On October 22, 2024, Cheryl Mehrkar, a 57-year-old American woman from Fresh York, became the first patient in the world to undergo a fully robotic double lung transplant. The procedure was performed at NYU Langone Health Center in Manhattan, marking a significant milestone in the field of transplant surgery.
Mehrkar had been living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, since her diagnosis in 2010 at age 43. She described years of being told she was not sick enough to qualify for a transplant, despite worsening symptoms.
Her health declined further following a bout of COVID-19 in 2022, which exacerbated her underlying condition. As a volunteer emergency medical technician and former scuba diving instructor, Mehrkar said she realized the severity of her situation when an 85-year-old security guard climbed stairs more easily than she could.
After being placed on the transplant waiting list, she received the unexpected news just five days later that a donor match had been found. “My first reaction was: ‘Oh my God, I’ll be there in two hours,’” she recalled, describing her shock and gratitude.
The robotic-assisted surgery allowed for a less invasive approach, which medical experts say can lead to faster recovery times and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional open-chest procedures. During the operation, surgeons controlled robotic arms to remove her diseased lungs and implant the donor organs with precision.
Following the transplant, Mehrkar expressed deep appreciation to the donor and their family, as well as to the medical team at NYU Langone. “I am so grateful to the donor and their family for giving me another chance to live,” she said. “And I am so thankful to the doctors and nurses here for giving me hope.”
Her case was highlighted during the 46th annual meeting of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), where experts debated whether the clinical benefits of robotic lung transplantation justify its high costs and technical complexity. While the technology offers potential advantages in precision and reduced trauma, concerns remain about accessibility and long-term outcomes.
COPD remains a major global health concern, with the World Health Organization projecting it could become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. In the United States, millions are affected by the disease, most commonly linked to long-term smoking, though genetic and environmental factors as well play a role.
As robotic technology continues to evolve in transplant surgery, cases like Mehrkar’s offer insight into its potential to improve patient experiences — though experts caution that wider adoption will require further evidence of both safety and cost-effectiveness.
