What Are MIC Gastric-Jejunal Tubes?

MIC Gastric-Jejunal Tubes are advanced enteral feeding tubes designed for patients requiring both gastric decompression and jejunal nutrition simultaneously. Inserted through an existing gastrostomy stoma, these tubes feature dual lumens:

• Gastric lumen: for decompression or drainage of stomach contents
• Jejunal lumen: for direct feeding into the jejunum

These tubes are especially useful when gastric feeding leads to aspiration, intolerance, or poor absorption.

The Avanos MIC Balloon ENFit GJ Tubes available in 7–10 ml balloon sizes offer:

• Radiopaque materials for placement visibility
• Clearly marked insertion depths
• Medical-grade silicone construction
• ENFit connectors for enhanced safety

Ideal for both hospital and homecare settings, these tubes ensure dependable enteral access while reducing risks associated with conventional feeding methods.

Why Choose Avanos MIC Balloon ENFit GJ Tubes?

Avanos is a trusted name in enteral access technologies. Their MIC GJ Tubes combine smart engineering with patient-focused design. These tubes include:

• ENFit Connector System: As mandated by ISO 80369-3, ENFit connectors prevent misconnections between enteral and non-enteral systems. They provide a safer, more standardised approach to enteral access.
• Balloon Retention Mechanism: Medical-grade balloons keep the tube securely anchored in place, minimising displacement and improving overall user confidence.
• Dual-Lumen Functionality: Supports both nutrition delivery and gastric decompression in a single device, reducing the need for multiple tubes.

Key benefits of MIC GJ Tubes:

• Designed for long-term enteral feeding
• Simplifies management of complex nutritional needs
• Made from soft, biocompatible materials
• Minimises feeding-related complications

ENFit Safety: Why It Matters

ENFit connectors are a global initiative to standardise enteral feeding systems and eliminate wrong-route errors. Traditional luer-lock systems posed a significant risk of misconnections with IV, respiratory, or other non-enteral lines.ENFit features in MIC GJ Tubes include:

• Locking male/female ends specific to enteral devices
• Transparent, colour-coded ports for easy identification
• Secure connection reduces leakage and contamination
• Universal compatibility with ENFit-compliant syringes and accessories

The Avanos MIC Balloon GJ Tubes fully comply with ENFit standards, making them suitable for use across hospitals, aged care facilities, and in-home nutrition programs.

Clinical tip: Always use ENFit-compatible syringes and extension sets to maintain safety integrity.

Indications and Ideal Use Cases

MIC Gastric-Jejunal Tubes are clinically indicated in patients with:

• Severe reflux or aspiration risk
• Delayed gastric emptying (e.g. due to gastroparesis)
• Post-surgical GI conditions
• Cerebral palsy or neurological swallowing disorders
• Intractable vomiting or malabsorption syndromes

In these cases, GJ tubes ensure:

• Continuous jejunal feeding even when gastric feeding is not tolerated
• Ongoing decompression of stomach contents to prevent nausea, bloating, and aspiration
• A more comfortable and discreet feeding experience, especially in long-term care settings

Procedure note: MIC GJ Tubes are typically inserted under fluoroscopic or endoscopic guidance. Radiopaque markers ensure correct positioning and help monitor for dislodgement.

Tips for Caregivers and Clinical Staff

Effective care and maintenance of MIC GJ Tubes are essential for patient safety and comfort. Here are a few best practices:

1. Daily Stoma Care

• Clean with warm water and gentle soap
• Monitor for redness, leakage, or granulation tissue

2. Routine Flushing

• Use ENFit syringes to flush the jejunal lumen before and after feeding
• Maintain patency and prevent clogging with sterile water flushes (usually 30–60 mL)

3. Balloon Checks and Replacement

• Monitor balloon volume regularly and top up with sterile water if required
• Replace balloon tubes every 3–6 months or as per clinician instructions

4. Secure Tubing

• Use hypoallergenic tape or dedicated securement devices
• Avoid tension or tugging to reduce risk of dislodgement

Avanos also offers a range of accessories compatible with MIC GJ Tubes, including extension sets, clamps, and feeding syringes for holistic care.