Description

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System is an in-line, closed suction solution for endotracheal and tracheostomy suctioning in mechanically ventilated patients, available for adult and neonatal/pediatric populations. It enables suctioning without disconnecting the ventilator, helping maintain ventilation/oxygenation and PEEP while limiting cross‑contamination and reducing caregiver exposure to body fluids.

Core technologies and safety features

• BALLARD Turbo‑Cleaning: the catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum‑sealed turbulent cleaning chamber that helps cleanse the catheter tip within the closed system.
• PEEP management: PEEP Seal technology is designed to reduce PEEP loss during suctioning. Multi‑Access Port variants use a single‑use seal cassette to maintain circuit integrity during device insertion.
• Lavage and spray control: a one‑way lavage port helps prevent sprayback; a hinged valve isolates the catheter tip and helps prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Circuit/access management: the Multi‑Access Port features a compact rotating manifold with multiple access ports that lock with an audible click; the catheter parks and locks in a separate port to stay connected and protected when not in use.
• Handling aids: a sleeve tether helps prevent over‑retraction, and numbered depth markings support controlled insertion depth.

Configurations and options

• Interfaces: Endotracheal and Tracheostomy.
• Populations: Adult and Neo/Ped.
• Connector styles: Double Swivel Elbow, Standard, T‑piece, Directional, Dual Lumen, and Multi‑Access Port.
• Medication delivery: select variants include an integrated MDI (metered‑dose inhaler) port.
• Supply formats: Dry or WET PAK; WET PAK includes aseptically filled saline vials for lavage.

Representative sizes and lengths

• Adult: common French sizes 12, 14, and 16 Fr; typical lengths ~30.5 cm (tracheostomy) and ~54 cm (endotracheal). ISO color coding commonly used (e.g., white = 12 Fr, green = 14 Fr, orange = 16 Fr).
• Neonatal/Pediatric: 5–12 Fr; typical lengths ~30.5–40.5 cm; supplied with size‑appropriate Y adapters for ventilator integration.

Materials, sterility, and use duration

• Sterile, gamma sterilized; single‑patient use.
• Not made with natural rubber latex; DEHP‑free.
• Manufacturer‑validated maximum in‑use time: up to 72 hours.
• Typical shelf life: approximately 3 years.

Compatibility and supported procedures

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits.
• Multi‑Access Port system is compatible with the Avanos Mini‑BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter to obtain lower respiratory tract samples without opening the circuit.
• Supported procedures (per configuration): routine airway suctioning; bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchoscopy (via Multi‑Access Port); MDI drug delivery on MDI‑equipped variants.