A groundbreaking surgical team at NYU Langone Health successfully completed the world’s first fully robotic double lung transplant, underscoring a significant advancement in the field of robotic surgery and the potential for minimally invasive patient care. This pioneering achievement positions NYU Langone at the forefront of robotic transplant surgery on a global scale.
Stephanie H. Chang, MD, who serves as an associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, led this innovative procedure as the surgical director of the Lung Transplant Program at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute. Her team utilized the da Vinci Xi robotic system to meticulously transplant both lungs into a 57-year-old woman suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The surgical approach involved creating small incisions between the patient’s ribs, enabling the robotic system to effectively remove the ill lung, prepare the site for the new lung, and perform the implantation procedure.
The landmark transplant procedure took place on October 22, 2024. Remarkably, it occurred only four days after patient Cheryl Mehrkar was placed on the lung transplant waiting list, following thorough evaluations conducted by Dr. Jake G. Natalini and Dr. Luis F. Angel. The medical team, led by Dr. Chang, included skilled surgeons Dr. Travis C. Geraci and Dr. Eugene A. Grossi.
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Mehrkar stated, “I’m so grateful to the donor and their family for giving me another chance at life… the team at NYU Langone Health centered my quality of life as a priority.” Her journey has been inspirational, having been diagnosed with COPD in her early 40s, which was exacerbated by a severe COVID-19 infection in 2022. Throughout her life, Mehrkar has been an adventurer, earning accolades as a scuba diver, motorcyclist, and karate black belt. She and her husband owned a dojo for over two decades and she dedicated her time to volunteer as an emergency medical technician with the Union Vale Fire Department.
“This latest breakthrough in robotic surgery speaks to the culture of innovation we’ve built by bringing the most talented people in their fields together,” said Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, the chair of the Department of Surgery and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute. He praised the team’s continuous efforts to enhance patient care and maximize positive outcomes.
The NYU Langone Transplant Institute has established itself as a national leader, successfully performing 76 lung transplants in 2023. The institute garnered recognition as the best in the United States for lung survival post-transplant and for efficiently transitioning patients off the transplant waiting list.
Surgeons at NYU Langone are recognized worldwide for their expertise in robotic technology, conducting over 2,000 robot-assisted surgeries annually. Their commitment to advancing robotic surgical techniques is unparalleled, positioning them as educators who train surgeons from around the globe in innovative procedures across various specialties.
NYU Langone Health is esteemed for its dedication to integrated patient-centered care, excellence in research and education. The institution has been ranked the number one comprehensive academic medical center in the United States by Vizient, Inc., for three consecutive years, with several of its clinical specialties consistently rated among the top nationally. With robust revenue and a vast network, including inpatient and outpatient services across New York and Florida, NYU Langone exemplifies a model of modern medical care.
NYU Langone Health’s Robotic Double Lung Transplant: A Cheeky Commentary
Well, well, well, if it isn’t NYU Langone Health adding another notch to their surgical bedpost! They’ve done it again, folks — the first fully robotic double lung transplant in the world. If only they could apply that robotic precision to my ability to keep plants alive!
Under the deft hands of Dr. Stephanie H. Chang and her talented ensemble, they managed to perform this minimally invasive miracle on Cheryl Mehrkar, a 57-year-old woman who really needed those lungs. A round of applause for lasers, technology, and possibly a dash of magic! Or maybe just really smart people in scrubs—because nothing screams “surgery of the future” like a robotic arm performing a double lung transplant!
A New Era in Surgery?
Now, let’s have a chinwag about the details. Apparently, small incisions between the ribs were the method of choice, and that alarming contraption known as the da Vinci Xi robotic system took care of the heavy lifting. It’s astounding! Just when I thought the future was more about flying cars and self-replicating tacos, we’re out here transplanting lungs with the help of a glorified video game console!
“I’m so grateful to the donor and their family for giving me another chance at life,” said Mehrkar, showing far more gratitude than I ever did when given a second chance at my failed attempts to bake banana bread!
Mrs. Mehrkar isn’t just your average patient, though. A genetic predisposition to lung disease didn’t stop her from scuba diving, motorcycling, or karate—talk about living on the edge! She’s basically a superhero with a cape made of lung tissue now! My hat’s off to her and her adventurous spirit, though I wonder how she managed to keep active with lungs that were clearly in need of a serious upgrade.
Breaking Boundaries and Records
Let’s not just tiptoe around this; NYU Langone has also been busy grading their own homework, announcing they’ve performed 76 lung transplants in just one year! That’s like winning the gold medal in a very specific and slightly morbid Olympics! These doctors are basically the Usain Bolts of the transplant game.
According to Dr. Robert Montgomery — the real MVP of surgical innovation — this latest breakthrough is a testament to their wonderful culture of innovation. I can practically hear him saying, “Hey, who wants to revolutionize surgery today?” while everyone else nods enthusiastically, possibly in bewilderment. Imagine if they used that culture of innovation to, say, tackle grocery store queues! Now that’s a futuristic dream worth dreaming!
From One Incredible Feat to Another
Just a month prior, Dr. Chang was busy breaking yet another record by performing the first fully robotic single lung transplant in the nation—what is she, some sort of surgical superhero? If she keeps this up, she’ll need her own comic book, complete with a spandex suit and a cape made from surgical mesh!
In all seriousness, NYU Langone isn’t just resting on its laurels (or surgical gowns); they are leading the charge in robotic surgical techniques, with over 2,000 robot-assisted surgeries each year. That’s not just a job done well; it’s like they’ve taken a page out of every sci-fi movie ever made and turned it into a Saturday afternoon show-and-tell for surgical students worldwide!
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
So here’s to the bright future of surgery, where the cuts are smaller than my patience during a Zoom call, and where the technology is borderline magical! If I need surgery in the future, sign me up for the robotic version – because if the robots are doing the cutting, it’s not me signing the consent form, it’s my future self, who’ll owe the robots a debt of gratitude. And possibly a fruit basket! You know, just to keep machine overlords happy. Until then, let’s celebrate this miraculous achievement and hope the next breakthrough is in getting rid of paperwork in hospitals—now that’s what I call a win-win!
What are the benefits of robotic surgery for lung transplant patients?
**Interview with Dr. Stephanie H. Chang on the World’s First Fully Robotic Double Lung Transplant**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chang. Let’s dive right into the groundbreaking procedure. What motivated you and your team at NYU Langone to pursue a fully robotic double lung transplant?
**Dr. Stephanie H. Chang:** Thank you for having me! The motivation stems from our commitment to pushing the boundaries of surgical techniques while prioritizing patient safety and recovery. Robotic surgery allows for greater precision, results in smaller incisions, and ultimately enhances patient outcomes, which is our main goal. We believe that being at the cutting edge of surgical innovation will enable us to improve the quality of life for our patients dramatically.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you and your team were well-prepared for this procedure. Can you explain the significance of using the da Vinci Xi robotic system?
**Dr. Chang:** Absolutely! The da Vinci Xi system is revolutionizing how we view minimally invasive surgery. This robotic platform enables us to perform complex surgical tasks with remarkable accuracy and control. It was crucial for allowing us to remove the diseased lungs and implant the new ones through smaller incisions, which can lead to quicker recovery times and less postoperative pain for the patient.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the patient, Cheryl Mehrkar, she has quite an inspiring story. How do you think her adventurous spirit contributed to her recovery?
**Dr. Chang:** Cheryl’s resilience and adventurous mindset have been extraordinary! Her background as a karate black belt and her love for scuba diving and motorcycling illustrate her tenacity and zest for life. These qualities undoubtedly play a role in her recovery as they foster a positive attitude and determination, both of which are incredibly beneficial when facing health challenges.
**Interviewer:** NYU Langone has also been recognized for its high volume of lung transplants. What does it mean for your team to perform 76 lung transplants in a single year?
**Dr. Chang:** Hitting that number is a significant achievement for us. It reflects not only the dedication and expertise of our surgical team but also the collaborative efforts of our entire institution. We have built a strong connection with our transplant coordinators, nurses, and support staff, all working together to provide the best patient-centered care possible. Being recognized as a leader in this field motivates us to continue striving for excellence.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Robert Montgomery mentioned a “culture of innovation.” Can you elaborate on what this means in the context of your team?
**Dr. Chang:** Certainly! Our culture of innovation is all about collaboration and continuously seeking out new ideas and technologies to adopt in our practice. We invest in training and education, not just for our team but also for surgeons from around the world. By fostering an environment where everyone can contribute and challenge the status quo, we’ve positioned ourselves to be leaders in advancing techniques like robotic surgery.
**Interviewer:** That’s an admirable approach. In your opinion, what does the future hold for robotic surgery, particularly in transplant procedures?
**Dr. Chang:** I believe the future is bright! As technology continues to evolve, we will likely see even more sophisticated robotic systems that can enhance surgical capabilities. We’ll be able to conduct more complex procedures with even fewer invasions on the body. This evolution will improve the quality of care we provide, making transplantation accessible to even more patients in need.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Chang, for sharing your insights today. It’s exciting to see how much progress is being made in the field of robotic surgery, especially with life-saving procedures like lung transplants.
**Dr. Chang:** Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the advancements in our field and how they positively impact patients’ lives.
