Description

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System is an in-line closed suction solution for mechanically ventilated patients. It is designed to maintain a closed ventilator circuit during routine suctioning and other airway procedures, helping preserve ventilation and PEEP while limiting secretion escape and cross-contamination.

Key technologies and design

• BALLARD Turbo-Cleaning: catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum‑sealed turbulent cleaning chamber to help remove secretions from the catheter surface.
• PEEP Seal technology to help reduce PEEP loss and drive turbulent cleansing during catheter retraction.
• One-way lavage port designed to help prevent sprayback.
• Hinged valve isolates the catheter tip and helps prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Optional integrated MDI port enables medication delivery without circuit disconnection.
• Double Swivel Elbow connector option provides flexibility with fewer connectors.
• Numbered catheter markings assist with controlled insertion depth.

Multi-Access Port variant

• Compact rotating manifold with multiple access ports; locks with an audible click to help ensure a sealed circuit.
• Dedicated locking catheter port keeps the catheter connected and protected.
• Single-use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters or bronchoscopes.
• Turbulent cleansing chamber helps keep the catheter cleaner between passes.
• Sleeve tether helps prevent over-retraction.

Supported procedures (closed circuit)

• Routine airway suctioning
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchoscopy via the Multi-Access Port
• MDI drug delivery with MDI Built-In options

Configurations and options

• Patient groups: Adult; Neonatal/Pediatric
• Airway interfaces: Endotracheal; Tracheostomy
• Connector styles: Standard, Double Swivel Elbow, T-Piece, Directional, Dual Lumen, Multi-Access Port
• Options: Dry or WET PAK (WET PAK includes saline vials); MDI Built-In versions

Sizes and lengths (typical)

• Adult: 12, 14, 16 Fr; typical lengths ~54 cm (endotracheal) and ~30.5 cm (tracheostomy)
• Neonatal/Pediatric: 5–12 Fr; lengths approximately 30.5–40.5 cm

Materials, sterility, and use parameters

• Sterile, single-patient use; gamma sterilized
• Latex-free and DEHP-free
• Validated in-use time: up to 72 hours (per manufacturer)
• Shelf life: commonly specified as approximately 3 years

Performance and infection-control notes (manufacturer-reported)

• Closed design aims to contain secretions, limit caregiver exposure, and help maintain PEEP/oxygenation during suctioning.
• Turbo-Cleaning yields an approximate 89% cleaner catheter tip versus a standard closed suction system over 72 hours.

Compatibility and accessories

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits; neonatal/pediatric systems supplied with size-appropriate Y adapters.
• Compatible with the Avanos BALLARD Mini-BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter via the Multi-Access Port to obtain lower respiratory tract samples without opening the ventilator circuit.