Description

The 18Fr MIC-KEY Low Profile Balloon Gastrostomy Feeding Tube is an innovative medical device designed to provide reliable and discreet enteral feeding access. Developed by Kimberly-Clark Health Care, now Avanos Medical, this tube is tailored for patients requiring long-term nutritional support directly to the stomach.

Key Features

• Low-Profile Design: This tube sits flush with the skin, offering comfort and discretion. Its unobtrusive nature reduces the risk of accidental removal and allows it to be easily concealed under clothing.

• Material: Made from high-clarity, medical-grade silicone, it is free from natural rubber and latex, ensuring compatibility with sensitive skin.

• Retention Mechanism: The inflatable internal silicone balloon secures the tube in place. For the 18Fr size, a recommended fill volume of 5 ml with sterile or distilled water is advised, with a maximum capacity of 10 ml.

• Feeding Port: Equipped with an anti-reflux valve to prevent leakage, it is designed for exclusive use with MIC-KEY Extension Sets.

• Connector System: Features a patented universal connector (SECUR-LOK) and ENFit-compatible extension sets to minimize disconnections and enhance durability.

• Radiopacity: Includes a radiopaque stripe for visibility under imaging, aiding in accurate placement.

Additional Features

• Port Configuration: Some models offer separate jejunal and gastric ports for simultaneous feeding and decompression.

• External Base: Designed to rest slightly above the skin to allow air circulation and reduce irritation.

• Sterility: Supplied sterile for single use, with various stoma lengths available to suit individual needs.

Kit Components

The kit may include:

• 12-inch continuous feed and bolus feed extension sets with ENFit connectors
• 6 ml Luer slip syringe for balloon management
• 35 ml ENFit enteral feeding syringe
• Water-soluble lubricant (US only)
• Insertion stylet (US only)
• Gauze pad

Intended Use

This device is suitable for a wide range of patients, from neonates to adults, who are unable to meet nutritional needs orally. It supports both short-term and long-term use, providing essential access for nutrition, hydration, and medication delivery.

Maintenance and Care

• Balloon Maintenance: Regularly check and refill the balloon with sterile or distilled water.

• Cleaning: Clean the tube and stoma site daily, and rotate the tube during cleaning unless contraindicated.

• Flushing: Flush extension sets with water before and after use to prevent clogging.

• Extension Set Use: Only use MIC-KEY extension sets, and avoid direct insertion of medication or formula into the feeding port valve.

• Replacement: Should be conducted by a clinician, with water-soluble lubricants recommended during tube replacement.

Additional Notes

The MIC-KEY tube enhances patient mobility and comfort through its thoughtful design. It is not interchangeable with extension sets from other brands and is suitable for both bolus and continuous feeding, as well as gastric decompression. When not in use, the tube is capped to prevent leakage.