Bronchial device to reduce one-lung-ventilation injury
The Bronchosleeve is a novel catheter-based medical device designed to optimize one-lung ventilation (OLV) during thoracic surgery. By replacing bulky legacy devices with a slimmer, more flexible, and easier-to-position catheter, the Bronchosleeve reduces airway trauma, improves procedural visualization, and minimizes device dislodgement. Its innovative design enables continuous lung monitoring and seamless integration between operative and post-operative care, enhancing patient safety and hospital workflow.
Overview
The Bronchosleeve is a novel, single-lumen catheter-based device designed to significantly improve the one-lung ventilation (OLV) procedure, a common requirement in thoracic surgeries. Developed to address long-standing limitations in current standards of care—such as bulky, difficult-to-insert double-lumen tubes (DLTs) and bronchial blockers—the Bronchosleeve aims to minimize airway trauma, reduce the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury, and lower the likelihood of device dislodgement. By providing superior visualization and simplified clinical workflow, the device supports better patient outcomes and more efficient thoracic surgical procedures.
Technical specifications
- Design: Single-lumen catheter featuring an inflatable bronchial cuff at the distal end to selectively isolate and block a lung.
- Compatibility: Designed to be inserted through a standard endotracheal tube (SLT) or specific adaptor, sliding over a bronchoscope.
- Key Dimensions: Elongated body with an outer diameter of less than 7.5 mm and an inner diameter of at least 2.8 mm.
- Clinical Functionality: Allows for selective ventilation of either lung and continuous visualization throughout cardiothoracic procedures via a bronchoscope inserted through the central lumen.
- Workflow Benefits: Does not require removal or device switching for post-operative care, offering a seamless transition for the patient and clinician.
Technology readiness level
- The technology is currently in the development and prototype validation stage. Inventors have utilized clinical immersion and root-cause analysis to refine the device, successfully producing functional prototypes for testing in simulated clinical environments and cadaver models. A patent application (WO2025097141A1) is currently pending, and the team has secured significant non-dilutive funding to support ongoing research and development efforts.
About Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a comprehensive private research university headquartered in Baltimore with a large research enterprise and a culture of discovery and translation. Integrated with a major academic health system, the university offers access to clinicians, patient populations, biorepositories, and audited trial operations. A research park near the medical campus, plus startup incubators and corporate engagement teams, enable co-location, pilots, and fast iteration. A major university‑affiliated research center expands applied R&D and prototyping capacity, and proximity to Washington, DC links partners to federal agencies and regulators. Research is supported by federal funding from NIH, NSF, DoD, and others, and a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
delivered to your inbox.