FAQs

Food and liquids are delivered through the tube and into the stomach through the feeding port with help of a MIC-KEY* Extension Set with SECUR-LOK* connector and Safety Ring.  The MIC-KEY* Extension Set excellently fits into the MIC-KEY* feeding port, opening or unlocking the anti-reflux valve. Using the appropriate extension set results in less risk of leakage due to the designed and tested compatibility. The Safety Ring helps prevent inadvertent connection to intravenous lines. When not in use, the feeding port should be capped off with the attached cover. Once the extension set is disconnected, the anti-reflux valve, located inside and toward the top of the feeding port, helps prevent stomach contents from leaking out of the tube. Make sure you always use the appropriate extension set.

The balloon should be filled with distilled or sterile water. Saline and tap water are not recommended as they may damage the balloon. Air is also not recommended for inflation.

The balloon volume should be checked weekly and additional water added if the amount in the balloon is less than the amount prescribed by the physician. An underfilled balloon could cause the tube to fall out or become dislodged. Check the IFU for recommended fill volumes as they vary by tube size.

CAUTION: USE CARE WHILE FILLING OR REMOVING WATER FROM THE BALLOON. BE SURE TO STABILISE THE FEEDING TUBE IN THE STOMA AS IT MAY BE EASILY PULLED OR FALL OUT WHEN THE BALLOON IS DEFLATED.

A 6 ml Luer syringe is included with the MIC-KEY* G-Tube and is intended to fill or empty the balloon when recurring volume checks are made and when the feeding tube is replaced. A 35 ml ENFit® syringe should be used when priming and flushing the MIC-KEY* extension sets and when checking for proper placement of the feeding tube.

1. Always wash hands with soap and water and dry before handling the tube.
2. Inspect the stoma site for signs of redness and irritation. If this occurs, please contact your medical professional.
3. Clean the tube and the skin surrounding the tube daily with mild soap and water, rinse and dry thoroughly or as directed by your managing Healthcare Professional.
4. Open the cap of the tube and clean the outside of the feeding port carefully with a cotton tipped applicator.
5. Do not use any dressings under the MIC-KEY* G-tube, unless clinically indicated.
6. Every week: Replace the extension set with a new one.
7. Every two weeks: Check the volume of water in the balloon every 2 weeks. Ensure the tube is held in place when deflating the balloon so it does not fall out.
8. Gently rotate the MIC-KEY* G-tube a full circle plus a quarter turn in the stoma before you clean it. Do not rotate Jejunal or Gastric-Jejunal tubes as they extend into the jejunum and rotating may cause them to torque and retract into the stomach.

Insert the MIC-KEY* Extension Set into the feeding port of the button, aspirate residual stomach contents and measure the pH of the aspirate with pH indicator paper.  The pH should be lower or equal to 5.5 In case of doubt, contact your medical doctor.

The FARRELL* Decompression System is a closed enteral system intended to allow excess gas to be removed from your stomach (gastric distention/bloating) and to prevent the loss of tube feeds, medication and stomach contents. While venting, any tube feed that goes into the FARRELL* bag and tubing must be gravity fed back into the patient. The white roller clamp helps control the speed at which the tube feed is fed into the patient. The FARRELL* Valve System is for use with neonates, paediatric, and adult patients. A syringe can be attached to your extension set or standard-length tube prior to using the FARRELL* bag to reduce pressure. For details on how to use the FARRELL* bag, check out the patient care guide or video.

Medications should be given in liquid form. Thick medication can plug the feeding port. If a medication is only available in tablets or capsules, make sure it can be crushed and mixed with water. Medication should not be mixed with formula as they may harden together and cause the tube to become occluded. Never crush enteric-coated medication.

Before and between each medication the medication port or tubing should be flushed with water.

Leakage may occur for a variety of reasons.

• You may be feeding too rapidly or feeding too large a volume. Always consult with your care team before making any adjustments to your feeding regime.
• Improper positioning during feeds. Keep the head elevated at least 30 degrees during and 1 hour after feeding. This can also help prevent aspiration.
• Your balloon may not have the adequate amount of water. Balloon volume checks every 2 weeks can help ensure you have the correct amount. Your balloon may be leaking if you notice the fluid volume is continuously below the prescribed amount. If the balloon does have a leak, it will need to be replaced.
• The device may be poorly sized or inadequately stabilised and you should have your clinician re-evaluate the tube using a stoma measuring device.

CAUTION: USE CARE WHILE FILLING OR REMOVING WATER FROM THE BALLOON. THE FEEDING TUBE MAY FALL OUT OR BE EASILY PULLED OUT.

If you suspect gastric leakage:

• Gently clean and dry the site, then check the site after 30 minutes to see if there is any fresh leakage. This will indicate whether there is actual gastric leakage and not just spillage from a previous feeding or tube check. If there is actual gastric leakage and the skin is intact, you may ask your physician whether you should apply a skin protectant or moisture barrier such as zinc oxide ointment. Notify the physician if skin redness extends more than 1 cm from the stoma or is accompanied by pain, swelling or removed skin.

The MIC* Gastrostomy Feeding Tube (MIC* G-Tube) is used to provide a means of accessing the stomach to provide tube feeds, liquids and medication. It may also be used as a means to release excess air or contents from the stomach.

The MIC* G-Tube is made of silicone and is kept in place by an internal balloon that keeps the tube from falling out of the stomach and a SECUR-LOK* external retention ring or disc that keeps the tube from migrating into the stomach. The tube should be capped when not in use.

The gastric-jejunal feeding tube is used to provide a means of accessing the stomach and jejunum to provide tube feeds, liquids, medication and decompression. This type of tube extends through the stomach and into the jejunum for feeding into the small intestine. The jejunal feeding port will be used to administer feeds and medication. The gastric port can be used for decompression or medication (only if advised by your care team). Low-profile GJ tubes, such as e.g. MIC-KEY* GJ-Tubes, require an extension set to open the valves to administer tube feeds, liquids, and medications.

The J or jejunal feeding tube is used to provide a means of accessing the jejunum to provide tube feeds, liquids, and medication directly to the small intestine. The jejunal feeding tube is made of silicone and is kept in place by an internal balloon that keeps the tube from falling out of the stomach and a fixed external retention disc that keeps the tube from migrating into the stomach. Low-profile J-Tubes require an extension set to open the valves to administer tube feeds, liquids, and medication.