Halyard Health Introduces Updated Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement Kit

Alpharetta, Ga.-based Halyard Health, formerly Kimberly-Clark Health Care, has introduced an improved placement kit for its Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube, the MIC* PEG tube. The components of the kit have been organized to align with the procedural steps for tube placement. According to the company, the kit has been streamlined for ease of use, saving time for clinicians performing the procedure.

With enteral feeding, liquid nourishment (and medication, when needed) is delivered by a tube surgically inserted into the stomach. The tube attaches to an extension, which connects to the feeding bottle, bag or pump containing the nutrient formula prescribed for the patient. PEG tubes are most commonly used in initial gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement because the endoscopic method used is less invasive than surgical placement procedures.

One of the most common issues with PEG tubes is dislodgement of the device from the stomach wall. These dislodgements cost a single hospital more than $20,000 each year, often requiring emergency department visits, surgical consultations, replacement g-tubes and radiographic confirmation of tube positioning. The MIC* PEG kit features a secure fit and a special tube design for simple traction removability that requires more force to remove and may result in fewer accidental dislodgements, the company claims.

Other features of the new MIC* PEG kit include that components are organized in the order of procedural steps; there is a longer introducer needle; sterile Lidocaine is provided in a vial with a rubber rubber septum cap which eliminates need for breaking a glass ampule during the procedure; and a comprehensive use and care guide that is available online.

“At Halyard, we pride ourselves on offering industry-leading digestive health products,” said Quincy Weatherspoon, North American director of marketing, Digestive and Respiratory Health, Halyard Health. “As the latest addition to our MIC* portfolio of enteral feeding solutions, the new MIC* PEG kit not only makes PEG tube placements simpler for gastroenterologists, the product’s unique design also reduces the likelihood of dislodgement, saving time for both physicians and patients.”

Halyard Health makes technology focused on preventing infection, eliminating pain and speeding recovery.