Description

Overview

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System is a sterile, in‑line suction solution for mechanically ventilated patients that enables airway suctioning without disconnecting the ventilator circuit. Its closed design helps maintain ventilation and oxygen therapy, preserve PEEP, and limit cross‑contamination during routine care and procedures.

Key technologies and features

• Turbo‑Cleaning BALLARD catheter: Retracts into a vacuum‑sealed turbulent cleaning chamber to cleanse the catheter tip. PEEP Seal technology uses suction/saline to drive turbulent cleansing while helping reduce PEEP loss.
• One‑way lavage port: Designed to help prevent sprayback during saline instillation.
• Hinged valve: Isolates the catheter tip and helps prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Optional integrated MDI port: Enables metered dose inhaler drug delivery without opening the circuit.
• Protective soft sheath with sleeve tether: Helps reduce contamination, aids reinsertion, and helps prevent over‑retraction.
• Numbered catheter markings: Assist with controlled insertion depth.
• Connector options: Double Swivel Elbow for flexible circuit positioning with fewer connectors; additional styles include Standard, T‑Piece, Directional, Dual Lumen, and Multi‑Access Port.

Multi‑Access Port (MAP) variant

• Compact rotating manifold with multiple access ports; locks with an audible/tactile click to help confirm a sealed circuit.
• Separate locking port keeps the suction catheter connected and protected.
• Single‑use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters, bronchoscopes, or other devices.
• Supports closed‑circuit procedures such as routine suctioning, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchoscopy, and MDI drug delivery.

Sizes and patient compatibility

• For adults, pediatrics, and neonates; compatible with endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes.
• Typical French sizes: 5–16 Fr (generally Neonatal 5–6 Fr, Pediatric 8–10 Fr, Adult 12–16 Fr).
• Typical lengths: Adult ~54 cm for endotracheal and ~30.5 cm for tracheostomy; Neonatal/Pediatric ~30.5–40.5 cm (varies by configuration).

Configurations and options

• Single‑use and extended‑use variants (extended‑use designed for up to 72 hours).
• Dry or WET PAK configurations (WET PAK includes in‑line saline flush supplies for Turbo‑Cleaning use).
• MDI Built‑In options available.

Materials and sterility

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

Performance and infection‑control notes

• Turbulent cleaning chamber designed to produce an 89% cleaner catheter tip versus a standard closed suction system.
• Closed design helps maintain ventilation/oxygenation and PEEP during suctioning, aims to reduce cross‑contamination and circuit colonization, and is designed to limit caregiver exposure to body fluids.
• Closed suctioning helps avoid approximately 50% of the lung volume loss associated with disconnection suctioning.

Compatibility and accessory

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits; Neo/Ped versions include appropriate adapters where applicable.
• Compatible with the Avanos Mini‑BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter when used with the Multi‑Access Port to obtain lower respiratory tract samples without opening the circuit.