Description

Overview

Avanos Closed Suction Systems with BALLARD Technology, manufactured by Avanos Medical, are in-line, closed-circuit suction catheter systems for mechanically ventilated patients with endotracheal or tracheostomy airways. They enable suctioning without disconnecting the ventilator to help maintain ventilation/oxygenation and PEEP while limiting cross-contamination and caregiver exposure to body fluids.

Key configurations

Turbo-Cleaning Closed Suction System

• Catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum-sealed turbulent cleaning chamber to scrub the tip between uses.
• Patented PEEP Seal helps reduce PEEP loss and powers the cleaning cycle.
• One-way lavage port designed to prevent sprayback; hinged valve isolates the tip and helps prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Optional integrated MDI port for in-circuit medication delivery.

Multi-Access Port Closed Suction System

• Compact rotating manifold with multiple access ports; locks with an audible/tactile click to support circuit integrity.
• Enables suctioning and procedures (e.g., bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchoscopy, MDI delivery) while maintaining a closed ventilator circuit.
• Catheter locks into a separate port and remains connected/protected.
• Single-use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP when inserting sampling catheters or other devices.
• Includes a turbulent cleaning chamber; sleeve tether helps prevent over-retraction.

Common features and options

• Patient groups: Adult; Neonatal/Pediatric.
• Airway interfaces: Endotracheal; Tracheostomy.
• Connector styles: Double Swivel Elbow, Standard, T-Piece, Directional, Dual Lumen, Multi-Access Port.
• Configurations: Dry or WET PAK (WET PAK includes saline vials); MDI Built-In variants.
• Numbered catheter markings aid in controlling insertion depth.

Sizes and lengths (typical)

• Adult: 12, 14, 16 Fr; typical lengths ~30.5 cm (tracheostomy) and ~54 cm (endotracheal).
• Neonatal/Pediatric: 5–12 Fr; typical lengths ~30.5–40.5 cm; supplied with size-appropriate Y-adapters.

Materials and sterility

• Sterile, single-patient use; gamma sterilized.
• Does not contain natural rubber latex or DEHP.

Use life and shelf life

• Typical in-use time: up to 72 hours (manufacturer guidance).
• Shelf life: commonly specified as approximately 3 years.

Compatibility and accessories

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits.
• Neonatal/Pediatric versions include Y-adapters matched to common ETT connectors.
• Compatible with the Avanos Mini-BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter via the Multi-Access Port’s alternate therapy port.

Performance and infection-control intent

• Closed-circuit design helps maintain ventilation and PEEP during suctioning and limit caregiver exposure to body fluids.
• Manufacturer-reported testing attributes improved catheter-tip cleanliness to the turbulent cleaning chamber (reported up to ~89% cleaner tip at 72 hours).
• Design aligns with clinical recommendations to maintain a closed ventilator circuit during suctioning to help reduce contamination/colonization.