Description

Overview

A low-profile, skin-level, double-lumen gastric-jejunal feeding tube designed by Avanos (MIC-KEY is a registered trademark) for pediatric and adult patients. It delivers enteral nutrition, medications, and water into the jejunum while allowing simultaneous gastric decompression/venting through a separate lumen. The device is secured internally by an inflatable silicone balloon and externally by a low-profile bolster; feeding is performed using detachable MIC-KEY extension sets that can be removed between feeds.

Design and ports

• Button with three labeled access points:
• JEJUNAL port: for post-pyloric feeding.
• GASTRIC port: for decompression/venting via gravity or low intermittent suction as directed.
• BAL port: for balloon inflation/deflation.
• JEJUNAL and GASTRIC ports have one-way valves that open when a MIC-KEY extension set is attached. No dedicated medication port; medications are administered via jejunal or gastric port per clinician direction.

Connectivity and accessories

• Available with ENFit connectors; non-ENFit catheter-tip versions also exist (availability varies by region/lot).
• SECUR-LOK mechanism on extension sets mates to either the gastric or jejunal port; options include continuous/pump and bolus styles.

Key features

• Tungsten-weighted jejunal limb to help maintain position, with a radiopaque stripe for visualization.
• Multiple exit ports on jejunal and gastric limbs to support flow and help reduce clogging.
• Tapered distal tip to aid placement.

Sizes and specifications

• French sizes: 14, 16, 18, 22.
• Jejunal lengths: 15, 22, 30, 45 cm (availability varies by French size).
• Stoma (button stem) lengths: approximately 1.0–7.0 cm in defined increments.
• Jejunal length is measured from the distal aspect of the retention balloon to the catheter tip.

Materials and sterility

• Tube: medical-grade silicone; internal silicone retention balloon.
• Additional materials: polyether imide, polycarbonate, barium sulfate, stainless steel spring; extension sets: PVC (with citrate softener), ABS; clamp: polypropylene.
• Not formulated with natural rubber latex or DEHP/DBP/BBP.
• Sterile (gamma sterilized); single-use; prescription device (Rx only).

Balloon and inflation

• Access balloon via the BAL port. Inflate with sterile or distilled water only; do not use saline.
• Recommended fill volumes by jejunal length:
• 15, 22, or 30 cm: 3 mL (maximum 5 mL)
• 45 cm: 7 mL (maximum 10 mL)

Use and care

• Balloon water check at least weekly: withdraw and discard, then reinflate with fresh sterile/distilled water to the recommended volume.
• Up to ~0.5 mL variance may be normal; larger deficits or fluid resembling gastric contents suggest balloon failure—secure the tube and arrange replacement.
• Fit adjustment: less water loosens; more tightens. Adjust within recommended volumes; if issues persist, re-measure tract length.
• Gastric decompression: use appropriate extension set; employ gravity or low intermittent suction only.
• Clean external tube/ports with warm water and mild soap; rinse and dry. Use water-soluble lubricant if needed. Do not rotate the external bolster; the base should rest ~1–2 mm above the skin. Always access ports using MIC-KEY extension sets; practice hand hygiene.

Placement and verification

GJ tubes typically require endoscopic or fluoroscopic techniques for replacement. If position is uncertain, instill water-soluble contrast via the device and obtain an upright abdominal radiograph.

Typical kit contents

GJ tube; one continuous/pump and one bolus MIC-KEY extension set (about 12 in/30 cm); one 35 mL ENFit syringe; one 6 mL luer-slip syringe; Patient Use & Care Guide; gauze pads. (Stoma measuring device typically not included.)

Regulatory and storage

CE marked; manufactured under an ISO 13485–compliant quality system. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat/radiation. Shelf life commonly 2 years from date of manufacture.