Ballard Medical

Ballard Medical Products was a leading developer and manufacturer of disposable medical devices focused on critical care and surgical applications. The company was particularly renowned for its respiratory care products, such as the Trach Care closed suction catheter system, and its enteral feeding products, including the MIC-KEY skin-level gastrostomy tube. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Draper, Utah, Ballard Medical established a strong market presence through innovation in infection control and patient comfort. In 1999, the company was acquired by Kimberly-Clark for approximately $774 million to bolster its healthcare division. Today, the legacy of Ballard Medical continues under Avanos Medical, which maintains many of the original Ballard brands following its spin-off from Kimberly-Clark.