MicKey button tube insertion procedure (3000)

Key points below


What do I need to know before I place a MIC-Key button?

If your child still has their very first tube, and it was never changed before, then do not change the button. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when the first tube change will happen.

If your child’s tube has been changed and you were shown how to change it, then you can change it yourself. Change the button every 3 to 6 months. Sometimes the button needs to be changed sooner if it fails.

See the Caring for a Child with a Feeding Tube Notebook or go to www.childrenswi.org/gtube. This has a video on how to change the button. You can also use the manual that came in the button kit.
If you were never shown how to change a button, talk with your child’s nurse or doctor.

Helpful tips

Put in a Ziploc® bag:

Spare MIC-Key button kit
Water soluble lubricants like K-Y jelly™ or Surgilube®
Sterile, distilled or bottled water
Gauze

How do I replace the button?

1.  Get supplies ready.slip tip syringe

2.  Wash your hands with soap and water.

3.  Open the kit and get the new button ready.

4.  Remove the button from your child.

5.  Place the new button.

6.  Gently pull up on the button. 

7.  Wipe away the extra lubricant from the skin.

8.  Turn or spin button in the tract.

9.  Check that the button is in the right place.

Fill chart

What problems may I have when replacing the button?

Problem: Button fell out

Causes: 

Solution: 

Problem: The button will not go back in

Causes: Opening in skin may have started to shrink.

Solution:

Problem: Balloon will not deflate

Causes: Balloon port clogged.

Solution: Gently twist the slip tip syringe in the balloon port until the valve is opened. Using a moist cotton-tipped applicator, clean out the balloon port. Attach a syringe and try again. Call the clinic to talk to the nurse or doctor if this does not work. If this is your child’s first tube, you should not check water balloon.

Problem: The button needs changing and no spare button at home

Causes: 

Solution: 

Other teaching sheets that may be helpful

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if:

  • you are not able to replace the button tube.
  • the tube site is closing up.
  • your child has feeding problems such as vomiting or gagging.
  • you are not able to spin the tube in the tract.