Description

Overview and Intended Use

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System (also referred to as BALLARD Turbo‑Cleaning Closed Suction System and BALLARD Multi‑Access Port Closed Suction System) is an in‑line, closed suction solution for mechanically ventilated patients via endotracheal tube or tracheostomy. It enables routine suctioning and select airway procedures without disconnecting the ventilator circuit, helping maintain ventilation/oxygenation and PEEP while limiting cross‑contamination.

Core Technologies and Design

• Turbo‑Cleaning design: catheter retracts into a vacuum‑sealed turbulent cleaning chamber to scrub the tip between uses.
• PEEP Seal technology helps reduce PEEP loss and drives turbulent cleansing inside the sealed chamber.
• One‑way lavage/flush port with a hinged valve to help prevent sprayback and inadvertent lavage.
• Protective outer sleeve to contain secretions; numbered catheter to help control insertion depth.
• Sleeve tether helps prevent over‑retraction.
• Thumb valve/control for suction activation.
• Optional integrated MDI port enables medication delivery without breaking the ventilator circuit.

Multi‑Access Port Variant

• Compact rotating manifold with multiple access ports; locks in place to help confirm a sealed circuit.
• Suction catheter docks in a separate port, remaining connected and protected between uses.
• Single‑use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters or bronchoscopes.
• Supports closed‑circuit procedures: routine suctioning, BAL, bronchoscopy, and MDI drug delivery.
• Compatible accessory: BALLARD Mini‑BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter for lower respiratory tract sampling via the alternate therapy port without opening the circuit.

Configurations and Options

• Patient groups: adult, pediatric, neonatal.
• Airway interfaces: endotracheal and tracheostomy.
• Connector styles: Double Swivel Elbow, Standard, T‑Piece (including clear), Directional, Dual Lumen, and Multi‑Access Port; neonatal/pediatric sets may include Y or elbow adapters.
• Fluid options: DRY kits or WET PAK kits with aseptically filled saline vials (commonly 12 per kit).
• Sizes/lengths: adult examples 12, 14, 16 Fr; typical lengths ~30.5 cm (tracheostomy) and ~54 cm (endotracheal). Neonatal/pediatric approximately 5–12 Fr and ~30.5–40.5 cm (varies by set).

Materials and Use Parameters

• Sterile, single‑patient use; gamma sterilized.
• Free of natural rubber latex and DEHP.
• Validated maximum in‑use duration up to 72 hours (per manufacturer).
• Shelf life commonly specified as approximately 3 years (per manufacturer information).

Infection Control and Performance

Closed‑circuit suctioning helps maintain oxygen delivery and PEEP while containing secretions to reduce caregiver exposure and limit circuit contamination. Manufacturer‑reported testing for Turbo‑Cleaning indicates up to 89% reduction in bacterial load on the catheter tip over 72 hours; reduced colonization may help reduce risk of ventilator‑associated events/pneumonia.

Packaging

Commonly supplied in boxes of 20 (varies by configuration).