Description

The Avanos Medical BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System is an in-line suction solution for patients on mechanical ventilation via endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes. It is designed to maintain a sealed ventilator circuit during suctioning and other airway procedures to help preserve ventilation/PEEP and limit cross-contamination.

Key technologies and safety features

• Turbo-Cleaning chamber: catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum-sealed chamber that generates turbulent flow to scrub the tip.
• PEEP Seal technology to drive turbulent cleansing and help reduce PEEP loss during suctioning.
• One-way lavage port designed to help prevent sprayback.
• Hinged valve isolates the catheter tip and helps prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Sleeve tether to help prevent over-retraction of the catheter.
• Numbered depth markings to aid in controlling insertion depth.

Multi-Access Port (MAP) variant

• Compact rotating manifold with multiple access ports; locks with an audible/tactile click to help keep the circuit sealed.
• Catheter docks in a separate port and remains connected and protected between uses.
• Single-use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters, bronchoscopes, or other devices.
• Supports closed-circuit procedures such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchoscopy, and in-line metered-dose inhaler medication delivery.

Interfaces and connector styles

• Connector options: Double Swivel Elbow, Standard, T-Piece, Directional, Dual Lumen, and Multi-Access Port.
• Double Swivel Elbow provides flexibility at the airway and can reduce the need for extra connectors.
• Optional integrated MDI port for in-line aerosol drug delivery.

Configurations and sizes

• Patient groups: Adult and Neonatal/Pediatric.
• Airway interfaces: Endotracheal and Tracheostomy.
• Typical sizes: Adult 12, 14, 16 Fr; Neonatal/Pediatric 5–12 Fr.
• Typical lengths: approximately 30.5 cm (tracheostomy) and 54 cm (endotracheal) for adults; approximately 30.5–40.5 cm for neonatal/pediatric.
• Neonatal/Pediatric versions include size-appropriate Y adapters for ventilator integration.

Materials, sterility, and use parameters

• Sterile, single-patient use; gamma sterilized.
• Latex-free and DEHP-free.
• Manufacturer-specified in-use time: up to 72 hours.
• Manufacturer-specified shelf life: approximately 3 years.

Performance and infection-control notes (per manufacturer)

• Turbo-Cleaning reported to provide an 89% cleaner catheter tip versus standard closed suction systems.
• Closed design aims to contain secretions, reduce cross-contamination, and help maintain ventilation/oxygenation during suctioning.

Compatibility and accessories

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits and common endotracheal/tracheostomy connectors.
• Compatible with the Avanos Mini-BAL Sampling Catheter when used with the Multi-Access Port system.