Description

Overview

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System is an in-line suction solution for mechanically ventilated patients via endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes. It enables routine airway suctioning without disconnecting the ventilator circuit, helping maintain ventilation and PEEP while limiting secretion exposure and cross-contamination.

Key technologies and design features

• BALLARD Turbo-Cleaning: catheter tip retracts into a vacuum-sealed, turbulent cleaning chamber that scrubs the tip in-line.
• Patented PEEP Seal technology to help reduce PEEP loss and drive turbulent cleansing.
• One-way lavage port designed to help prevent sprayback.
• Hinged valve isolates the catheter tip to help prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Optional integrated MDI port for in-line medication delivery without circuit breaks.
• Multi-Access Port variant: compact rotating manifold with multiple access points; catheter docks in a separate protected port; single-use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during device insertion (e.g., sampling catheters, bronchoscopes); includes the turbulent cleaning chamber.
• Sleeve tether helps prevent over-retraction of the catheter.
• Double Swivel Elbow (DSE) connector offers flexible positioning with fewer connectors.
• Numbered depth markings support controlled insertion depth.

Procedures supported in a closed circuit

• Routine airway suctioning
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchoscopy via Multi-Access Port
• Metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivery on MDI Built-In options

Configurations and options

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

Sizes and lengths (typical)

• Adult: 12, 14, 16 Fr; lengths ~54 cm (ETT) and ~30.5 cm (tracheostomy)
• Neonatal/Pediatric: ~5–12 Fr (e.g., 8 Fr, 10 Fr); lengths ~30.5–40.5 cm; supplied with size-appropriate Y adapters

Materials and sterility

• Sterile, single-patient use; gamma sterilized
• Free of natural rubber latex and DEHP
• Typical in-use time: up to 72 hours (per manufacturer instructions)
• Typical shelf life: about 3 years

Performance and infection-control notes

• Closed design aims to contain secretions, limit caregiver exposure, and help maintain oxygenation and PEEP during suctioning
• Manufacturer-reported testing indicates the Turbo-Cleaning chamber improves catheter tip cleanliness and is associated with reduced tip colonization over typical use duration

Compatibility and accessories

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits for endotracheal or tracheostomy applications
• Neonatal/Pediatric versions include Y adapters matched to common ETT connectors
• Compatible with the Avanos BALLARD Multi-Access Port system; the Avanos Mini-BAL sampling catheter can be used via the alternate therapy port without opening the circuit