Mic Key balloon button (3011)

What is a MIC-Key button?

A MIC-Key button is a button type gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding tube.  It is held in place by a water balloon.  

Your child may have had a tube changed to this tube or this may be your child’s very first tube. If your child had a tube changed to a MIC-Key button, you will get more instructions on how to change it. 

Why does my child have a MIC-Key button?

You and your child’s doctor decided this kind of feeding tube would be the best for your child at this time.
Your child’s MIC-Key button tube size is _____________.

How do I care for the tube?

See the Caring for a Child with a Feeding Tube Notebook

Information and videos on website:

• Cleaning the site
• Giving feedings
• Flushing the tube
• Giving medicines
• Venting the tube
• Common skin problems 

Balloon port
There is a port on the side.  This is where you add or remove water to the balloon.  If your child’s button has never been changed yet, do not check the amount of water in the balloon port.                                       
To check the amount of water in the balloon: 

1. Attach a slip tip syringe to the balloon port. 
2. Pull back on plunger.  Look at amount of water.
3. Add any more sterile, distilled or bottled water to the balloon port if needed.
 
Extension sets

Extension sets are tubing that connect to the button.  These are needed to give feedings and medicines through the button.
To attach the extension set:  

1. Open the port cover on button.
2. Hold button firmly.
3. Attach the extension set.

• Line up the black lines on the extension set and the button.
• Push the extension set in all the way. 
• Gently turn clockwise.  It is locked into place when the black lines are not lined up.

To remove the extension set:  

1. Hold button firmly.
2. Gently turn extension set counter clockwise until the black line meets with black line on button.
3. Pull up on extension set until removed from button.
4. Close port cover on button.

Cleaning extension sets:

• Rinse the extension sets in between use.
• Clean the extension sets every day with dish soap and hot water.  Hand wash only.  Do not put them in the dishwasher. 
• Change the extension sets every week.

How do I replace the tube?

If this is your child’s first tube, you should not replace it until you told to do so.  

• If this is your child’s first tube, it needs to stay in place 6 weeks before it is changed.  This is needed for the tract to heal.  After this time, the tube can safely be changed.
• If your child’s tube has been changed, you need to keep a MIC-Key button of the same size at home. 
• Change the tube every 3 to 6 months or sooner if it fails.  It is important to check gastric content after a tube change.

Other teaching sheets that may be helpful

• #3000 MIC-Key Button Insertion Procedure  

Problem: Leaking of formula or stomach juices at the site where tube is in the skin
Causes:
Balloon broke or had water removed.
Child is ill or sick.  Sometimes when your child is sick with coughing or throwing up, there is leaking at the site.
Solution:
Check the amount of water in the balloon.  If your child’s button has never been changed, do not check the amount of water in the balloon.
Call your child’s doctor or nurse if leaking keeps happening or you are not able to fix it.  

Problem: Leaking from the center feeding valve. This is where the extension set attaches to the button.
Causes: Lack of flushing after use.
Solution:
Flush water through the extension set briskly after each use. 
Check that the feeding port is closed.
If there is a lot of leaking change the button.  If this is your child’s first tube, do not replace.  

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: Button appears too tight or too loose
Causes:
Balloon broke or had water removed.
Your child gained or lost weight.
Solution:
Check the amount of water in the balloon.  If your child’s button has never been changed, do not check the amount of water in the balloon.
Your child may need a smaller or longer length of button.  Talk to your child’s nurse or doctor if the button still is not fitting well after checking the balloon.