A landmark surgical feat has been achieved at NYU Langone Health with the world’s first fully robotic double lung transplant—leaving many in awe of medicine’s boundless innovation.
At a Glance
- A historic robotic double lung transplant has been performed at NYU Langone Health.
- The surgery utilized the da Vinci Xi robotic system, enhancing precision.
- The innovative procedure represents a significant advancement in lung transplantation.
- The patient, Cheryl Mehrkar, experienced remarkable recovery and improved breathing.
Medical Milestone Achieved
On October 22, 2024, Cheryl Mehrkar became the first recipient of a fully robotic double lung transplant at NYU Langone Health. This revolutionary procedure was pivotal not only for Mehrkar, who had battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following a COVID-19 diagnosis, but also for the field of transplant surgery. By implementing the da Vinci Xi robotic system, traditionally used for single lung transplants, the surgical team achieved unmatched precision and control.
Led by Dr. Stephanie H. Chang, the seven-hour surgery is set to change how such transplants are approached in the future, significantly reducing postoperative trauma through smaller incisions. This translates to less pain and a swifter recovery, allowing patients like Mehrkar to return to normal life sooner and with significantly improved respiratory function.
Pioneering a New Era in Surgery
Dr. Chang emphasized, “It is one of the greatest privileges to be able to help patients return to a healthy quality of life. By using these robotic systems, we aim to reduce the impact this major surgery has on patients, limit their postoperative pain, and give them the best possible outcome.”
The successful double lung transplant underscores NYU Langone Health’s leadership in innovative surgical methods. The institution performs over 2,000 robotic surgeries annually, demonstrating its commitment to leveraging technology for healthcare excellence.
“I could breathe better the second I was able to open my eyes and take a deep breath,” says Mehrkar. “My breathing has improved 100%. I could feel it right away. I’m just so happy.”
NYU Langone Health is recognized globally for its success in transplant surgeries, having performed 76 lung transplants in 2023 alone. This reputation for excellence in patient care and medical breakthroughs is evident in its management of waitlists and lung survival rates.
A Testament to Collaboration and Compassion
The innovative procedure not only marks technical advancement but also showcases the profound human element at the heart of medicine. Cheryl Mehrkar expressed heartfelt gratitude toward her donor and their family, saying, “I’m so grateful to the donor and their family for giving me another chance at life.”
‘This is huge’: Cheryl Mehrkar, 57, is the world’s first recipient of a fully robotic double lung transplant at the NYU Langone Health Center pic.twitter.com/fckWh5c1sB
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 21, 2024
The success story at NYU Langone Health stands as a beacon of hope and progress, inviting the medical community to aspire toward greater achievements. As Dr. Ralph S. Mosca noted, “This latest innovation is a watershed moment in lung transplantation surgery worldwide and just the beginning of a new era in patient care.”
As the medical community reflects on this accomplishment, it becomes evident that the fusion of technology and human compassion holds the key to solving complex healthcare challenges and improving countless lives around the globe.
