What is a Mickey Button?
A Mickey button, properly known by its brand name MIC-KEY™, is a low-profile gastrostomy feeding tube (G-tube). It is a small, skin-level device made of silicone that is placed through a surgical opening, called a stoma, in the abdomen and into the stomach. The button is designed to sit flat against the skin, making it less conspicuous than traditional feeding tubes. An inflatable balloon on the inside holds it securely against the stomach wall, and a separate external extension set is used to connect for feeding or medication administration.
Components of the Mickey Button
Understanding the distinct parts of the Mickey button is key to proper care and function. These include:
- The Balloon: Located at the end of the tube, inside the stomach, this is inflated with sterile water to hold the button in place. It is essential for securing the device and is checked weekly to ensure it is properly filled.
- The External Base: This part sits flat against the skin of the abdomen and is designed for comfort and discretion.
- The Feeding Port: A one-way valve on the external base that is accessed with a compatible extension set for feedings and medication.
- The Balloon Port: A separate port on the external base, often labeled "BAL", is used exclusively to inflate or deflate the internal balloon with sterile water using a syringe.
- Extension Sets: These are removable tubes that connect to the feeding port to deliver fluids. They come in different types, such as bolus (straight) or continuous (right-angle), depending on the feeding method.
Who Needs a Mickey Button?
The Mickey button is used for patients who require long-term enteral feeding but cannot tolerate oral feeding. Common reasons for needing this device include:
- Neurological disorders: Conditions affecting swallowing, such as cerebral palsy or stroke, increase the risk of aspiration.
- Failure to thrive: In children, a Mickey button can provide supplemental or total nutrition if they cannot consume enough food to grow and develop properly.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Problems with food moving through the esophagus or severe reflux can necessitate direct feeding into the stomach.
- Gastric decompression: The tube can also be used to relieve bloating by venting gas from the stomach.
- Post-surgery: Some cancer or gastrointestinal disorder treatments may require temporary or long-term feeding support.
Types of MIC-KEY™ Buttons: G-tube vs. GJ-tube
There are different versions of the MIC-KEY™ button depending on the patient's needs. The two primary types are the G-tube and the GJ-tube.
Comparison of MIC-KEY™ G-Tube and GJ-Tube
| Feature | MIC-KEY™ G-Tube | MIC-KEY™ GJ-Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding Location | Feeds directly into the stomach (Gastric) | Feeds into the stomach and small intestine (Jejunum) |
| Design | Single port for feeding and medication delivery | Three ports: one for jejunal feeding, one for gastric drainage, and one for the balloon |
| Indications | Used for patients who can tolerate stomach feedings | Ideal for patients with slow stomach emptying, severe reflux, or other gastrointestinal issues |
| Feeding Method | Can be used for bolus or continuous feedings | Typically requires continuous feedings via the jejunal port |
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is vital to prevent complications and ensure the device functions correctly. Key steps include:
- Daily Skin Care: Clean the stoma site daily with mild soap and water, and dry it thoroughly. This prevents skin irritation and infection.
- Regular Flushing: Flush the tube with water before and after each feeding or medication administration to prevent blockages.
- Balloon Checks: Check and replace the water in the internal balloon regularly, as instructed by your healthcare provider, to ensure it remains inflated and secure.
- Replacement Schedule: The Mickey button typically needs to be replaced every three to six months, depending on the individual and manufacturer guidelines.
- Emergency Kit: Always keep a spare button, extension set, and syringe readily available in case of dislodgement.
The Installation and Replacement Process
The initial placement of a Mickey button, or any gastrostomy tube, is a surgical procedure done under general anesthesia. It can be performed in several ways, including endoscopically, radiologically, or surgically. During placement, a surgeon creates a stoma, or opening, and inserts the tube, inflating the internal balloon to secure it.
Unlike traditional PEG tubes, a Mickey button is a secondary device that is often inserted after the initial stoma has healed. Its low-profile design allows for easier, outpatient replacement, which can often be done by trained caregivers or community nurses, avoiding the need for repeated surgical procedures. The outpatient replacement procedure involves deflating the old balloon, removing the tube, lubricating and inserting the new tube, and then reinflating the balloon.
Living with a Mickey Button
Patients living with a Mickey button can generally lead normal, active lives. The low-profile design is discreet and allows for comfortable mobility. Most daily activities, including bathing and swimming, are safe once the stoma has healed. A key aspect of life with a Mickey button is the ongoing management of nutrition and medication. This requires coordination with a healthcare team, including dietitians, to ensure proper feeding schedules and nutritional intake.
Conclusion
A Mickey button is a low-profile gastrostomy feeding device that offers a reliable and less invasive solution for long-term enteral feeding. Its discreet design, secure balloon retention, and ease of replacement make it a preferred option for many patients requiring nutritional support. While the device necessitates careful daily maintenance, it significantly enhances the quality of life for individuals who cannot swallow safely, allowing them to receive essential nutrition, fluids, and medication. For more detailed product information, individuals should consult their healthcare provider and the manufacturer's official resources.
For more information on the manufacturer of the MIC-KEY™ device, visit the Avanos Medical website.
