In a medical milestone at NYU Langone Health, the world witnessed its first-ever fully robotic double lung transplant. The surgical team, led by Dr. Stephanie H. Chang, executed the procedure using the Da Vinci Xi robotic system on a patient who had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NYU Langone reported this significant advancement in the field of robotic surgery and patient care.
The recipient, 57-year-old Cheryl Mehrkar, enduring COPD and having faced COVID-19 complications, expressed relief and gratitude after the surgery. "I just want to walk and breathe, which is the truth," Mehrkar told ABC 7 New York, highlighting the simple yet vital things in life we often take for granted. Offering smaller incisions, the robotic technology promises a path to significantly better healing and less pain, explained Dr. Chang, whose skill set enabled the pioneering surgery that is not possessed by every transplant surgeon.
Performed on October 22, just days after being added to the lung transplant list, Mehrkar's surgery marked a leap forward for the use of robotic assistance in complex transplant operations. A New York native and adventure enthusiast, Mehrkar has looked forward to returning to volunteering at her local fire department and living a healthy life to honor her young donor's legacy.
Boasting a track record of excellence, NYU Langone is well known for pushing the envelope in robot-assisted surgeries, handling more than 2,000 such cases annually. "It's more being able to contribute to the field and push it forward and contribute to patient care. I think that's what every doctor wants to do," Dr. Chang expressed to ABC 7 New York. With this innovative surgery, robotics in medical procedures have been brought to a pinnacle that was previously unattained.
This breakthrough not only signifies an epoch in robotic surgical capabilities but also cements NYU Langone Health's position at the apex of transplant medicine. Having received recognition for the highest lung survival rates post-transplant and for efficiency in moving patients off the waitlist, the institute continues to garner accolades under its belt, evidenced by NYU Langone's announcement. The heart of this success is attributed to the institute’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in patient care.
