
The seamless collaboration relied on advanced communication networks and a cloud-based control interface that allowed both surgeons to view and adjust the treatment plan simultaneously. This approach marks a major step forward in minimally invasive care, demonstrating how distance no longer limits access to specialized surgical expertise.
This milestone builds on Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s October 2023 introduction of Focal‑One HIFU therapy, which uses real‑time imaging to contour and treat non‑metastatic prostate tumours precisely.
By mapping genetic and anatomical data beforehand, the team can design personalized treatment plans that minimize side effects and speed up recovery. The hospital’s decade‑long commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology has laid the groundwork for remote procedures that bring world-class care to patients regardless of location.
Beyond its clinical success, the transcontinental surgery highlights the potential to address global health inequities. Regions with limited specialist availability can now tap into remote expertise, reducing the need for patient travel and enabling local teams to gain hands‑on experience under expert guidance.
As Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and its U.S. counterpart continue to refine these methods, this breakthrough could pave the way for wider adoption of remote robotic interventions across multiple specialties.
