Description

Avanos (Ballard) BALLARD Closed Suction Catheter System is an in-line, closed suction solution for mechanically ventilated patients via endotracheal tube (ETT) or tracheostomy. It enables airway suctioning without opening the ventilator circuit to help maintain ventilation and PEEP while limiting secretion escape and cross-contamination. The system incorporates cleaning and sealing technologies to support consistent suction performance during routine care and advanced procedures.

Key technologies and design

• BALLARD Turbo-Cleaning: catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum-sealed chamber where turbulent flow helps scrub the tip.
• PEEP Seal technology to help reduce PEEP loss and drive turbulent cleansing within the chamber.
• One-way lavage port to help prevent sprayback.
• Hinged valve isolates the catheter tip and helps prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Optional integrated MDI port for medication delivery without circuit disconnection (on select models).
• Multi-Access Port: compact rotating manifold with a protected port and single-use seal cassette to help maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters or bronchoscopes.
• Sleeve tether to help prevent over-retraction.
• Numbered depth markings for controlled insertion.

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.
• Package options: Dry; WET PAK (includes saline vials).

Sizes and lengths (typical)

• Adult: 12, 14, 16 Fr; typical lengths ~30.5 cm (tracheostomy) and ~54 cm (endotracheal). ISO color coding where used: 12 Fr white; 14 Fr green; 16 Fr orange.
• Neonatal/Pediatric: ~5–12 Fr; approximate lengths ~30.5–40.5 cm; supplied with size-appropriate Y adapters for ventilator integration.

Materials and sterility

• Sterile, single-patient use; gamma sterilized.
• Free of natural rubber latex and DEHP.
• Typical validated in-use time up to 72 hours; typical shelf life ~3 years (manufacturer provided).

Performance and infection control

Manufacturer-reported testing shows Turbo-Cleaning yields approximately 89% cleaner catheter tips versus a standard closed suction system, with reduced catheter-tip bacterial load over 72 hours. The closed, sealed design is intended to contain secretions, limit caregiver exposure, and help maintain PEEP/oxygenation during suctioning; reduced colonization may help lower risk of ventilator-associated events.

Compatibility and supported procedures

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits.
• Multi-Access Port compatible with the Avanos Mini-BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter.
• Procedures: routine airway suctioning; bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchoscopy when using the Multi-Access Port; metered-dose inhaler delivery on models with built-in MDI port.

Variant: Double Swivel Elbow

• Dual swivels provide flexible circuit positioning with fewer connectors.
• Available for both endotracheal and tracheostomy applications.
• Offered in Dry and WET PAK options; MDI-equipped versions available on selected sizes.
• Numbered catheters aid insertion depth control.