World's First Fully Robotic Double Lung Transplant Successfully Performed in New York

The groundbreaking seven-hour procedure, led by Dr. Stephanie Chang at NYU Langone Health, offers a less invasive option for lung transplant patients.

Cheryl Mehrkar, a 57-year-old woman with COPD, became the first recipient of a fully robotic double lung transplant on October 22, 2024.
The surgery, performed at NYU Langone Health, used the da Vinci Xi robotic system to minimize incision size and improve recovery outcomes.
Dr. Stephanie Chang and her team prepared for six months, completing three single robotic lung transplants beforehand to refine the technique.
Mehrkar, once an active adventurer, reported immediate improvements in her breathing post-surgery and described the experience as life-changing.
The procedure marks a significant milestone in minimally invasive transplantation, with hopes of broader adoption in the future to enhance patient recovery and quality of life.