Description

The MIC-KEY Low Profile Balloon Gastrostomy Feeding Tube by Avanos is a specialized medical device designed for patients requiring long-term enteral feeding, gastric decompression, or direct medication delivery into the stomach. Its low-profile, skin-level design provides comfort and discretion, making it suitable for patients of all ages, including neonates, children, teens, and adults who cannot tolerate oral feeding.

Key Features

• Comfortable Design: The tube sits flush against the skin, reducing the risk of accidental removal or snagging.
• Internal Retention Balloon: Secured with an inflatable silicone balloon, typically filled with 3–6 mL of sterile or distilled water, ensuring proper placement inside the stomach.
• Anti-Reflux Valve: Equipped with a feeding port that prevents leakage of stomach contents when not in use.
• Separate Ports: Includes distinct ports for balloon inflation and nutrition or medication administration.

Compatibility and Connectors

The device is compatible with extension sets featuring SECUR-LOK connectors and Safety Rings, available for both bolus and continuous feeding. It offers connector types in ENFit or Catheter Tip, enhancing versatility. A radiopaque stripe allows for visualization under imaging, and the tapered, recessed distal tip facilitates easier insertion with reduced trauma.

Material and Safety

Made from medical-grade silicone, the tube is latex-free, ensuring safety for sensitive individuals. It is a single-use, sterile device, maintaining high hygiene standards.

Available Configurations

The tube comes in various outer diameters ranging from 12 to 24 French and stoma lengths from 0.8 cm to 5.0 cm. Options include configurations with or without a medication port, and extension sets with ENFit connectors.

Kit Contents

Depending on the configuration, the kit may include:

• 12-inch bolus and continuous feed extension sets
• 6 mL Luer slip syringe for balloon maintenance
• 35 mL ENFit syringe for priming, flushing, and placement checks
• Gauze pad
• Insertion stylet and water-soluble lubricant (available in select kits in the US)

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance involves daily cleaning of the tube and stoma site, weekly replacement of the extension set, and periodic checking of the balloon volume. The tube should be replaced every 3 to 12 months or as needed.

Contraindications and Complications

Contraindications include conditions such as ascites, colonic interposition, portal hypertension, peritonitis, and morbid obesity. Common complications may involve leakage, blockage, granulation tissue, and site irritation. Proper care and the use of recommended extension sets and syringes can mitigate these issues.

Special Notes

Users are advised to keep an extra tube on hand for emergencies and to note that product characteristics may change without prior notice. Extensions for MIC-KEY, MiniOne, and Nutriport (Kangaroo) are not interchangeable, and saline should not be used for balloon inflation.