Cheryl Mehrkar, a 57-year-old from Dutchess County, New York, has added an extraordinary chapter to her already adventurous life by becoming the world’s first recipient of a fully robotic double lung transplant. Known for her love of adrenaline-pumping activities, including scuba diving, riding her Harley-Davidson Sportster, and practicing karate, Mehrkar’s story is a testament to human resilience and the cutting-edge advancements in medical technology.
Her journey to this life-changing procedure began years ago when she was diagnosed with severe lung disease. Despite her active lifestyle, Mehrkar’s health began to decline, and eventually, she found herself in need of a double lung transplant. However, what made her case particularly remarkable was the method of her transplant: a fully robotic procedure, a medical milestone that would not only change her life but also represent a significant leap in the field of transplantation surgery.
The groundbreaking procedure, led by Dr. Stephanie H. Chang, an associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, took place at NYU Langone Health on October 22. Dr. Chang and her team utilized the advanced Da Vinci Xi robotic system, which allowed them to perform a minimally invasive surgery by making small incisions between Mehrkar’s ribs. This innovative approach enabled the surgical team to remove her diseased lungs, prepare her heart and airways for the transplant, and successfully implant donor lungs.
What sets this surgery apart from traditional lung transplants is its minimally invasive nature. Traditionally, lung transplants involve large incisions that can take a significant toll on the patient’s recovery process. However, by using robotic technology, Dr. Chang was able to complete the procedure with greater precision and less trauma to Mehrkar’s body, resulting in a faster recovery and fewer complications.
Mehrkar expressed her amazement and gratitude shortly after her discharge from the hospital, saying, “I’ve been in awe — it’s an unbelievable thing.” The transplant has not only given her a new lease on life but also marked a monumental achievement in the world of medical science.
The fully robotic double lung transplant is a reflection of the growing potential of robotic surgery. The Da Vinci Xi system, which has been used in various types of surgeries over the years, offers unparalleled precision, making it ideal for complex procedures like lung transplants. For patients like Mehrkar, it represents a future where high-risk surgeries can be performed with reduced pain and faster recovery times.
Dr. Chang, who led the procedure, emphasized the significance of the surgery, stating that it was a key moment for the field of transplantation. “This procedure represents not just a technological breakthrough but a new way to think about how we can help patients in the future,” she noted.
For Mehrkar, the transplant is not just about survival; it’s about reclaiming the life she once had. In addition to her love of extreme sports, she had also earned a fourth-degree black belt in karate and had dabbled in skydiving and bungee jumping. The chance to return to an active lifestyle after such a monumental medical event is nothing short of a miracle.
As she continues her recovery, Mehrkar hopes her story will inspire others who may be facing similar health challenges, showing them that advancements in medical technology can offer new hope and opportunities. Thanks to the groundbreaking work at NYU Langone Health, Cheryl Mehrkar is now living proof of the incredible potential of modern medicine.
