Abstract:
Embodiments presented herein provide for a surgical drain support harness worn especially while showering that holds and secures post-surgical drain receptacles used for draining fluids from patients following surgery. In embodiments, the drain support harness includes a strap of webbing material which begins at the waist, ascends up and around the neck, and descends to the waist, and a belt, which encircles the waist of the wearer. The two straps can attach together to form a vest-like harness. In embodiments, multiple hook tape attachments are designed to receive pouches that hold the drain receptacles in place. The mesh pouches can have loop tape affixed that attach to the hook tape on the harness. The harness, in design and material, can be lightweight and can dry quickly after each use, reducing daily maintenance.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/931,477 filed on May 24, 2007 by the present inventor. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    After surgeries, the patient often experiences excessive fluid build-up near the surgery site because of extra lymph-node secretion or bleeding issues caused by the trauma of surgery. Surgeons place surgical drains to remove the excess fluid to prevent swelling and infection. Tubes are attached to the internal mechanism of the drain, placed in the body cavity at the surgical site and leave the body through an incision. The skin is stitched up around the tube to hold it in place. At the exterior end of the tube, a bulb (e.g., the most widely used Jackson-Pratt drain and Snyder drain) creates suction when the bulb is squeezed, removing fluid from the body. 
         [0004]    Most often, patients are sent home with these drains and generally perform daily activities while trying to prevent pulling on the drainage tubes or dropping the drain bulbs. When the tubes move around or are tugged, the patient feels discomfort at the incision site—some patients even tear out sutures. Injuries caused by pulling on the drain tubes can require extra medical intervention, can cause pain, and can cause a longer recovery period. In the past, surgical drain receptacles were taped to a patient or pinned to undergarments. Because the bulbs have to be emptied on a regular basis, the adhesives on the tape can become less sticky, and, if people are sensitive to tape, the tape can cause major skin irritation. If safety pins are used, the time and energy it takes to attach and reattach the safety pins to undergarments can exhaust a post-surgical patient. The pins may also open accidentally and the drains can detach from the garment causing injury. Showering with the drain tubes can be especially difficult. The patient generally needs to secure the drains in order to free hands for washing. Pinning drains to some type of fabric creates the risks of detachment or being jabbed with the sharp pins. Garments for holding drain tubes often get saturated during bathing and sag or become heavy. The sagging garment often causes pulling on the drain tubes. Further, the garments restrict access to all of the skin for cleaning. Further, the waterlogged garments can become uncomfortable. The garments may also drip water on the floor and create a slipping hazard. 
         [0005]    It is in light of these and other circumstances that the following application is being presented. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Embodiments presented herein are generally related to a harness for holding drain tubes or other medical devices. In embodiments, the harness is worn in a vest-like manner, having a strap of webbing material that begins at the waist of the wearer, travels up the abdomen and chest, loops around the neck, and descends down the other side of the chest and abdomen, until it reaches the waist. The ends of the strap can be attached to a belt strap made of the same webbing material that encircles the waist of the wearer. The ends of the straps can be connected to the straps by hook and loop fasteners. One or more holders can be connected or attached to the straps of the harness. Each pouch may be adapted in size and shape so as to receive and maintain therein one or more drainage receptacle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The disclosure will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the disclosure is shown and wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a three-dimensional illustration of a drain support harness as it is worn by an individual; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  is another three-dimensional illustration of a drain support harness; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1C  is yet another three-dimensional illustration of a drain support harness; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1D  is a perspective drawing of an embodiment a drain support harness viewed from above; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1E  is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of a drain support harness viewed from the front; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1F  is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of a drain support harness viewed from the side; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1G  is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of a drain support harness viewed from the front; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1H  is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of a drain support harness viewed from the front; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing the drain support harness; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing the pouches to be attached to the drain support harness; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for wearing of the drain support harness by an individual. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Embodiments presented herein provide a surgical drain support harness for holding one or more surgical drains. In one embodiment, a patient wears a first strap around his or her waist similar to a belt. A neck strap is attached substantially perpendicular to the belt strap by one end. The neck strap is worn around the neck and attaches substantially perpendicular to the belt strap at a second end. Thus, the weight of the harness and supported drain tubes are held by the neck of the patient. One or more drain tube holders are attached to either the belt strap or the neck strap. 
         [0021]    One or more embodiments of a harness  100  are shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . The harness  100  will be explained with references to each of the  FIGS. 1A-1H , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same item in each of the figures. In embodiments, the harness  100  includes a first member  102  and one or more second members  104 . The first member is worn or held circumferentially around the torso  108 , or waist, of the patient  106 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . In other words, the first member  102  may be worn as a belt. As such, the first member  102  may be referred to as a “belt strap” or, simply, as a “belt”. The second member  104 , in one embodiment, is worn around the back, or posterior, of the neck  110  of the patient  106 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . As such, the second member  104  may be referred to as a “neck strap” or “loop strap” because of the loop formed in the second member  104 . 
         [0022]    In embodiments, each member  102  and/or  104  and other parts of the harness  100  can be connected, attached, coupled, or bonded together. One skilled in the art will recognize various methods for connecting, attaching, coupling, or bonding the parts together and such attachments are not confined to any one method. In an embodiment, a piece of loop tape is affixed to the interior facing portion of a second end of the belt strap  102 . The loop tape corresponds with a piece of hook tape that is attached to the exterior portion of the first end of the belt strap  102 . The opposite ends of the bottom strap  102  can detachably connect and open with ease, forming the first member  102  of the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ). In another example, the second member  104  is detachably connected or connected to the first member  102  using a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro®. In other embodiments, the first member  102 , the second member  104 , and/or other parts of the harness  100  are detachably connected with buttons, snaps, adhesives, stitching, etc. Regardless of the methods or means of attaching the parts of the harness  100  together, the harness  100  may have several configurations. One configuration is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1F . 
         [0023]    A first configuration has the belt strap  102  and the neck strap  104 . The first member  102  can have a first end  130  and a second end  132 . The first end  130  and the second end  132  may be detachably connected to each other using a connector, such as a hook and loop fastener. Thus, the patient  106  can detach the first end  130  and the second end  132 , slip the first member  102  around the patient&#39;s waist, and reattached the first end  130  to the second end  132 . In embodiments, the second member  104  also has a first end  112  and a second end  114 . The first end  112  can be connected with the first member  102  at point  116 , substantially perpendicular to both the belt strap and the chest strap as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1F . The second member  104   a  extends from point  116  superiorly along the anterior portion  118  of the patient  106 . In other words, the second member  104   a  can begin at the waist of a wearer  106  and ascend up the chest of the wearer  106 . The second member  104  is then held circumferentially along the posterior of a neck  110  of the patient, that is, the second member is worn around the neck  110 . Then, the second member  104   b  can extend inferiorly from the neck  110  of the patient  106  back to the first member  102  (i.e., descends back down the chest). The second end  114  of the second member  104   b  can also be attached to the first member  102 , at a second point  120 , which may be some predetermined distance  122  from the first point  116 . 
         [0024]    Each member  102  and/or  104  can be made of different materials. In one embodiment, the members  102  and/or  104  are made from polypropylene webbing, other polypropylene material, nylon, or other materials. As such, the members  102  and/or  104  may be referred to as “straps”. However, the members  102  and/or  104  can be made from rigid materials, other fabrics, or other materials that can function to create the harness  100  substantially as described and shown. Hereinafter, the members  102  and/or  104  will be described as straps but this terminology is not meant to limit the members  102  and/or  104  to those particular embodiments. 
         [0025]    In embodiments, the harness  100  also includes one or more holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d . The holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  may also be referred to as containers. The holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  can be formed at a first end from an attachment member  126 , which attaches to either of the members  102  and/or  104 , and a pouch  128 . The attachment member  126 , in embodiments, is formed as to create an opening  142 , substantially as shown in  FIG. 1D . The size of the opening  142  and the pouch  128  can be formed to accept and/or hold a container for a surgical drain receptacle. The pouch  128  can comprise a front, one or more sides, and a rear (pouch  128  sidewalls can be stitched together along a side seam, a bottom seam, and along the attachment with the attaching member  126  to create the interior of the pouch  128 ). The sides at the top of the pouch  128  can form a lip at the top of the pouch  128 . In embodiments, the attachment member  126  is formed from a piece of twill tape, folded in half, and accepting the lip of the pouch  128 . The lip of the pouch  128  can be stitched to the twill tape, creating a finished lining to the pouch lip and creating the attachment member  126 . In embodiments, the pouch  128  is made from a webbed material or webbing that prevents the accumulation of water in the pouch during showering with the harness  100 . 
         [0026]    Due to the construction of one or more embodiments of the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d , the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  may also be referred to hereinafter simply as “pouches”. However, the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  may have one or more other designs. For example, the pouch  128  may be formed from a cylinder of predetermined length. The cylinder may have a bottom. The bottom of the cylinder can have one or more openings to allow water to escape the cylinder. The other end of the cylinder may be left open to accept the surgical drain receptacle. The holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  can also be formed from bowls, bags, or other constructions, as will be evident to one skilled in the art. Each of the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  may hold one or more surgical drain receptacles while the harness  100  is used by the patient  106 . 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, on the backside of the pouch  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d , a piece of loop tape is attached to the pouch lip  126  on the twill tape. This piece of loop tape corresponds to and can connect to the pieces of hook tape on the loop strap  104  and/or belt strap  106 . The pouches  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  can be held in an upright position and may be deep enough to keep the drain bulbs completely secure in the pouch  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d . Because there are numerous areas for pouches  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  to attach to the surgical drain support harness  100 , the wearer can place the pouch  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  where most comfortable, e.g. at chest height or around the waist. 
         [0028]    In alternative embodiments, the harness  100  also comprises a third member  134 . The third member  134 , in embodiments, includes a first end  136  and a second end  138 . The first end  136  can be attached to the second member  104   a  as the second member  104   a  extends superiorly between the first end  112  and the neck  110  of the patient  106 , substantially parallel to the belt strap as shown in  FIG. 1A . The second end  138  can be attached substantially parallel to the belt strap but substantially perpendicular to the second member  104   b  as the second member  104   b  extends inferiorly between the neck  110  of the patient  106  and the second end  114  of the second member  104   b . Hereinafter, the third member  134  may be referred to as a “chest strap” or “cross strap,” however, this term should not limit the possible configurations or placements of the third member  134 . 
         [0029]    In embodiments, the chest strap  134  is placed approximately two-thirds up the loop strap  104 , on the exterior facing side of the loop strap  104 . The chest strap  134  may be between five and ten inches long. The second end  138  of the cross strap  134  is sewn to the loop strap  104 . The first end  136  of the cross strap  134  contains a piece of small loop tape, attached on the interior facing side of the first end  136 . This loop tape detachably connects with a corresponding piece of hook tape  140  affixed to the loop strap  104  in the same vertical location where the first end  136  touches or contacts the second member  104 . The hook tape  140 , in embodiments, is placed on the exterior side of the loop strap  104 , substantially as shown in  FIG. 1C . This allows the cross strap  134  to open and close with ease and makes the harness  100  easy to put on. The cross strap  134  also keeps the support harness  100  secure when one or more other hook and loop fasteners, on the harness  100 , are opened to wash the skin underneath the straps  102  and/or  104 . Thus, the embodiments presented herein have the advantage of allowing the patient  106  to easily access the skin under the harness  100  for washing. 
         [0030]    In embodiments, the materials used for the members  102  and/or  104 , the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d , and or the chest strap  134  are waterproof or water resistant. As such, the harness  100  can be worn in the shower without getting substantially heavier either by absorbing water or collecting water in the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d . In embodiments, the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  are made of aquatic mesh material to prevent retaining water, as sold by Collins Cottage Industries located in Church Hill, Tenn. In alternative embodiments, the exterior faces of the members  102  and/or  104  and/or the chest strap  134  are covered in either hook tape or loop tape. The attachment members  126  of the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  are covered in the corresponding hook tape or loop tape. As such, the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  may be detachably connected to the harness  100 , with the hook and loop fastener, in any position and not just the positions shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . In other embodiments, the hook and loop fasteners are replaced with buttons, snaps, adhesive, a hanger, or other device to allow for the many configurations possible with the holders  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and/or  124   d  and the harness  100 . 
         [0031]    The harness  100  may have several different configurations beyond the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . The harness  100  may exclude the belt strap. In other embodiments, the loop strap is replaced by one or more straps that go over the shoulder of the patient  106  and attach substantially perpendicular to the belt strap at the anterior and posterior of the patient  106 . For example, an embodiment of the harness  100  is shown in  FIG. 1G  in which two straps  144  and/or  146  each go over the shoulder of the patient. Herein, a first end  148  and/or  150  of the shoulder straps  144  and/or  146  is attached substantially perpendicular to the anterior of the belt strap  102 . A second end  152  and/or  154  of the shoulder straps  144  and/or  146  are attached to the posterior of the belt strap  102 . The configuration allows the patient  106  to wear the shoulder straps  144  and/or  146  over the shoulders. One or more holders  124   a  and/or  124   d  may be detachably connected to the harness  100  at various positions on the belt strap  102  and/or the shoulder straps  144  and/or  146 . In embodiments, the shoulder straps  144  and/or  146  may also be connected by one or more chest straps  156  and/or  158 . Other configurations of the straps are possible. For example, there may be only one shoulder strap. The single shoulder strap may be worn at an angle across the torso from one shoulder and connecting to the belt strap at the opposite hip (similar to a crossing guard uniform). In other embodiments, the two straps may be crossed either at the anterior of the torso or at the posterior of the torso or at both the anterior and posterior of the torso. The different configurations can be created to fit the needs of the patient  106  according to what medical equipment the patient  106  may need to hold in the harness  100 . One skilled in the art will recognize other configurations that are contemplated within the scope of disclosure. 
         [0032]    Another embodiment of the harness is shown in  FIG. 1H . Herein, an extension strap  160  is attached, at a first end  164 , and extended substantially perpendicular from a portion of the harness  100 , in this embodiment, from the belt strap  102 . The extension strap  160  can support a holder  124   e  attached at a second end  162  or some other point on the extension strap  160 . The extension strap  160  allows holder  124   e  to be used at different height to accommodate different surgical drains. For example, a drain placed in the leg may need to be held lower on the leg rather than around the waist, the extension strap having a first end detachably connect to the first strap or the second strap, the second end attached to a container. 
         [0033]    An embodiment of a method  200  for constructing a harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) is shown in  FIG. 2 . The steps shown in the method  200  may be performed by machinery operable to create a harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ). Cut operation  205  cuts fabric or other material for the straps  102 ,  104  ( FIG. 1 ), or other straps in the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ). The amount of material cut can correspond to the length and width of the straps. Sew operation  210  sews at least one end of the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ) to the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) in a substantially perpendicular orientation. The sew operation  210  can create a finished end (i.e., an end that will not fray and may be pleasing to the eye and touch) to the end of the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ) attached to the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0034]    Measure operation  215  can measure the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) to locate where the first end of the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ) should be attached to the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ). In addition, the measure operation  215  may also include sewing the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ) to the location measured in the measure operation  215 . Attach operation  220  attaches one or more pieces of loop tape to the backside of one end of the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ). Attach operation  225  attaches hook tape to the front-side of the opposite end of the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ). As such, the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) can be detachably connected with the hook and loop fastener, as shown in end operation  230 . 
         [0035]    Measure operation  235  measures the length of the chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ) to connect the chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ) to the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ). The measure operation  235  may also including measuring the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ) to locate the chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ) in the correct location on the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ). Sew operation  240  sews the chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ) at one end substantially perpendicular to one portion of the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ). Attach operation  245  attaches loop tape to the back of the opposite end of the chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ). Sew operation  250  sews hook tape to the opposite portion of the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ) to enable the chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ) to be detachably connected, at one end, to the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ) using the hook and loop fastener. Sew operation  255  sews one or more pieces of hook tape to one or more portions of the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) to allow for holders to be connected to the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0036]    An embodiment of a method  300  for constructing a holder  124  ( FIG. 1 ) is shown in  FIG. 3 . The steps shown in the method  300  may be performed by machinery operable to create a holder  124  ( FIG. 1 ). Cut operation  305  can measure and cut a mesh material and/or twill tape to the proper height and width. Sew operation  310  sews the twill tape to one end of the mesh material. Fold operation  315  folds the twill tape over the end of the mesh material, inserting the mesh material lengthwise into the fold, and encompassing the end of the mesh material. Sew operation  320  sews the folded ends of the twill tape together with a straight stitch to create the attaching member. Repeat operation  325  will repeat the steps of attaching the twill tape to one or more other sides of the mesh material. Reinforcing the ends of the mesh with twill tape ensures the mesh material will not tear or fray and the twill tape provides a better surface to sew the portions of the pouch  124  ( FIG. 1 ) together. 
         [0037]    Fold operation  330  folds the mesh in half to have two strips of the twill tape touch. Measure operation  335  measures the appropriate length of the pouch  124  ( FIG. 1 ) and cuts the pouch  124  ( FIG. 1 ) to length. Continue operation  340  cuts mesh material to create the proper length for the pouch  124  ( FIG. 1 ). Fold operation  345  folds a ½ inch portion of the mesh material twice. Sew operation  350  sews along the folded mesh material and along the end of the twill tape. The sew operation  350  may be repeated on all necessary sides of the pouch  124  ( FIG. 1 ). Turn operation  355  turns or inverts the pouch  124  ( FIG. 1 ) right-side out (which conceals the stitching). Cut operation  360  cuts and sews loop tape to the posterior side of the pouch  124  ( FIG. 1 ) which can detachably connect to the hook tape sewn on the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0038]    An embodiment of a method  400  for donning the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) is shown in  FIG. 4 . The operations or steps of the method  400  may be performed by a person trying to don the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ). At step  405 , a person opens a fastener for the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ), chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ), and/or loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ). At step  410 , the person slips head through the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ). The person, at step  415 , pulls the belt around the torso of the person and pulls the ends of the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) together to close the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ). At step  420 , the person places the chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ) across the person&#39;s chest and attaches the chest strap  134  ( FIG. 1 ) end to the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ). The person, at step  425  can then attach one or more pouches  124  ( FIG. 1 ) to the hook tape on the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0039]    If the person is a patient  106  ( FIG. 1 ), the patient can, at step  430 , place one or more drain receptacles into one or more pouches  124  ( FIG. 1 ). At step  435 , the patient may then take off his or her clothes underneath the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) and bathe. After bathing, the patient  106  ( FIG. 1 ), at step  440 , can reverse the steps  405 - 435  to take off the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0040]    While various aspects of embodiments of the disclosure have been summarized above, the detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments in further detail to enable one of skill in the art to practice the disclosure. In the description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. Several embodiments of the disclosure are described, and while various features are ascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated with another embodiment as well. By the same token, however, no single feature or features of any described embodiment should be considered essential to the disclosure, as other embodiments of the disclosure may omit such features. 
         [0041]    Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. 
         [0042]    The embodiments presented herein provide several advantages. For example, the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) enables drain receptacles to be worn in multiple locations, wherein previous garments allowed holding the drain receptacles only in one or two set positions. Further, the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) eliminates the need for pins or tape. The harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) can support one or more drainage receptacles securely simply by adding more holders  124  ( FIG. 1 ). The harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) also minimizes the risk of drainage receptacles becoming detached from the surgical site. 
         [0043]    Still further, the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) provides full access to ones body for washing purposes, while still supporting drain receptacles in a secure fashion. When the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) is worn in the shower, the drain tube bulb is placed in the pouch where it is securely held while the wearer&#39;s hands are free to wash. The fasteners can be opened, one at a time, to wash. The remaining fasteners stay closed to secure the harness while the skin area is washed under the opened fastener. The entire body can be accessed under the harness while all drainage receptacles remain fully secure in place. 
         [0044]    Another advantage is that, since the weight of the harness belt  102  ( FIG. 1 ) is supported by the loop strap  104  ( FIG. 1 ) that goes around the wearer&#39;s neck, the belt strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) will not come undone and slip to the floor. Further, the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) can be made of a light-weight polypropylene webbing which dries quickly and does not become waterlogged. The pouches  124  ( FIG. 1 ) can be made of mesh and the water flows freely from the pouch and, thus, does not fill the pouches, which makes the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) more comfortable, safer, and less messy to wear. Thus, the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) solves the problems faced in previous garments by substantially preventing detachment and dislodgement of the drainage tube from the body without discomfort to the patient  106  ( FIG. 1 ) while allowing complete access to the entire body for washing in the shower and preventing injury, mess, and discomfort from soaked garments. 
         [0045]    Several modifications to the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) are possible. For example, the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) may be made of alternative materials, e.g. light-weight polypropylene webbing, mesh, nylon, cotton, polyester, rubber, lightweight plastic, and crocheted or braided yarn. Additionally, the pouches  124  ( FIG. 1 ) may be made of any of these materials in such a way that appropriate drainage holes are provided to prevent the build-up or accumulation of water. In an embodiment, the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) may have Velcro® or hook and loop tape attached to every part of the harness so that the pouches can be attached anywhere on the harness. For example, drain bulbs for a mastectomy may be placed at a higher level on the harness than drain bulbs for an abdominoplasty. In other embodiments, the pouches  124  ( FIG. 1 ) can be attached with Velcro® or hook and loop tape for ease of removal, or they may be permanently attached, attached with snaps, tied on with a strap of fabric, or attached through a loop on the harness  100  ( FIG. 1 ) itself. 
         [0046]    The vertical strap that loops around the neck, in still other embodiments, may have padding added for comfort. There may also be padding at the shoulder area of the suspender-like straps. The belt strap may contain extension straps attached so that pouches can be attached at an even lower lever for other abdominal surgeries, e.g. colostomies. 
         [0047]    While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The invention is as presented in the following claims.