Shanda H. Blackmon

Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Mayo Clinic, Cornell University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Shanda H. Blackmon is a pioneering thoracic surgeon whose work has redefined the landscape of minimally invasive chest surgery. Her primary research focuses on advancing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) techniques, particularly for thymectomy and lobectomy, with an emphasis on reducing patient trauma and improving recovery. Her landmark study, "Minimally invasive thymectomy: the Mayo Clinic experience" (2015, 39 citations), established the safety and efficacy of MIT for thymic disorders, demonstrating significant benefits in morbidity and postoperative recovery. Blackmon’s most innovative contribution is the development of "microlobectomy," a novel form of endoscopic lobectomy described in her 2017 paper (23 citations). This technique pushes the boundaries of surgical minimalism by using only 5 mm intercostal incisions and a subxiphoid port, eliminating the need for rib spreading and large incisions. Her work on VATS diaphragm plication (2012) further showcases her commitment to refining complex thoracic procedures. With a career dedicated to pioneering less invasive approaches, Blackmon’s research has directly shaped modern thoracic surgery, offering patients safer, faster-healing alternatives to traditional open surgery.