June 24, 2026- In May 2026, surgeons at Cleveland Clinic successfully completed the health system’s first robotic lung transplant in the United States, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive organ transplants. Cleveland Clinic is among only a small number of centers worldwide offering this surgical approach and was the first in Ohio to complete this type of procedure. Robotic lung transplants have rarely been performed because they require advanced robotic capabilities and a skilled surgical team.
In a traditional lung transplant, surgeons commonly gain access to the chest by dividing the breastbone or ribs to access the lungs. This is often associated with significant pain, which can prolong recovery. In a robotic lung transplant, surgeons use small incisions and robotic instruments and 3D visualization to perform the procedure with a less invasive approach. This approach is designed to help reduce postoperative pain, shorten hospital stays, and accelerate recovery.