MIC-KEY Low-Profile Balloon Gastrostomy Feeding Tube: Uses, Benefits & Care Guide

Enteral feeding is a life-sustaining therapy for people who are unable to meet their nutritional needs by mouth. Among the devices designed to support long-term enteral nutrition, the Avanos MIC-KEY Low-Profile Balloon Gastrostomy Feeding Tube stands out for its discreet design, patient comfort, and ease of use.

In this guide, we break down what the MIC-KEY tube is, how it works, its benefits, care instructions, and how it fits into modern feeding routines — distilled from clinical guides and manufacturer instructions.

 What Is the MIC-KEY Low-Profile Balloon Gastrostomy Feeding Tube?

The MIC-KEY Low-Profile Balloon Gastrostomy Feeding Tube is a medical device used to deliver nutrition, fluids, and medication directly into the stomach via a stoma — a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall. It’s designed for patients who require long-term enteral feeding and who cannot tolerate oral intake.

Unlike traditional long tubes that protrude significantly from the belly, the MIC-KEY tube sits flush with the skin, making it more comfortable and less noticeable under clothing — a design sometimes referred to as a “button” or low-profile tube.

Key Features & Design

1. Medical-Grade Silicone Construction
The tube is made from high-clarity, flexible medical-grade silicone, which reduces irritation and adapts comfortably to body movement.

2. Inflatable Retention Balloon
A silicone balloon at the internal tip is inflated with sterile or distilled water to hold the tube securely inside the stomach. This balloon retention system allows for easier bedside removal and replacement in many cases.

3. Low-Profile, Skin-Level Design
Because it rests at skin level, the tube is discreet and less likely to catch on clothing or be disturbed during daily activities.

4. Radiopaque Stripe
A radiopaque (X-ray visible) stripe is integrated into the tube, helping clinicians verify positioning if imaging is needed.

 How It Works

Once placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach using clinical guidance (e.g., endoscopic or radiologic techniques), the external base of the MIC-KEY tube sits just above the skin surface. Caregivers and clinicians can then attach extension sets to deliver enteral formula, fluids, and medications.

Micro-key extension sets with ENFit® connectors ensure safe, standardized connection to feeding syringes, bags, or pumps, reducing the risk of misconnections and improving feeding efficiency.

Typical feeding options include:

• Bolus feeding – delivered intermittently with a syringe.

• Continuous feeding – delivered slowly over hours via a pump.

• Medication delivery – where appropriate and according to clinical instructions.

 Benefits of a Low-Profile Balloon Gastrostomy Tube

•  Improved Comfort
  Sits at skin level and reduces snagging or pulling.
•  Easier Daily Life
  The discreet design increases comfort for active and mobile patients.
•  Multiple Feeding Options
  Compatible with bolus and continuous feeding via compatible extension sets.
•  Simplified Replacement
  Balloon systems can often be changed at the bedside by trained professionals without the need for surgery.

 Care, Maintenance & Safety

Proper care ensures longevity, reduces infection risk, and keeps the stoma site healthy:

• Daily Cleaning: Clean around the stoma with mild soap and water.

• Rotate the Tube: Gently rotate the tube a full circle daily to prevent tissue adherence.

• Flush After Feeding/Medication: Always flush with water before and after feeding or medication to prevent clogging.

• Balloon Management: Keep the balloon inflated with the prescribed amount of sterile/distilled water and check regularly.

• Replace Extension Sets: Follow clinician guidance on how often to replace extension sets — usually every few weeks.

Important: Do not insert medications directly into the feeding port without proper dilution. Always consult healthcare professionals for individual care instructions.

 Choosing the Right Tube

MIC-KEY tubes are available in different French sizes and stoma lengths to suit patients from paediatric to adult care. Correct sizing is critical — a tube that’s too short or too long can cause discomfort or complications.

 Extension Sets with ENFit Connectors

To deliver feeds and fluids, the MIC-KEY system uses extension sets with ENFit® connectors, a standardized system that enhances safety and compatibility across feeding equipment.

These extension sets attach securely with SECUR-LOK connectors, helping prevent disconnection during feeding and allowing both bolus and continuous enteral delivery.