Ballard Closed Suction Catheter System

Description

The Avanos BALLARD Closed Suction System is an in‑line, closed suction catheter for mechanically ventilated patients (endotracheal or tracheostomy). It enables suctioning without breaking the ventilator circuit, helping preserve ventilation/PEEP and limiting cross‑contamination risk.

Key technologies and design

• BALLARD Turbo‑Cleaning: catheter retracts into an isolated, vacuum‑sealed turbulent cleaning chamber that scrubs the catheter tip.
• PEEP Seal technology to help reduce PEEP loss and drive turbulent cleansing.
• One‑way lavage port to help prevent sprayback.
• Hinged valve that isolates the catheter tip and helps prevent inadvertent lavage.
• Optional integrated MDI port for medication delivery without circuit disconnection.
• Multi‑Access Port variant: compact rotating manifold with multiple access points; the catheter locks into a separate port and remains connected and protected. A single‑use seal cassette helps maintain PEEP during insertion of sampling catheters or bronchoscopes.
• Sleeve tether to help prevent over‑retraction of the catheter.
• Double Swivel Elbow connector for flexibility with fewer connectors.
• Numbered catheters to help control insertion depth.

Supported procedures in a closed circuit

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

Configurations and options

• Patient groups: Adult and Neonatal/Pediatric
• Airway interfaces: Endotracheal and Tracheostomy
• Connector styles: Double Swivel Elbow, Standard, T‑Piece, Directional, Dual Lumen, and Multi‑Access Port
• Options: Dry or WET PAK (WET PAK includes saline vials); MDI Built‑In variants available
• Size/length examples: Adult 12, 14, 16 Fr; typical lengths 30.5 cm (trach) and 54 cm (ETT). Neonatal/Pediatric 5–12 Fr; lengths approximately 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 in‑use time: up to 72 hours (per manufacturer)
• Shelf life: commonly specified as 3 years

Performance and infection‑control notes

• Manufacturer‑reported comparative testing shows Turbo‑Cleaning yields an approximately 89% cleaner catheter tip versus a standard closed suction system.
• Closed design aims to contain secretions, limit caregiver exposure, and help maintain PEEP and oxygenation during suctioning to support best practices for reducing ventilator‑associated events.

Compatibility and accessories

• Integrates with standard ventilator circuits; Neo/Paed versions include Y adapters matched to common ETT connectors.
• Compatible with the Avanos Mini‑BAL Bronchial Aspirate Sampling Catheter when using the Multi‑Access Port system.