Patent ID: 6877167

Claim:
A protective guard for covering an incision in the vicinity of the neck of a patient, comprising: (a) a waterproof drape having a generally central opening formed therein, a slit formed therethrough that extends outwardly from the opening, a first arm portion which is configured to cover a first shoulder and at least a part of which is configured to surround the circumference of an arm extending from the first shoulder, and a second arm portion which is configured to cover a second shoulder and at least a part of which is configured to surround the circumference of an arm extending from the second shoulder; and (b) a waterproof collar that extends upwardly from the opening in the drape and that is configured to surround the neck of the patient in an at least essentially watertight fashion, wherein said collar is waterproof along at least a substantial portion of the height and perimeter thereof.