Description

Overview

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System is a sterile, in-line suction device designed to remove airway secretions from intubated or tracheostomized patients without disconnecting the ventilator circuit. Its closed design supports maintenance of ventilation and PEEP while helping to limit circuit contamination and caregiver exposure.

Key features and design

• Suction catheter housed within a protective soft sheath; sleeve tether helps prevent over‑retraction and aids reinsertion
• Thumb valve for suction control
• Hinged valve to isolate the catheter tip; numbered depth markings for insertion control
• One‑way lavage port to help prevent sprayback; optional saline/irrigation port
• Interfaces that maintain circuit continuity: Double Swivel Elbow, T‑Piece, Standard, Directional, Dual Lumen; neonatal/pediatric versions include size‑appropriate Y‑adapters

Core technologies and variants

• BALLARD Turbo‑Cleaning: catheter retracts into a vacuum‑sealed turbulent cleaning chamber for in‑line tip cleaning
• PEEP Seal technology to help reduce PEEP loss during suctioning and to drive turbulent cleansing
• Optional MDI Built‑In port enables metered‑dose medication delivery without circuit disconnection
• Multi‑Access Port variant: compact rotating manifold with multiple sealed access points; catheter locks into a dedicated port and a single‑use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters or bronchoscopes

Configurations and sizing

• Patient groups: Adult and Neonatal/Pediatric
• Airway interfaces: Endotracheal (ETT) and Tracheostomy
• Connector styles: Double Swivel Elbow, T‑Piece, Standard, Directional, Dual Lumen, Multi‑Access Port
• Options: Dry or WET PAK (WET PAK includes prefilled sterile saline vials); Turbo‑Cleaning; MDI Built‑In; variants with irrigation ports
• Sizes: Multiple French sizes; adults commonly 12, 14, 16 Fr; neonatal/pediatric typically ~5–12 Fr
• Lengths: Typical tracheostomy length ~30.5 cm; typical endotracheal length ~54 cm

Materials and sterility

• Sterile, single‑patient use; gamma sterilized
• Free of natural rubber latex and DEHP
• Validated maximum in‑use time: up to 72 hours (extended‑use systems)
• Shelf life commonly specified as 3 years

Performance and infection‑control notes

• Closed, in‑line design supports maintaining ventilation/PEEP during suctioning and helps limit contamination of the circuit
• Manufacturer‑reported testing: Turbo‑Cleaning yields approximately 89% cleaner catheter tips versus a standard closed suction system under test conditions

Supported procedures and care settings

• Routine airway suctioning; bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchoscopy when using the Multi‑Access Port; MDI drug delivery with MDI Built‑In options
• Typical settings: ICU, NICU, emergency/transport, and long‑term tracheostomy care

Packaging overview

• Typically supplied in cases of 20 units across the range; WET PAK variants include prefilled sterile saline vials