Groundbreaking Milestone: Woman Becomes the First in the World to Receive Robotic Double Lung Transplant

In a pioneering medical achievement, a 57-year-old woman suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has become the first recipient of a fully robotic double lung transplant. This historic operation took place on October 22 at NYU Langone Health in New York City, led by the esteemed Dr. Stephanie Chang, who had made headlines just a month prior for conducting the nation’s inaugural fully robotic single lung transplant.

Dr. Ralph Mosca, the chair of cardiothoracic surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated, “This latest innovation marks a watershed moment in lung transplantation surgery worldwide and signifies the dawn of a new era in patient care.” The surgery utilized the da Vinci Xi robotic system, which enables minimally invasive procedures through small incisions between the ribs. This cutting-edge approach not only enhances precision but also promotes quicker recovery times for patients.

Cheryl Mehrkar, the patient, was placed on the transplant list after thorough evaluations lasting several months. Her journey to this point was fraught with challenges; for years, she was told her condition did not warrant a transplant. "I'm so grateful to the donor and their family for giving me another chance at life," Mehrkar expressed with deep appreciation during a press conference following her surgery. "And I'm so grateful to the doctors and nurses for giving me hope."

An experienced volunteer emergency medical technician with the Union Vale Fire Department in Dutchess County, N.Y., Mehrkar has faced significant health struggles. Diagnosed with COPD at the age of 43 in 2010, her condition complicated further after a severe bout with COVID-19 in 2022. Despite these challenges, she had once lived an active lifestyle, traveling the world as a scuba divemaster and co-owning a dojo where she taught martial arts alongside her husband, Shahin.

Looking ahead, Mehrkar is excited to reclaim her active life and is optimistic about her rehabilitation journey. "I look forward to being more active once again," she enthused, commending her surgical team for their commitment to enhancing her quality of life.

Dr. Chang, the surgical director of the lung transplant program at NYU Langone Transplant Institute, emphasized the aim of robotic techniques: “It is one of the greatest privileges to be able to help patients return to a healthy quality of life. By utilizing robotic systems, we strive to minimize the impact of this significant surgery on patients, reduce postoperative pain, and ensure optimal recovery outcomes.”

This breakthrough not only paves the way for future lung transplant surgeries but also serves as a beacon of hope for patients and healthcare professionals alike, demonstrating the potential of robotic-assisted techniques in addressing complex medical challenges.