Cleveland Clinic (USA)

1. Overview & Innovation

• Cleveland Clinic is a major nonprofit academic medical center that integrates clinical care, research, and education. Cleveland Clinic+1
• It has been on the cutting edge of robotics, combining robotics with newer technologies: for instance, it was the first in the U.S. to perform a bariatric (gastric sleeve) surgery using a robot enhanced by magnetic technology. Cleveland Clinic
• That magnetic-assisted robotic platform allows fewer incisions (less invasive), improved visualization, and manipulation inside the body by using magnetically controlled instruments. Cleveland Clinic

2. Key Robotic Surgery Domains

• Urology:
  • Cleveland Clinic has a dedicated Center for Robotic & Image-Guided Surgery for the Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute. Cleveland Clinic
  • Procedures: robotic radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, cystectomy, single-port radical prostatectomy, and more. Cleveland Clinic
  • They were among the first in the U.S. to do robotic radical prostatectomy. Cleveland Clinic
  • Notably, they performed the first U.S. prostate surgery using the next-gen Single Port (SP) Robot, enabling surgery through a single incision. Cleveland Clinic
• Thoracic Surgery:
  • Cleveland Clinic has fully integrated robotics into thoracic surgery. Cleveland Clinic
  • They use robotic systems for lobectomies (lung cancer), thymectomies, esophagectomies, and benign esophageal disease. Cleveland Clinic
  • The robot helps reduce internal tissue damage, blood loss, scarring, and shortens recovery. Cleveland Clinic
• Colorectal / Digestive Surgery:
  • Their Digestive Disease Institute is innovating with robotic-assisted colorectal surgery. Cleveland Clinic
  • Robotics provides better visualization (3D) of small structures, nerves, and vessels in tight spaces (like the pelvis), facilitating more precise operations. Cleveland Clinic
• Orthopedics (Joint Replacement):
  • Cleveland Clinic has done 10,000+ robot-assisted total joint replacements (hip and knee). Cleveland Clinic
  • High volume → they are using their experience to refine evidence-based practices, improve patient outcomes, and make robotic arthroplasty more cost-effective. Cleveland Clinic

3. Education & Training

• They run a Robotic Surgery & Minimally Invasive Urologic Oncology Fellowship. Cleveland Clinic
  • This fellowship is very high-volume: fellows participate in ~700 robotic/minimally invasive oncologic cases. Cleveland Clinic
  • They train on advanced procedures including single-port surgeries, robotic kidney transplant/autotransplant, and more. Cleveland Clinic
  • There is also a research year option, which produces peer-reviewed publications. Cleveland Clinic

4. Nursing & OR Team Experience

• Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the role of perioperative nurses in the success of their robotic surgery program. Cleveland Clinic
• In 2024, they did 2,368 robotic procedures on their main campus, meaning nursing and OR support staff are very experienced. Cleveland Clinic
• They have “Robotic Coordinators” among nurses who manage scheduling, robot logistics, and training of new perioperative staff. Cleveland Clinic

5. Impact & Significance

• High Volume + High Diversity: They are not confined to one robotic specialty — they use robotics in urology, thoracic, colorectal, orthopedics, and more.
• Innovation Leadership: Their adoption of newer robotic paradigms (magnetic-robotics, single-port) demonstrates they push the boundary rather than just use existing tech.
• Academic Strength: Through fellowship programs and research, they train the next generation of robotic surgeons and contribute to surgical robotics literature.
• Patient Benefit: Use of robotics reduces trauma, speeds recovery, and potentially decreases hospital stay and complications.

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Challenges / Considerations

• As with all high-end robotic programs, there is a cost factor — both in purchasing robotic systems and training staff.
• Not every surgical case may benefit equally from robotics — patient selection, surgeon expertise, and long-term outcomes need careful management.
• Scaling such advanced robotics to less-resourced settings is challenging.