Department of Thoracic Surgery Archive

April 9, 2026

How robotic bronchoscopy helped a Georgia man avoid unnecessary lung surgery

Oncologist Mohamed Shanshal, MD, said robotic bronchoscopy significantly improves getting patients the appropriate treatment as soon as possible, reducing their anxiety and improving care.

By Jill Clendening
April 2, 2026

Vanderbilt Health lung transplant patients, doctors climb highest peak in the Americas

Most of the 27 participants were able to reach altitudes of more than 18,000 feet — exclusively personal bests. All participants were under close medical supervision.

By Matt Batcheldor
March 20, 2026

Study shows AI-assisted risk model for lung nodules is cost-effective

Risk prediction software using artificial intelligence can help determine whether pulmonary nodules detected during lung cancer screening need to be biopsied.

By Tom Wilemon
(iStock)
February 4, 2026

Clinical trial led by Vanderbilt Health seeks to refine lung cancer biopsy standards

The development of better biopsy approaches is driven by the fact that lung cancer kills more than 130,000 Americans annually, and survival depends on early diagnosis, which requires biopsy to be definitive.

By Jill Clendening
February 3, 2026

1,000 lungs and countless more breaths: Vanderbilt Transplant Center commemorates landmark

Vanderbilt Health’s fourth lung transplant patient is thought to be the world’s record holder for longevity following a single lung transplant.

By Matt Batcheldor
Lung transplant patient Michelle Ankele-Yamashita. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
June 18, 2025

Transplant patient’s long journey brings her from the Aloha State to the Volunteer State

She was turned down by multiple transplant centers between Honolulu and Nashville, deemed too sick, before the Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Program accepted her as a patient.

By Matt Batcheldor
May 18, 2025

Study finds navigational bronchoscopy as effective and safer alternative to transthoracic biopsy for lung nodules  

Each year, millions of lung nodules are detected during routine X-rays or CT scans.
By Craig Boerner and Holly Fletcher 
April 8, 2025

Patient’s journey a beacon of hope to those facing a life-changing transplant

Amanda Atkins is sharing her story to give hope to those facing a life-changing transplant and to give thanks to her organ donor who made it all possible.
By Matt Batcheldor
November 22, 2024

Konrad Hoetzenecker named surgical director of the Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Program

Hoetzenecker comes to Vanderbilt from the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, where he has been professor of Lung Transplantation and director of the Lung Transplant Program.
By Matt Batcheldor
November 14, 2024

Teams help patient survive multiple traumatic injuries

In August 2022 Lisa Kimbrell was involved in a near-fatal wreck. A year later two dogs attacked her and sent her back to the hospital.
By Matt Batcheldor
September 20, 2024

Vanderbilt researchers speaks at World Conference on Lung Cancer

Deppen spoke about biological, population and technology issues related to the discovery and implementation of biomarkers for early cancer detection.
By Tom Wilemon
April 8, 2024

Lung transplant patient, family glad they came to a place where ‘every single person cared’

Mike Boston was turned down by eight hospitals for a double lung transplant, which would be his second, because none believed he would survive the surgery. Finally, doctors at one medical center — VUMC — thought he might.
By Matt Batcheldor
December 14, 2023

VUMC performs its first combined lung and liver transplant

Connie Rankin of Memphis, Tennessee, received Vanderbilt's first combined lung and liver transplant, which involved dozens of specialists, including transplant teams for both organs.
By Matt Batcheldor