Michael Zervos

About

Dr. Michael Zervos is a pioneering thoracic surgeon whose research centers on advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques, particularly robotic-assisted procedures for lung cancer and mediastinal disease. His most impactful contribution is the landmark PORTaL study (2021, 119 citations), which systematically compared outcomes of open, video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS), and robotic-assisted lobectomy, providing critical evidence on the safety and efficacy of robotic approaches. A follow-up PORTaL study (2023, 30 citations) further analyzed overall survival across these techniques, solidifying his role in shaping surgical standards. Dr. Zervos has also innovated in complex robotic procedures, including segmentectomy using indocyanine green navigation (49 citations) and robotic sleeve resection of the airway (24 citations), demonstrating technical mastery beyond the learning curve. His work on robotic stapler cost-effectiveness (17 citations) and novel digital drainage systems (9 citations) addresses practical perioperative and economic challenges. Notably, he has explored single-port robotic systems for lobectomy and thymectomy, pushing the boundaries of ultra-minimally invasive surgery. With over 300 cumulative citations, Dr. Zervos’ research directly informs clinical decision-making, reduces patient morbidity, and drives the adoption of robotic technology in thoracic surgery.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Pulmonary Open, Robotic, and Thoracoscopic Lobectomy (PORTaL) Study

   119 citations · 2021
2. 2
   Technique, Outcomes With Navigational Bronchoscopy Using Indocyanine Green for Robotic Segmentectomy

   49 citations · 2019
3. 3
   Pulmonary Open, Robotic, and Thoracoscopic Lobectomy (PORTaL) Study

   30 citations · 2023
4. 4
   Robot-assisted complete thymectomy for mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism

   25 citations · 2016
5. 5
   Robotic Sleeve Resection of the Airway: Outcomes and Technical Conduct Using Video Vignettes

   24 citations · 2020
6. 6
   Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Using Robotic Versus Hand-Held Staplers During Robotic Lobectomy

   17 citations · 2021
7. 7
   Beyond the learning curve: a review of complex cases in robotic thoracic surgery

   16 citations · 2021
8. 8
   Use of a novel digital drainage system after pulmonary resection

   9 citations · 2022
9. 9
   Robotic-assisted single-port system for pulmonary lobectomy: A prospective feasibility study

   8 citations · 2025
10. 10
    Initial Evaluation of the Safety and Performance of Single-Port Robotic-Assisted Thymectomy Through a Subxiphoid Incision

    7 citations · 2024

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links