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Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has successfully performed robot-assisted stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) procedures, marking a significant medical advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of complex epilepsy cases. The hospital announced on February 3, 2026, that this minimally invasive neurological technique enhances precision while reducing surgical intervention, representing a major step forward in epilepsy care in the United Arab Emirates.
This achievement follows the hospital’s success last year in conducting its first non-robotic SEEG procedure. According to hospital officials, the adoption of robotic technology has improved safety, efficiency, and diagnostic accuracy, with three successful procedures completed to date. The growing clinical impact demonstrates the technology’s transformative potential for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How Robot-Assisted SEEG Improves Epilepsy Diagnosis
Unlike traditional methods that require rigid frame fixation to the skull, robotic SEEG allows surgeons to implant precise electrodes into specific brain regions with minimal surgical intervention. The technology monitors electrical activity and accurately identifies seizure onset zones, reducing patient discomfort and accelerating recovery times. Additionally, the enhanced surgical precision leads to improved therapeutic outcomes for patients with refractory epilepsy.
The technique proves particularly valuable for drug-resistant epilepsy cases where non-invasive methods fall short. Conventional approaches such as scalp electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, or ictal computed tomography may not provide sufficient accuracy in pinpointing epileptic foci. However, robot-assisted SEEG addresses these diagnostic challenges through millimeter-level precision.
Enhanced Precision and Patient Safety
The robotic technology enables medical teams to plan electrode pathways with millimetric accuracy, significantly reducing complications while improving diagnostic quality. This precision allows physicians to develop customized surgical treatment plans aimed at achieving long-term seizure control. Meanwhile, the minimally invasive nature of the procedure minimizes tissue trauma and promotes faster patient recovery compared to traditional surgical approaches.
According to Dr. George Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the use of robotics in three-dimensional brain electrical mapping represents an achievement beyond merely applying new technology. The innovation provides safer and more accurate diagnoses for epilepsy patients while creating a qualitative shift in their treatment journey. Furthermore, it reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering world-class, patient-centered healthcare.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Advances Epilepsy Treatment Standards
Dr. Florian Roser, Chief Medical Officer and Head of the Neurological Institute, emphasized that robot-assisted SEEG represents a smarter and more seamless approach to diagnosing epilepsy cases. The technology adapts to each patient’s unique anatomical structure, improving accuracy and efficiency while enhancing treatment planning based on reliable data. In contrast to one-size-fits-all approaches, this personalized method optimizes outcomes for individual patients.
As the first Level 4 Epilepsy Center in the Emirates, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to provide pioneering solutions that include the latest neurological assessment methods, both surgical and non-surgical. The hospital’s investment in advanced technologies demonstrates its dedication to maintaining international standards in specialized neurological care. Additionally, this development positions Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in innovative epilepsy treatment options.
The hospital has not announced specific plans for expanding the robotic SEEG program, though the successful completion of three procedures suggests continued adoption of the technology. Further developments in robot-assisted epilepsy diagnostics are expected as medical teams gain additional experience with the technique and evaluate long-term patient outcomes.
