Description

The Kangaroo Gastrostomy Feeding Tube with Y-Ports is expertly designed for patients requiring enteral feeding due to an inability to consume sufficient nourishment orally. This skin-level gastrostomy tube, often referred to as a button type, is intended for insertion into a pre-formed stoma, providing reliable access for enteral feeds, fluids, and medication.

Key Features

• Size and Material: The tube is sized at 16 French (Fr) with a 20 cc capacity, crafted from durable medical-grade silicone to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Feeding Port: The purple, enteral-specific feeding port is designed to be incompatible with lure-lock or I.V. connections, significantly reducing the risk of accidental misconnections.
• Connector: Features a dual port enteral connector engineered to minimize tubing misconnections.

Retention and Measurement

• Retention Mechanism: Equipped with a rounded skin disc for external retention and an internal gastric balloon to prevent fluid leakage.
• Graduated Shaft: Allows for easy measurement of stoma depth.
• Rounded Tip: The tube's tip is rounded with an open distal end for optimal performance.

Maintenance and Compatibility

• Y-Port Adapter: The replaceable Y-port adapter facilitates simple maintenance.
• Extension Tube: Connects securely using a two-handed technique, ensuring compatibility exclusively with Kangaroo extensions.
• Color Coding: The purple feeding port clearly indicates its nutritional purpose.

Intended Use

This tube supports various feeding methods, including bolus, intermittent, or continuous feeding. It also aids in medication administration, free drainage, and venting or decompression of the stomach.

Handling and Care

• Daily Rotation: Recommended to rotate the tube daily, unless it is a gastrojejunal tube.
• Secure Placement: Ensure the external disc sits flush with the abdomen.
• Cleaning Protocols: Adhere to specific bathing and cleaning protocols for ongoing care.
• Securement: Proper securement and skin care around the tube are crucial to prevent complications.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of tube position is advised.
• Extension Securement: For long or continuous feeds, a yellow clip can be used to secure the extension, preventing accidental disconnection.
• Disconnection Technique: When disconnecting, hold the center of the button and pull the extension straight out from the connector.
• Blocked Tubes: Should be flushed with warm water using a gentle push-pull motion; avoid excessive force or using carbonated drinks.

Additional Notes

Kangaroo buttons are being phased out but may remain in use until 2027. Troubleshooting includes managing leakage, blockage, and broken adapters, with replacements available through appropriate hospital departments if needed.