Description

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System (also referenced as Trach Care Turbo‑Cleaning Closed‑Suction Systems; historically associated with Halyard branding) is an in‑line, closed suction solution for endotracheal and tracheostomy airways in mechanically ventilated adult and neonatal/pediatric patients. It removes airway secretions while maintaining a closed ventilator circuit to help preserve PEEP, ventilation, and oxygenation and to minimize contamination.

Key technologies and design features

• Turbo‑Cleaning chamber: Catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum‑sealed chamber that generates turbulent flow to scrub the tip; isolates the tip during cleaning to help prevent fluid/bacteria from re‑entering the airway and to reduce inadvertent lavage and PEEP loss.
• Proprietary PEEP Seal technology to help maintain circuit integrity and support the turbulent cleansing action.
• One‑way lavage/irrigation port with hinged valve/manifold to help prevent sprayback and reduce inadvertent lavage.
• WET PAK saline delivery: Manifold restrictor closes under vacuum so saline vials automatically empty into the cleaning chamber; supports closed instillation.
• Circuit connection and handling: Double‑swivel elbow for flexible endotracheal tube connection with reduced torque; polyurethane protective sleeve with improved tactile feel for easier advancement; sleeve tether to help prevent over‑retraction; numbered catheter markings aid insertion‑depth control.

Variants and configurations

• Patient groups: Adult and Neonatal/Pediatric
• Airway interfaces: Endotracheal or tracheostomy
• Connector styles: Double Swivel Elbow, Standard, T‑Piece, Directional, Dual Lumen
• Options: Dry or WET PAK (with saline vials); optional integrated MDI port for in‑line medication delivery
• Multi‑Access Port variant: Compact rotating manifold that locks to help ensure circuit integrity and offers multiple access points. The catheter docks in a separate port and remains connected/clean. A single‑use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters or bronchoscopes, supporting procedures such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchoscopy, and metered‑dose inhaler therapy without opening the circuit.

Sizes and specifications

• Adult sizes: typically 12–16 Fr; approximate lengths ~30.5 cm (tracheostomy) and ~54 cm (endotracheal)
• Neonatal/Pediatric sizes: typically 5–12 Fr; approximate lengths ~30.5–40.5 cm; supplied with size‑appropriate Y adapters
• Sterile, single‑patient use; gamma sterilized; not made with natural rubber latex or DEHP
• Validated in‑use duration up to 72 hours (per manufacturer guidance)

Performance and clinical considerations

• Laboratory testing of the Turbo‑Cleaning design reported up to 89% reduction in bacterial colonization of the catheter tip with common VAP pathogens (manufacturer‑reported).
• Maintaining a closed circuit during suctioning helps preserve PEEP and lung volumes and supports continuous ventilation and oxygen therapy.
• Closed design helps contain secretions, reduce contamination risk, and limit caregiver exposure to patient fluids.

Compatibility

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits across adult and neonatal/pediatric settings.
• Multi‑Access Port systems are compatible with in‑line sampling accessories such as the manufacturer’s Mini‑BAL sampling catheter to obtain lower respiratory tract samples without breaking the circuit.