THE MIC

mercurysmom · Nov 25, 2015

MIC and MIC-KEY are registered trademarks for enteral feeding tubes made by Kimberly-Clark, which is now called Haylard.

Here's more info: http://www.halyardhealth.com/solutions/digestive-health.aspx

mercurysmom · Nov 25, 2015

I think that, in some circles, MIC tubes and MIC-KEY buttons have become a name used for lots of different brand tubes, the way we call any facial tissue "Kleenex" and any adhesive bandage a "bandaid."

The MIC-KEY button is a low profile Gastrostomy tube with a connecting tube that locks into place, hence the "KEY." The AMT Mini-ONE is another brand of low profile Gastrostomy tube that I've seen quite frequently as well. Mic-Key G Tube Comparison | Tube Feeding Mini ONE

I'm not sure when they adder the "ONE" to the name, but I bet it was done for marketing purposes to set it apart from Kimberly Clark products.

(Get it? Mickey and Minnie? [emoji12])

IMHO as a nurse as well as an individual with enteral feeding tubes, the brands aren't really *that* different. In fact, the MIC-KEY and AMT Mini ONE feeding extensions are interchangeable.

These are the REALLY important distinctions to make:

PEG tube: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy tube. This refers to the way the tube is placed. J tubes can be endoscopically placed, as well (PEJ). Here's a description of the process: Medscape: Medscape Access

Not all G tubes and J tubes are placed endoscopically. They can also be placed via open surgery or laparoscopically.

GJ tube:this tube has two lumens. (Well, actually three if it has a port to fill a retention balloon.) one lumen opens into the stomach, and the other opens into the Jejunum. This way, the gastrostomy port can be used for venting and med administration, while the jejunostomy port is used to administer continuous jejunal feeds via a pump.

G tubes and J tubes can also be placed separately. The patient will have two insertion sites and two tubes. It is imperative to confirm which tube is which and be sure they are labeled clearly.