Reviews of the Corpak Corflo cuBBy gastrostomy device | Which Medical Device

Features

This is a small low profile gastrostomy tube designed to be less obtrusive beneath clothing than the usual ‘Foley’ type of tube. It is balloon retained and available in lengths between 1.0 and 4.5cm and diameters of 14,16,18 and 24F.
It was originally designed as a replacement tube, but can be inserted as a primary procedure with the use of T fasteners. The tract length needs to be measured for accurate placement.

Design / Construction

The tube is manufactured from medical silicon and has a unique petal design claimed to reduce stoma irritation and increase comfort. The ‘petals’ are actually three small feet that project laterally out from the central tube (see pic). There is a side port for balloon inflation (5ml). A right angled feeding set connects to the centre of the device with a ‘push and turn’ type locking mechanism.
The tube has recently been redesigned with softer feet and an easier balloon injection port that requires much less forward pressure for injection.

In Use

The tube is easily inserted as a replacement tube through a mature tract. The stoma length is measured using the included measuring device then the tube is inserted with some lubricating jelly (supplied) then balloon inflated with 5ml of water from the pre-filled syringe.

Insertion as a primary tube is also straightforward for anyone accomplished in gastrostomy tube insertion.

Points to note are :

T fasteners (preferably 4) are essential.

The tract should be measured either with lateral screening and guidewire or a 6mm angioplasty balloon inflated in the stomach and pulled back to the mucosa. (Tract length is the distance from the skin to balloon).

The tract needs final dilatation with a 20F dilator prior to inserting the tube over a stiff guidewire. An 8F dilator placed through the gastrostomy tube gives it more rigidity for insertion.

Results so far

I have inserted over 250 of these tubes to date. I have had 3 initial failures where the tube was a little short resulting in placement in the peritoneum or elsewhere along the tract. This is easily recognised when final tube position is checked with lateral screening. In all of these cases a longer tube was placed at the same sitting.
Comparison with?

Vygon make a very similar type of tube that can be placed with the same technique. The Vygon tube lacks the stabilising feet that are found on the Cubby.

Conclusion

A neat easily inserted device with a very low profile liked by patients.

Unfortunately being balloon retained, there is always a danger of device failure leading to the tube falling out. The balloon should be checked every 10 days by emptying and refilling. Most of our tubes are electively changed at about 3 months.

Dr Phil Haslam