Medical Uses for Velcro

Velcro is one of the most useful and versatile fasteners, especially when it comes to the medical field. Most of us have already witnessed Velcro in action in the medical environment when we've had our blood pressure checked. Blood pressure cuffs are just one place Velcro is found in the medical field.

Tourniquet

• Like the blood pressure cuffs, some tourniquets also use Velcro closures. Velcro allows pressure and tension to be adjusted for any type of use, from cutting off the blood supply completely to simply adjusting the flow for drawing blood and other procedures.

Bandages

• Many elastic bandages that feature Velcro closures are now on the market. The Velcro replaces those small, toothed metal bandage closures that seemed to inevitably get lost. The bandages, which are easily adjustable to any length or pressure, can be used to secure splints, wound dressings and hold ice packs close to the body.

Pads

• Velcro closures are also often found on medical padding. The padding could be lined with sheepskin or another soft material and is used for bedridden or wheelchair-pound patients to prevent bedsores. Padding and support are also often placed around casts. Folks may recall the nylon boots positioned around foot or leg casts and slings used for arm casts.

Equipment

• Tube holders are often comprised of a nylon strip outfitted with a Velcro closure. Velcro is especially common in the holders used to secure the tube to a tracheotomy patient and may also be found in other devices that secure tubing to the IV pole or the patient himself.

Accessories

• Anyone who has been asked to undress, get X-rays or say "ahhh" for the doctor may have also witnessed Velcro in action. Many hospital gowns have replaced the shoddy string ties with Velcro closures. Some hospital slippers may be fastened with Velcro. Velcro is also found on the lead aprons used to protect body parts from X-rays, used on both patients and technicians, and on the back of the small aprons used around the neck in the dentist's office.
  Velcro is also cropping up on medical identification bracelets. The nylon bracelet will be fastened to the wrist with Velcro and outfitted with a metal tag that lists the medical condition of the person wearing it.