Description

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

Clinical use and benefits

• Closed-circuit suctioning helps reduce cross-contamination and catheter/circuit colonization.
• Maintains ventilation and oxygen therapy during suctioning; helps reduce PEEP loss and lung volume fall associated with open suctioning.
• Supports bedside procedures within a sealed circuit when configured with appropriate access features.

System variants

Turbo-Cleaning Closed Suction System (BALLARD Technology)

• Catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum-sealed turbulent cleaning chamber that cleans the catheter tip upon retraction.
• PEEP Seal technology designed to help reduce PEEP loss and limit inadvertent lavage.
• One-way lavage port to prevent sprayback; hinged valve isolates the catheter tip to help prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Optional integrated MDI port for medication delivery without opening the circuit.

Multi-Access Port Closed Suction System

• Compact rotating manifold with multiple access ports; locks into place to help keep the circuit sealed.
• Enables suctioning and procedures (e.g., bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchoscopy, MDI drug delivery) while maintaining a closed circuit.
• Catheter docks/locks into a separate port and remains connected and protected; single-use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters or other devices.
• Includes the turbulent cleaning chamber feature.

Design and usability features

• Protective clear sleeve with insertion depth markings; thumb/locking suction control.
• Sleeve tether to help prevent over-retraction; numbered catheters to assist with controlled insertion depth.
• Connector styles: Double Swivel Elbow, T-piece, Y-adapter for tracheostomy, and the Multi-Access Port manifold (directional/dual-lumen styles available within the range).

Configurations and sizing

• Patient groups: Adult, Pediatric, Neonatal.
• Airway interfaces: Endotracheal and Tracheostomy.
• Sizes: Adult 12, 14, 16 Fr; Pediatric/Neonatal 5–12 Fr (size-appropriate adapters provided for smaller patients).
• Typical lengths: approximately 30.5 cm (tracheostomy) and ~54 cm (endotracheal).
• Options: Dry or WET PAK variants (WET PAK includes saline vials for irrigation); optional MDI Built-In.

Materials, sterility, and use duration

• Sterile, single-patient use; gamma sterilized.
• Latex-free and DEHP-free.
• Validated in-use duration: up to 72 hours (per manufacturer).
• Typical shelf life: approximately 3 years.

Performance and related accessory

• Manufacturer-reported performance: Turbo-Cleaning design provided an 89% cleaner catheter tip versus a standard closed suction system in comparative testing; reduced tip colonization is intended to help lower infection risk and ventilator-associated events.
• Related accessory: Avanos Mini-BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter, designed for use with the Multi-Access Port to obtain lower respiratory tract samples without opening the circuit.