Description

The BALLARD Closed Suction System by Avanos Medical, Inc. is an advanced medical device designed for effective airway suctioning in mechanically ventilated patients. This system is particularly beneficial for adults, neonates, and pediatric patients, allowing healthcare professionals to perform suctioning without disconnecting the patient from the ventilator. This feature is crucial in maintaining continuous ventilation and oxygenation while significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination and ventilator-associated infections.

Key Features

• Closed Suction Design: Maintains circuit integrity, minimizing infection risks and preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and events (VAE).
• Turbo-Cleaning Chamber: Features a retractable catheter within a vacuum-sealed chamber, ensuring a cleaner catheter tip and reducing catheter tip colonization.
• One-Way Lavage Port and Hinged Valve: Prevents sprayback and isolates the catheter tip, enhancing safety during use.
• Patented PEEP Seal Technology: Minimizes PEEP loss, maintaining circuit integrity.
• Integrated MDI Port: Optional feature for convenient medication delivery.

Usability and Design

• Thumb-Controlled Suction Valve: Provides controlled suctioning with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental activation.
• Depth Markings and Low Durometer Catheter: Allows precise suction depth measurement while minimizing tracheal trauma.
• Latex-Free and Sterile: Ensures safety and hygiene for single-patient use.
• Adapter Options: Includes "Y" adapters or elbow adapters, compatible with various endotracheal tube sizes for neonatal and pediatric patients.

Material and Sizes

Crafted from high-quality PVC, the catheter is smooth and flexible, designed to reduce tissue trauma. The system is available in various sizes:

• Neonatal/Pediatric Sizes: 5Fr, 6Fr, 7Fr, 8Fr (30.5 cm); 10Fr, 12Fr (40.5 cm); 12Fr, 14Fr, 16Fr (54 cm).
• Adult Sizes: Specified in French (Fr) measurements.

Clinical Benefits

The BALLARD Closed Suction System offers significant clinical benefits, including:

• Up to 89% cleaner catheter tip at 72 hours compared to standard systems.
• Effective maintenance of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and oxygenation during suctioning.
• Comprehensive protection against infection risks for both patients and caregivers.

Instructions and Compliance

To use, attach the system to the ventilator circuit and control suctioning with the thumb valve. Clean the catheter by flushing saline through the dedicated port and replace it weekly or as per institutional protocol. The system complies with ISO 80369-7 standards and is FDA approved, ensuring high-quality performance.

Packaging

Each catheter is supplied in compact packaging, with 20 catheters per box, designed for easy storage and single-patient use. This innovative system supports healthcare providers in delivering safer, more efficient care in critical settings.