Description

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System is an in-line, closed tracheal suction solution for mechanically ventilated patients with endotracheal tubes or tracheostomies. It enables airway suctioning without breaking the ventilator circuit to help maintain ventilation/oxygenation and PEEP while limiting contamination and caregiver exposure. Available for adult and neonatal/pediatric patients.

Key technologies and design features

• BALLARD Turbo-Cleaning design: catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum-sealed turbulent cleaning chamber to cleanse the catheter tip.
• PEEP Seal technology helps reduce PEEP loss and drives turbulent cleansing during tip cleaning.
• One-way lavage/saline port designed to prevent sprayback.
• Hinged valve isolates the catheter tip and helps prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Optional integrated MDI port enables medication delivery without circuit disconnection.
• Multi-Access Port variant: compact rotating manifold with multiple access points; catheter locks into a separate port and remains connected and protected. A single-use seal cassette helps maintain circuit seal during insertion of sampling catheters or bronchoscopes.
• Sleeve tether helps prevent over-retraction of the catheter.
• Double Swivel Elbow connector for flexibility and fewer connectors in the circuit.

Controls and markings

• Thumb-operated suction valve activates suction; suction remains off during insertion.
• Numbered centimeter markings support consistent insertion depth.
• Distal visual tip marker aids safe retraction.

Configurations and options

• Airway interfaces: endotracheal and tracheostomy.
• Connector styles: Double Swivel Elbow, Standard, T-Piece, Directional, Dual Lumen, Multi-Access Port.
• Options: Dry or WET PAK (WET PAK includes saline vials); MDI Built-In variants available.

Sizes and lengths

• Adult examples: 12 Fr, 14 Fr, 16 Fr; typical lengths 30.5 cm (tracheostomy) and 54 cm (endotracheal).
• Neonatal/Pediatric: 5, 6, 7, 8 Fr at 30.5 cm; 10 and 12 Fr at 40.5 cm.
• Neo/Paed Y adapters for common ETT sizes:
• 5 Fr: 2.0, 2.5 mm
• 6 Fr: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 mm
• 7 Fr: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 mm
• 8 Fr: 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 mm
• 10 Fr: 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 mm
• 12 Fr: 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 mm

Materials and sterility

• Sterile, single-patient use; gamma sterilized.
• Free of natural rubber latex and DEHP.

Compatibility and supported procedures

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits; Neo/Paed versions include Y adapters matched to common ETT connectors.
• Supports closed-circuit routine airway suctioning.
• Multi-Access Port variants also support bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchoscopy, and MDI delivery without opening the circuit.
• Compatible accessory: Avanos Mini-BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter (via Multi-Access Port).

Performance notes (manufacturer-reported)

• Closed design contains secretions and limits contamination/exposure.
• Turbo-Cleaning technology provides a cleaner catheter tip versus standard closed suction systems and helps preserve PEEP during suctioning.