BOA I.V. Constricting Band

North American Rescue — IV Access

A single-use venous constriction band that uses a rolling compression mechanism — engorging distal veins while arterial inflow continues — to raise a visible, palpable target in difficult-access patients. Quick-Click on, two-finger Quick-Release off.

In hemorrhagic shock, veins collapse from hypovolemia and a flat tourniquet-style band can't raise a usable target — and uniform flat pressure can compress the artery along with the vein, defeating the purpose.

What raises a vein when a flat band can't?

The BOA's rolling compression mechanism rolls venous blood distally into the limb, engorging the peripheral veins while arterial inflow continues — raising a visible, palpable target even in low-volume patients. Originally developed for the Armed Forces, it's built for the hard sticks: Class III–IV hemorrhage, sclerotic or fragile diabetic veins, larger body types (BOA XL), and difficult pediatric or elderly access. A Quick-Click connector applies one-handed; a two-finger Quick-Release frees both hands the moment the catheter is in.

Raise the Vein.

Genuine North American Rescue, shipped from a clinician-founded, veteran-led team.

When to Deploy the BOA I.V. Constricting Band

• Hemorrhagic Shock Patients (Class III–IV): In hypovolemia, peripheral veins collapse and flat bands cannot raise a usable target. The BOA's rolling compression pushes venous blood distally, engorging peripheral veins while arterial inflow continues.
• Difficult-Access Patients: Diabetic wound-care patients, elderly with sclerotic veins, and obese patients with deep venous anatomy benefit from the rolling-compression mechanism that a flat tourniquet cannot replicate.
• Combat Casualty IV Access: Unit medics and flight medics gaining IV access during CASEVAC use the BOA because combat casualties are often hypovolemic from hemorrhage — the BOA was originally developed for Armed Forces IV access.
• Pediatric IV Starts: Pediatric patients have small, fragile veins; the BOA's rolling mechanism is gentler than a flat band while still engorging the vessel sufficiently for cannulation.
• EMS Resuscitation (Mass Casualty): In MCI triage, providers need to establish IV access rapidly across multiple patients; the BOA's Quick-Click application and Quick-Release free both hands the moment the catheter is in, saving time per patient.
• Hospital Difficult-Stick Calls: Nursing and phlebotomy teams use the BOA XL for upper-arm access, edematous limbs, and bariatric patients where standard arm circumference exceeds 18 inches.

How the BOA I.V. Constricting Band Compares

BOA vs. Standard Flat Latex Tourniquet: A flat latex tourniquet applies uniform circular compression, which can partially occlude arterial inflow and does not selectively engorge peripheral veins. The BOA's rolling mechanism pushes venous blood distally by design while allowing arterial flow to continue — mechanistically superior for peripheral IV access.

BOA Standard vs. BOA XL: Standard BOA (white) stretches from 7.5 to 18 inches — appropriate for typical adult upper extremity. BOA XL (white with red stripe) stretches 10 to 27 inches — designed for larger patients, edematous limbs, and upper-arm access above the bicep. The red stripe provides visual differentiation in a stock cabinet.

BOA vs. Saline Lock Kit: The NAR Saline Lock Kit includes a Standard BOA along with the full IV access setup. If building a custom IV access kit, the BOA is available as a standalone item (30-0071 XL) for pairing with catheter and flush supplies.

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Frequently Asked Questions — BOA I.V. Constricting Band

Q: What makes the BOA different from a standard latex IV tourniquet?

A: The BOA uses a patented rolling compression mechanism (US Patents 5,304,202 and 5,607,448) that rolls venous blood distally into the extremity while allowing arterial inflow to continue. A standard flat latex band applies uniform circular pressure, which can impede both arterial and venous flow and does not selectively engorge peripheral veins. The BOA's mechanism is designed specifically to raise a venous target in difficult-access patients.

Q: Is the BOA single-use?

A: Yes. The BOA I.V. Constricting Band is single-use and disposable. It is vacuum-sealed for sterility and shelf stability. Do not reuse between patients.

Q: What training is required to use the BOA?

A: The BOA is designed for use by trained IV-access providers: nurses, paramedics, combat medics, and phlebotomists. The Quick-Click and Quick-Release mechanisms are intuitive, but providers should be trained in IV catheter insertion to use the device effectively.

Q: Is there an NSN for the BOA?

A: The BOA was originally developed for Armed Forces use and has been available through DLA. Contact MED-TAC International for current NSN lookup for the BOA XL (30-0071) and Standard (30-0046).

Q: When should I use the BOA XL instead of the Standard BOA?

A: Use the BOA XL (red stripe, 10–27 inches) for patients with arm circumferences above 18 inches, edematous extremities, or when accessing upper-arm veins above the bicep where a longer band is required. The red stripe visually differentiates the XL from the Standard in a stock environment.