Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to pilot innovative surgical platform – Polyphonic

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is stepping once again into the future of surgery. The hospital has signed an agreement with Johnson & Johnson MedTech to pilot Polyphonic, a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem that promises to make surgeries smarter, safer, and more connected. For a year, the hospital will integrate this technology into three of its operating rooms, making it the first healthcare facility in the Middle East to do so. It's a bold move that cements the hospital's growing reputation as a pioneer in medical innovation.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, put it simply: "Global collaborations are critical drivers of innovation in medicine. Our collaboration on the Polyphonic project is a significant step toward that mission."

How does it work?

At its heart, Polyphonic is a connected digital platform built for the operating room. Think of it as a high-tech command center that links surgical teams, procedures, and data in real time. Developed by Johnson & Johnson MedTech, the system includes:

• Case planning tools to prepare surgeons before operations
• Telepresence capabilities for remote guidance and coaching
• Secure video recording and sharing to analyze performance and train future surgeons

These tools together create what Dr. John Rodriguez, Chief of the Digestive Disease Institute, described as "a foundational step toward a more connected and data-informed surgical environment." The team plans to use Polyphonic for live case observations, giving residents new ways to learn and collaborate — all while collecting insights that can improve outcomes over time.

Why does it matter?

The significance goes beyond the operating table. By piloting Polyphonic, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi isn't just testing a new gadget — it's redefining what a surgical ecosystem can be. The technology enables:

• Smarter decision-making through real-time performance data
• Enhanced teamwork across borders and specialties
• A stronger educational pipeline for the next generation of surgeons

As Dr. Haber noted, "This technology will enable our teams to analyze and enhance surgical performance, foster collaboration, and ultimately unlock broader possibilities for smarter, safer, and more connected surgeries."

That's no small feat in a world where precision and speed can save lives. By marrying surgical skill with digital intelligence, the hospital is building an operating room of the future — one that listens, learns, and improves.

The context

This isn't Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's first dance with innovation. The hospital has been steadily building a portfolio of cutting-edge collaborations. Earlier this year, it partnered with Toshiba to launch the region's first heavy ion therapy center for cancer treatment, and teamed up with BioTwin to explore "virtual human twin" technology in breast cancer prevention.

It's also been recognized by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention as the country's top health research hospital — an accolade backed by results. Since 2017, the institution has expanded its research funding through industry partnerships and government grants, closing 40 studies in 2024 alone.

Every move points to a clear ambition: to make the UAE a global hub for advanced, research-driven healthcare. And with initiatives like Polyphonic, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi isn't just following the trend — it's setting the rhythm.