Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Pilots Groundbreaking Digital Surgery System
<p><strong>Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi</strong>, part of the M42 network, has taken another major step in advancing healthcare technology by becoming the first hospital in the Middle East to pilot <strong>Polyphonic™</strong>, an innovative digital surgery ecosystem developed by <strong>Johnson & Johnson MedTech</strong>.</p><p>The one-year pilot will see Polyphonic integrated into <strong>three operating rooms</strong>, with a primary focus on <strong>minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries</strong>. The initiative underscores Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s commitment to bringing advanced medical innovations to the region while building a more connected, data-driven surgical environment.</p><h3>What is Polyphonic™?</h3><p>Polyphonic is designed as a <strong>comprehensive digital operating room system</strong> that connects surgical teams, data, and resources. It combines <strong>case planning, telepresence, and secure video recording and sharing</strong> into one platform. With these capabilities, surgeons can collaborate in real time, receive remote guidance from experts, and analyze performance for continuous improvement.</p><p>The system also plays a critical role in <strong>surgical training and education</strong>, giving residents and fellows access to live case observations and recorded material to accelerate learning. By enabling data-driven feedback, Polyphonic aims to enhance both the <strong>quality of patient outcomes</strong> and the professional development of surgical teams.</p><h3>Leadership Insights</h3><p>Dr. <strong>Georges-Pascal Haber</strong>, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of global partnerships in advancing medicine:</p><blockquote><p>“Global collaborations are critical drivers of innovation in medicine. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we’ve consistently led the way in introducing advanced technologies to the region. This project with Polyphonic will allow our teams to analyze performance, foster collaboration and ultimately unlock safer and more connected surgeries.”</p></blockquote><p>Dr. <strong>John Rodriguez</strong>, Chief of the Digestive Disease Institute, added:</p><blockquote><p>“We are excited to pilot the Polyphonic ecosystem to strengthen collaboration, coaching and learning. We will begin by using it for live case observations and expanding access for residents in training. While long-term results will take time, this is an important first step toward a more connected and data-driven surgical environment.”</p></blockquote><h3>Building on a Track Record of Innovation</h3><p>This project is the latest in a series of cutting-edge initiatives at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. In recent years, the hospital has:</p><p>Partnered with <strong>Toshiba</strong> to establish the region’s <strong>first heavy ion therapy center</strong> for cancer treatment.</p><p>Collaborated with <strong>BioTwin</strong> to develop <strong>virtual human twin technology</strong> for breast cancer screening and prevention.</p><p>Pioneered unique procedures, such as a <strong>magnet-based weight-loss surgery</strong>, further cementing its reputation as a hub for complex care.</p><p>The hospital also celebrated its <strong>10th anniversary in 2024</strong>, marking a decade of growth and innovation. During that year alone, the Digestive Disease Institute performed <strong>more than 345 bariatric surgeries</strong> and over <strong>11,800 surgical and procedural cases</strong> across specialties, underscoring both the demand for advanced treatments and the hospital’s expertise in complex care delivery.</p><h3>A Regional Leader in Research and Advanced Care</h3><p>Recognized by the <strong>UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s National Center for Health Research</strong> as the top health research hospital in the country, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to push the boundaries of clinical research. In 2024, it successfully closed <strong>40 research studies</strong>, powered by a mix of industry collaborations, government funding, and academic partnerships.</p><p>By introducing Polyphonic, the hospital is reinforcing its position as a <strong>regional leader in digital healthcare transformation</strong>. The platform is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of surgery in the UAE by marrying advanced digital tools with a culture of patient-centered care.</p><h3>Why It Matters</h3><p>The pilot arrives at a time when healthcare systems worldwide are looking to harness technology for <strong>safer, more efficient, and more personalized care</strong>. Digital ecosystems like Polyphonic not only improve surgical precision but also foster collaboration across geographies, allowing experts to virtually join operating rooms and share their insights instantly.</p><p>For patients, this means safer procedures, reduced risks, and better outcomes. For surgeons and medical trainees, it means greater access to knowledge, mentorship, and continuous improvement. For the UAE, it reinforces the nation’s role as a global hub for <strong>medical innovation, advanced technology, and world-class care</strong>.</p><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><p>While the pilot project will run for a year, its success could pave the way for <strong>wider integration across the hospital and potentially the region</strong>. If proven effective, Polyphonic may redefine how surgeries are planned, performed, and taught—not just in Abu Dhabi but across the Middle East.</p><p>As Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to expand its innovation portfolio, the introduction of Polyphonic highlights a powerful message: the future of surgery is not just about the skills of the surgeon, but about the <strong>integration of data, technology, and collaboration</strong> to create safer and smarter operating rooms.</p>