In a recent single center prospective, randomized trial with a crossover design, Abdelhadi, et al. examined differences between the two most commonly used low-profile gastrostomy tubes (g-tubes): the MiniONE^® (Applied Medical Technology Inc., Brecksville, OH) and the Mic-Key^® (Avanos Medical Inc., Alpharetta, GA).¹

THE RESULTS ARE CLEAR: Over 70% of families prefer the AMT MiniONE^® over the Avanos Mic-Key^®.¹

Families who preferred the MiniONE^® stated they liked “the smaller size of the external bolster, the fact that is glows in the dark, and that it seemed to cause less skin problems and be less likely to snag or accidentally get dislodged.”¹

Patient, family, and caregiver preference is an important factor to consider when selecting a low-profile g-tube because management of home enteral nutrition requires significant participation and commitment.¹

A Gastrostomy Tube, also known as a G-Tube, is used to deliver nutrition (food) directly into the stomach. The device is placed through the belly, or abdominal wall, and into the stomach. G-Tubes are available as “low profile” or “traditional length”.

Low Profile refers to the external portion of the device, often called the bolster, being very flat or flush against the skin. The flat/flush design means that low profile devices are easily hidden under clothing. Low profile tubes are often called “buttons”. AMT offers low profile G-Tubes for both children and adults. The MiniONE^® Family includes Balloon, NonBalloon, and Capsule Non-Balloon devices:

• The MiniONE^® Balloon Button has an internal retention balloon with an exclusive apple shape that keeps the device in place. For insertion and removal, the balloon can be inflated and deflated in either a clinical setting or a home-care setting. The balloon fill valve on 12-14F MiniONE^® Balloon devices is compatible with both Luer (slip tip) and Luer Lock syringes; the balloon fill valve on 16-24F devices is compatible with a slip tip syringe.
• The MiniONE^® Non-Balloon and MiniONE^® Capsule Non-Balloon Buttons have a mushroom-shaped internal retention bolster that keeps the device in place. Placement/Removal of non-balloon style devices is to be performed by a qualified clinician.

Traditional Length means that the external portion of the device is long and extends from the body. These tubes are sometimes called “long tubes,” “adjustable length tubes,” “standard length tubes,” and even “danglers.” Traditional length devices have a round disc, or retention ring, for the external bolster. The disk can be moved up and down the tube to accommodate stoma lengths up to 10 cm. AMT offers a few different kinds of traditional length G-Tubes for both children and adults. For more information, visit our Traditional Length family page.

MiniONE^® Balloon Button Benefits:

37% lower profile external bolster – no hard, bulky bolster

Made from medical-grade silicone to reduce skin irritation and improve patient comfort

Soft and flexible bolster is easy to clean around and less likely to create trauma to the stoma site

The tapered transition from the shaft to the external bolster creates a better seal outside the stomach