Patient -Worn Medical Tube (Cannula) Holder Vest And Apparatuses

Abstract

The present invention addresses the security of medical tubes (including, but not limited to, cannulae and catheters) that are inserted into a patient's internal organ or cavity and/or passed through the patient's skin. Specifically, the invention provides a patient-worn garment in the form of a vest and accompanying apparatuses which secure the tubes in order to redistribute physical and/or gravitational force away from the tube anchoring (or exit) sites (including, but not limited to, suture sites) onto the vest. This minimizes the risk of tug trauma, kinking, and accidental dislodging of the tubes. Thus the invention allows for increased patient mobility during post-operative recovery, after medical device implant(s), and during pre-organ transplant wait periods.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional utility patent claims the benefit of the prior filed provisional application USPTO provisional patent application No. 61/271,849 filed on Jul. 26, 2009. Note that the sections titled DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART and BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION in the provisional application now appear in sequence under BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION in this nonprovisional application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to medical device support equipment and more specifically to a vest for securing medical tubes, especially cannulae, to a portion of a human body.

Many hospital and ICU patients require continuous medical treatment offered by medical tubes for assistance with a variety of functions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular function, blood circulation, blood withdrawal, respiration, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, intravenous antibiotics, and drainage of bodily fluids (including, but not limited to, bile, urine, and gastrointestinal content) from the patient. Patients with medical tubes passing through the body, especially in the case of cannulae inserted into critical organs (i.e. the heart when using a ventricular assist device), have been traditionally confined to hospital beds during post-operative recovery, post-medical device implantation, and/or pre-organ transplant waiting periods. Medical tubes passing through the patient's body are anchored to the patient's skin or exit site in order to prevent tube dislodgment and/or unsafe discharge of vital fluids or blood. However, pumps and other devices connected to the tubes are likely to pull on the anchoring sites of the tubes. The flow of fluid and pressure within the tubes also place stress on the tube anchoring sites. Additionally, physical movement increases the risk of tug trauma at these tube anchoring sites on the patient, potentially resulting in wound infection and fatal tube dislodgment (for example, sudden blood loss due to the dislodging of a ventricular assist device cannula).

Clinical research has demonstrated that patient immobility in the hospital/ICU can adversely affect subsequent health outcomes, increase the length of stay, and raise medical costs. Patients who are safely and effectively mobilized (i.e. sitting unsupported, standing, and ambulating) regularly experience better outcomes and shorter ICU/hospital stays. Devices that minimize tug trauma and secure medical tubes to the patient can facilitate patient mobility, decrease the risks related to tube dislocation, and reduce recovery time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Medical tubing, when attached to convalescing patients, is frequently secured to a bed, pole mount, or a location away from the patient (U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,720, No. 5,334,186, No. 5,322,253). For example, Hadjuch U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,720 provides an apparatus for holding tubing that clamps to the patient's bed. While somewhat secure, this and similar tube-holding devices limit the patient's movement and often confine the patient to the bed. These devices also fail to protect against tube dislodgment caused by accidental movement or force affecting the tubes at their anchoring sites.

Some existing medical tube holders do attach to parts of the patient's body in order to facilitate some movement (U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,312, No. 5,300,037, No. 5,626,565, and No. 5,681,290). For example, Delk et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,312 provides a medical conduit holder which is adhesively secured to the skin. However, adhesive-based tube holders can loosen from perspiration, bodily fluids, stretching of the skin, and physical movement. These adhesive tube holders may also cause skin irritation/discomfort and do not offer sufficient protection against tug trauma or accidental dislodging of the medical tubes.

A more versatile and secure medical tubing support device is presented by Madden et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,464. This device consists of a band that secures and aligns medical tubing relative to a portion of the human body. The band is comprised of primary and secondary straps constructed to attach to each other with VELCRO®, trapping the medical tubing between straps via direct contact. Although this band is more versatile than prior inventions, it does not provide adequate protection against gravitational force or incidental pushing/pulling that may dislodge medical tubes from the patient. This is especially due to the lack of friction between the smooth tube surface and the VELCRO® surface of the strap and of the band. There is insufficient friction and fixation strength to resist a force applied to the tube (i.e. pulling vertically on the tube or accidentally lifting the tubes forward). Another problem with the band is that it can change the angle of the tube at the exit site, subsequently affecting the flow of fluid in the tube.

Villapiano U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,289 addresses some of the previous shortcomings by providing a security garment comprising of two layers with fastening means (e.g. VELCRO®) in between the layers to secure tubing. Individual VELCRO® straps can be applied to any location in between the garment layers to secure tubes. Each strap may be used to form a tension loop that is designed to protect against the tube exit site. While more versatile and secure than some of the prior inventions, this garment has several shortcomings. First, this garment is difficult to put on a patient who already has tubes exiting his/her body. Villipiano suggests cutting pieces off the garment to make way for medical tubes but this is highly inconvenient, weakens the integrity of the garment, and loosens the garment's attachment to the patient's body. Second, the tension loops, which rely on hook and loop fasteners or VELCRO®, can be pulled apart due to the limited VELCRO® contact points and the lack of friction between the tube and the VELCRO® surfaces (this is the same problem mentioned above for Madden et al.). The flat strap only has contact with the round tube surface near its highest point, which leaves a significant portion of the tube surface unfastened. The small contact point offers little friction, offering little or no protection against vertical pulling or gravitational force (if the tube is pressurized) when the patient stands up (this is the same problem mentioned above for Madden et al.). The tube can slide loosely in between the garment's layers, beneath the strap fasteners, and around tension loops. Sliding and lateral or vertical movement can stress the tube exit site and disrupt the contact points between the strap and the garment, risking loosening and dislodging of the tube.

Third, the strap fasteners and tension loops are too close to the patient's body to adequately redistribute any pulling force away from the tube exit site. Fourth, the garment's dual-layered holding mechanism, strap fasteners, and tension loops force the medical tubes to press too closely to the patient's body. This is especially harmful for tubes that cannot be weaved, curved, or bent around the patient's body, such as ventricular assist device cannulae. This fails to accommodate the practical use of many medical tubes, which typically protrude from the exit site at angles higher than 0 degrees, and also risks pressing into and stressing the tube exit site. For example, a ventricular assist device cannula should generally emerge from the patient at a 15- to 60-degree angle from the patient's body in order to ensure the unimpeded circulation of blood. Running the cannula in between the garment's layers or securing them to the garment via straps or tension loops can bend the tube, causing increased flow resistance or creating turbulence. This can dangerously interfere with fluid and blood circulation, place constant pressure on the exit sit, and risk fatal tube dislodgment. An acute angle of protrusion or kinking can also increase resistance to blood flow, create turbulence, and damage or cause trauma to the blood cells, increasing the risk of thrombosis.

Other patient-worn medical tube holders have largely been limited to headgear and other apparatuses fastened to the head, face, or neck (U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,234, No. 4,622,034, No. 4,665,566, No. 4,844,061, No. 5,345,931, No. 5,529,062, No. 5,558,090, and No. 6,578,576) without adequate application towards the security of cannulae inserted into critical organs.

The previous art does not empirically address tubes that are subject to the full tube fluid weight or to a dynamic flow typically greater than 2 L/minute with a mean pressure of greater than 50 mmHg. When the tube is filled (i.e. with blood, involving continuous flow and continuous pressure), the tension on the tube's anchoring site is significantly higher.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art.

It is another object of the invention to provide a means for supporting and protecting at least one medical tube and medical tube anchoring (or exit) site placed in any location on the torso of the body and protruding at any angle from the patient's body.

It is another object of the invention to allow the wearer of the vest to put on and remove the vest and apparatuses without disconnecting already-anchored medical tubes and without the need to cut or tailor the vest to accommodate the tube exit sites.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a means to secure medical tubes to the patient's body with the means capable of adjusting to accommodate persons of different sizes and medical tubes of different sizes and functions.

It is another object of the present invention to permit access to the medical tube exit site for maintenance and cleaning of the dressing surrounding the tube.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a reusable support for medical tubes which can be easily cleaned by machine washing and drying.

It is another object of the present invention to use a three (or more) point force distribution mechanism(s) to stabilize each medical tube and redistribute force or pressure away from the exit site.

It is another object of the present invention to maintain the natural angle of each tube at the exit site without bending the tube thus avoiding the creation of turbulence within the tube and its contents.

It is another object of the present invention to increase the surface area of the contact surface and to increase the friction (e.g. grip) of the contact surface of the medical tubes and the medical tube-holding apparatuses.

It is another object of the present invention to anchor and secure tubes that have significant weight and high pressure loads.

It is another object of the present invention to secure medical tubing that functions as Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) cannulae, which the prior art does not address. These tubes (i.e. those used with VADs) require fastening mechanisms that can withstand a greater amount of weight and pressure. The use of cannulae attached to VADs increased in prevalence after 2002 and after the advent of the prior art.

The present invention provides a patient-worn vest and accompanying apparatuses that effectively secure medical tubes which pass through the patient's body, including, but not limited to, areas on the patient's chest, abdomen, flank, and back. For the purposes of the present invention, “medical tube” includes, but is not limited to cannulae and catheters. “Patient” refers to any person receiving medical attention. Furthermore, for the purposes of this invention, “vest” is a sleeveless garment covering the torso of the body.

The vest of the present invention can be made of any type of fabric, including woven or non-woven cotton, polyester, nylon, or any other fiber (synthetic or natural) suitable for making garments. The exterior surface (not in contact with the wearer) of the entire vest is covered with fastening material. The fastening means can include, but are not limited to, any conventional fastening means, such as hook and loop fasteners or VELCRO®. The inner surface (touching the wearer) is comprised of any type of fabric that is comfortable to the wearer such as cotton or Lycra®.

The upper section of the vest is comprised of two wide adjustable suspenders that are detachable from the vest. The exterior surface (facing away from and not touching the wearer) of the suspenders is comprised of strong hook fasteners which allow straps and apparatuses with loop fasteners to latch on. Each suspender has a length adjustment mechanism, allowing patients of various sizes to wear the vest comfortably yet securely.

The lower section of the vest is comprised of several anchoring sites for the suspenders, overlapping horizontal straps, and rear elastic straps. The surfaces of each of these areas, except the inner surface touching the wearer's skin, are covered in the aforementioned hook and loop fastening material. While the front of the section can remain open by disengaging the overlapping horizontal straps, the rear of the vest is comprised of a continuous region of the vest's fabric as described above.

The anchoring sites for the suspenders include large buttons, quick-lock buckle receptacles, and/or durable laces (made from strong fabric including, but not limited to nylon). They work as follows: The buttons pass through slits located near the distal ends of the suspender straps; the buckle, attached to the suspender, fastens into the receptacle, attached to the lower section of the vest; one lace, attached to the suspender, forms a tightened tie or knot with another lace, attached to the lower section of the vest. The detachability of the suspenders from the lower section of the vest allows the patient to put on the vest without having to disconnect or adjust medical tubes already attached to the body. To put on vest, the patient can simply place his or her back into the lower section of the vest and then fasten the suspenders using the aforementioned methods to the lower section of the vest.

The front of the vest consists of at least two overlapping horizontal straps or a single strap with long horizontal slits. These straps secure the front of the vest to the patient and serve as a mounting site for other apparatuses. Each side of the vest can have any number of overlapping straps (for example, three on the left, and three on the right). The straps on one side overlap and latch on to the straps on the other side with the help of hook and loop fasteners—the exterior surface of the bottom straps have hook fasteners which latch on to the loop fasteners on the inner surface (facing the bottom straps) of the top straps. The straps are separated by a horizontal gap through which the medical tubes pass (a single strap with long horizontal slits may also be used). This gap may be widened to accommodate thicker tubes by adjusting the angle of the horizontal straps when fastening them.

A button-through-slit mechanism and laces are used to further secure the overlapping straps to each other: A button on the bottom strap passes through a slit on the top strap; a lace attached securely to the top strap is tied to a lace attached securely to the bottom strap. Note that the laces are sufficiently long enough to provide more versatility than the button-through-slit mechanism, should such versatility be necessary, by having the ability to fasten the horizontal straps at varying resting positions beyond the constraints of the button-through loop mechanism.

The rear elastic straps are attached to the back of the vest and wrap around to the front of the vest, fastening to and covering the overlapping straps and/or any apparatuses attached to the straps. These straps offer additional security and ensure the vest and apparatuses are securely fastened to the patient.

Crucial to the function of the vest are four apparatuses (labeled A, B, C, and D for explanatory purposes) and the use of a hook and loop fastener fabric adhered to each medical tube. Apparatus A consists of long straps that attach to the suspenders of the vest. Each strap is designed to hold on securely to the suspenders while forming a cruciated loop around a designated medical tube. The cruciated loop is essential to ensuring 360 degrees of contact around the surface of the tube; holding the tube circumferentially increases the friction between the strap and the tube, providing extra security. Any number of straps and cruciated loops may be used on each medical tube. The strap is lined with hook fasters on one side and loop fasteners on the other, allowing the strap to fasten to the vest, itself, and any other hook and loop fastener enabled apparatus. The strap is also sufficiently long enough for one end to attach to the suspenders, for the strap to form a cruciated loop around a medical tube at any location on the torso, and for the other end to reach back and fasten on to the suspenders once the loop is formed. The proximal end of each strap can fasten to the suspenders via a button-through-slit mechanism or quick-lock buckle mechanism. The distal end also contains one of the aforementioned fastening mechanisms that attach to the suspenders. This fastening mechanism is used in addition to hook and loop fasteners to prevent the strap from coming off the vest when pulled.

Before the distal end fastens to the suspender, the strap must form a cruciated loop around the medical tube. The cruciated loop is formed by passing part of the strap through a slit located on the strap. Each strap contains a slightly wider region along the length of the strap. The slightly wider region on the strap contains a slit that is sufficiently long and wide enough to allow the remainder of the strap to pass through and form a cruciated loop. The location of this slit and cruciated loop may be adjusted from both the proximal and the distal ends via length adjuster mechanisms located near both ends of each strap. Each adjustment mechanism also adjusts the length of the entire strap, allowing the apparatus to accommodate tubes at different locations. The medical tube passes through and is held by this loop. In order to ensure the hold of this loop, a fabric containing hook or loop fasteners is adhered to the surface of the tube at the region where the loop is formed. Adhesives used to attach the fabric to the tube include, but are not limited to, glue and rubber cement. The fabric prevents the tube from sliding vertically through the loop.

Once the loop is formed securely around the medical tube, the distal end of an apparatus A strap is attached to the suspender opposite the proximate end's suspender. This helps redistribute physical and/or gravitational force away from the medical tube exit site while preserving the tube's angle of protrusion from the patient's body. If the tube is pulled, the points at which apparatus A joins the suspenders will be pulled on rather than the exit site. Because both suspenders secure apparatus A, the force is evenly distributed between the shoulders.

Apparatus B is polygon-shaped medical tube holder comprised of a firm but flexible material (including, but not limited to, semi-rigid foam, rubber, and silicone) and attaches to the vest via a base and/or platform lined with hook-and-loop fasteners. This apparatus secures medical tubes to the vest by holding each tube inside one of any number of cylindrical passageways that run through the apparatus. The apparatus can be produced to have varying lengths, widths, and heights. The passageways inside the apparatus can have varying lengths and diameters. Each passageway is accessible via a slit/gap that flexibly opens to make way for a medical tube but closes once the tube has passed through. The slit/gap is sufficiently flexible enough to let a tube through but less wide than the tube's width, preventing the tube from falling out of the passageway. This allows tubes of varying diameters to fit securely into the apparatus. The surface of the apparatus, including the walls of the passageways, is lined with hook-and-loop fasteners. As with apparatus A, a hook and loop fastener fabric is adhered to the surface of the medical tube in the area of the tube inserted into the apparatus to increase friction and ensure the tube doesn't slide. Different versions of this apparatus can be produced to provide different sized cylindrical passageways to accommodate an even wider variety of tube diameters.

Apparatus C is a variant of Apparatus B with a polygonal shape that is also comprised of the aforementioned firm but flexible material and attaches to the vest via a base and/or platform lined with hook and loop fasteners. This apparatus secures medical tubes to the vest via semi-cylindrical passageways and straps. The apparatus can be produced, without limitation, to have semi-cylindrical passageways of varying lengths and diameters. These passageways are located on the outer surface of the apparatus, which is lined with hook-and-loop fasteners. Each medical tube rests in one of these passageways and, as with the previous apparatuses, a hook and loop fastener fabric is adhered to the surface of the tube in order to increase friction and to prevent sliding. Any number of fastening straps lined with hook and loop fasteners can be placed over each passageway to further secure each tube.

Apparatus D is comprised of any number of cylindrical clamps via a base and/or platform lined with hook and loop fasteners. This apparatus secures medical tubes to the vest by using any number of clamp and strap mechanisms. Each clamp can be made to provide sufficient space for a medical tube of any size to pass through. The clamps can be produced without limitation, to have varying lengths and diameters. The size of the clamp's opening can be adjusted by strap fastening mechanism attached to the arms of the clamp. The clamp's arms join at an angle that allows the arms at the distal end to adjust position and tightness of grip. The inside of each clamp is lined with hook-and-loop fasteners. A hook and loop fastener fabric is adhered to the surface of the medical tube placed inside the clamp, preventing the tube from sliding.

In addition to apparatus A, apparatuses B, C, and D further secure a medical tube and redirect any pulling/gravitational forces onto the vest away from the tube anchoring (or exit) site. They also help preserve the tube's level of elevation from the patient in order to maintain a safe angle of protrusion. The level of elevation may be adjusted by padding the area between the apparatus and the vest with a hook and loop fastened platform or pad.

It is necessary to use apparatus A in conjunction with the vest and at least one of the other three apparatuses in order to fulfill the function of the present invention (especially the function of securing tubes with weight and pressure such as VAD cannulae). Apparatus A alone, while providing security and some assistance for a medical tube's exit angle; requires the help of apparatus B, C, or D further along the length of the tube in order to maintain the natural angle and elevation of the tube and further secure the tube to the patient via a three (or more) points of fixation. While the hook and loop fasteners securing apparatus A to the vest offers resistance against gravity and vertical pulling of the tube or the patient bending in extreme directions that are inimical to the tube's position, apparatuses B, C, and D prevent the tube from being pulled horizontally or upwards. A combination of apparatuses A and B, A and C, or A and D provides an effective three-point triangular hold on the tube and offers maximum security and stability in holding the medical tube. Once these apparatuses are used, securing the rear straps around them will enclose the medical tubes, effectively making the apparatuses A, B, C, and/or D a collective bloc and part of the patient's body. This combination offers maximum resistance to incidental pulling, gravity, kinking, and/or bending of the tubes.

Holding the application of apparatus A constant, apparatuses B, C, and D may be used in conjunction with each other or independently, depending on the nature of the medical treatment and/or medical tubes. Apparatus B may be more preferable for tubes that need to be protected from accidental pressure. Apparatus C may be more preferable because it is faster to engage (no need to press tubes through a slit/gap). Apparatus D may be more preferable to preserve space on the vest for other clamps and apparatuses.

Crucial to the functionality of all apparatuses is the use of a hook and loop fastener fabric adhered to the surface of a medical tube at the region where the apparatuses secure the tube. This prevents the tube from sliding, especially since a strap, passageway, or clamp alone does not sufficiently grip the smooth surface of the tube.

The present invention redistributes physical and/or gravitational force away from the medical tube anchoring (or exit) sites in/on the patient's body. The physical and/or gravitational force affecting each medical tube is redistributed onto the vest via strap mechanisms and tube holder apparatuses that are attached to the vest, which is tightly fastened to the patient's body. A combination of at least two apparatuses and the rear straps fully secures the medical tubes against gravity or pulling. In addition, the apparatuses grip the medical tube around its entire circumference, providing security and stability superior to that of the prior art in this field. Any number of other clamps or medical tube holders may be attached to the vest via hook and loop fasteners to further secure the medical tubes. Non-angled or and non-elevated tubes may be secured by a hook and loop fastener strap attaching the tube to the vest. Unlike prior inventions in this field, a hook and loop fastener fabric is adhered to the medical tube at the location where it is fastened to the apparatus to increase friction and prevent sliding. Thus, the vest allows for increased patient mobility while reducing the risk of tug trauma, tube kinking, and accidental tube dislocation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vest of the present invention worn on a model patient with the overlapping horizontal straps engaged, rear elastic straps disengaged, shoulder straps (apparatus A) engaged, and apparatus B engaged while securing two medical tubes;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vest as in FIG. 1 except with the rear elastic straps engaged;

FIG. 3a is a close-up frontal view of the suspenders and (including buckle receptacles and buttons attached to the top) detached from the lower section of the vest;

FIG. 3b is a frontal view of the lower section of the vest with the horizontal overlapping straps disengaged and the inner surface (shaded) of the posterior of the vest visible;

FIG. 3c is a frontal view of the detached suspenders positioned above the lower section of the vest;

FIG. 3d is a frontal view of the lower section of the vest worn on the patient's body with the right and left overlapping horizontal straps disengaged and the medical tubes illustrated in one of the many locations on the patient from where they may protrude. The patient's body is labeled with letters and a legend is provided;

FIG. 3e is a frontal view of the suspenders and worn above, but not attached to, the lower section of the vest worn on the patient's body. The right and left horizontal straps are disengaged and the medical tubes are illustrated in one of the many locations on the patient from where they may protrude. The patient's body is labeled with letters and a legend is provided;

FIG. 3f is a frontal view of the suspenders attached to the lower section of the vest. Both the suspenders and the lower section of the vest are worn on the patient's body with the right and left horizontal straps disengaged and the medical tubes illustrated in one of the many locations on the patient from where they may protrude;

FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the vest with the left horizontal straps engaged, the right horizontal straps disengaged, and medical tubing protruding from the gap between straps;

FIG. 5a is a frontal view of the vest with the left horizontal straps engaged, only one of the right horizontal straps engaged via hook and loop fasteners and the button-through-slit mechanism, and medical tubes protruding from the gap between straps;

FIG. 5b is identical to 5a except the horizontal straps have laces attached to them to facilitate the fastening of the straps to each other.

FIG. 6a is a frontal view of the vest with all the horizontal straps engaged via hook and loop fasteners and the button-through-slit mechanism, and medical tubes protruding from the gap between straps;

FIG. 6b is a identical to 6a except the horizontal straps are fastened via tied laces.

FIG. 7a is a close-up perspective view of the overlapping right and left horizontal straps using the button-through-slit fastening mechanism;

FIG. 7b is a close-up perspective view of the overlapping right and left horizontal straps using laces as a fastening mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a frontal view of the suspender strap length adjuster without the suspender straps attached;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the suspender strap length adjuster with the suspender straps attached;

FIG. 10a is a rear view of the vest with the suspenders separated from the lower section the vest and the rear elastic straps disengaged;

FIG. 10b is a rear view of the vest with the suspenders secured to the lower section of the vest via the button-through-slit mechanism and the rear elastic straps disengaged;

FIG. 11 is a frontal view of the vest with the shoulder straps (apparatus A) and quick-lock buckles disengaged;

FIG. 12 is a frontal view of the vest with two of the shoulder straps (apparatus A) and quick-lock buckles inserted into receptacles, securing the medical tubes;

FIG. 13 is identical to FIG. 12 with the exception of the added tube-holding apparatus B which is attached to the vest and also secures the medical tubes (other straps and apparatuses not drawn);

FIG. 14 is a detailed frontal view of a single suspender and the shoulder straps attached via buttons 15c′;

FIG. 15 is a close-up frontal view of the suspender length adjuster mechanism without the shoulder strap;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the length adjuster mechanism with the shoulder strap attached;

FIG. 17 is a close-up frontal view of the shoulder strap (apparatus A) at the slit location;

FIG. 18 is a close-up frontal view of the shoulder strap (apparatus A) at the slit location with a cruciated loop formed through slit securing a medical tube;

FIG. 19 is a close-up frontal view of the distal region of the shoulder strap (apparatus A), length adjuster mechanism, length adjuster strap ends, quick-lock buckle, and buckle receptacle;

FIG. 20 is a side view from the right of the vest with the rear elastic strap disengaged and the medical tube protruding between horizontal straps at the front of the vest (other straps and components not illustrated);

FIG. 21 is a side view from the right of the vest with the rear elastic strap disengaged and the shoulder strap (apparatus A) engaged around the protruding medical tube;

FIG. 22 is a side view from the right of the vest with the right rear elastic strap disengaged and apparatus B attached to the front of the vest, securing the medical tube (other straps and apparatuses not drawn);

FIG. 23 is a side view from the right of the vest with the rear elastic strap disengaged, shoulder strap (apparatus A) engaged around the medical tube, and apparatus B attached to the front of the vest, securing the medical tube;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of apparatus B demonstrating its use to hold two medical tubes;

FIG. 25 is a close-up side view from the right of apparatus B attached to the vest used in conjunction with the shoulder strap (apparatus A) loop and the fabric on the medical tube used to increase the friction of the apparatus' hold and prevent the tube from sliding;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of apparatus C securing two medical tubes;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of apparatus C using the alternate fastening strap mechanism;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of apparatus D;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an individual clamp from apparatus D securing a medical tube;

FIG. 30 is an overhead view of the individual clamp from apparatus D shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an individual clamp from apparatus D with the fastening strap loosened;

FIG. 32 is identical to FIG. 31 except with the fastening strap tightened;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an individual clamp from apparatus D using the alternative fastening strap mechanism;

FIG. 34 is a frontal view of fastening strap mechanism shown in FIGS. 26, 31, and 32 in its loosened position;

FIG. 35 is a frontal view of fastening strap mechanism shown in FIG. 34 in its fastened position;

FIG. 36 is a frontal view of fastening strap mechanism shown in FIGS. 27 and 33 in its loosened position (the longer strap is not secured);

FIG. 37 is a frontal view of the shorter strap, strap receptacle, and fastening buttons used in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is identical to FIG. 36 but with the longer strap secured;

FIG. 39 is a frontal view of the vest using apparatus A and apparatus C to secure medical tubes; and

FIG. 40 is a frontal view of the vest using apparatus A and apparatus D to secure medical tubes.

TAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of the present invention, “fastener” or “fastening mechanism” includes any device which fastens one portion of the vest to another portion of the vest, to hold the vest in place on the patient, or to hold any apparatus to the vest. Such fastening means can include, but is not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, adhesives (including reusable adhesives), adhesive tape, zippers, buttons, laces, quick-lock buckles, snaps, pins, stitching, clamps, and the like. These fastening means are provided merely by way of illustration and are not intended to be limited to the specific examples presented.

For purposes of the present invention, “medical tubes” or “medical tubing” refers to cannulae, catheters, feeding tubes, surgical drains, and any other type of tubing or wiring which is implanted in a patient's body and which exits the patient's body through an opening in the skin. The terms used place no limitation on the particular use of the medical tubes or medical tubing. Unless specified, these terms are interchangeable and include all variations of the terms.

For the purposes of the present invention, “patient” and “wearer” are used interchangeably to mean the person wearing the vest and to whom the medical tubes are attached.

For the purposes of the present invention, the orientations “right” and “left” are used in a relative sense, meaning any configuration using these terms may be reversed.

For the purposes of the present invention, “fabric” may include, but is not limited to, textiles used in clothes such as VELCRO®-based fabrics, nylon, polyester, cotton, Lycra®, leather, wool, and their variants.

For the purposes of the present invention, “button” or “buttons” when used in the context of a fastening mechanism involving buttons passing through slits (button-through-slit) can also refer to laces that are tied together. The use of laces is necessary in cases when the slit being used cannot accommodate buttons positioned too far away. These laces can be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, cotton, leather, wool, and their variants.

For the purposes of the present invention, “adhesives” may include, but are not limited to, glue and rubber cement.

For the purposes of the present invention, “vest” is comprised of a sleeveless garment with all the components described below.

Referring to FIG. 1, the vest according to the present invention is comprised of two wide suspenders 10 and 11 which are mounted onto the patient's right and left shoulders, respectively. The right horizontal strap overlaps and is fastened to the left horizontal strap (not visible). Apparatus A (labeled 15 in all illustrations) is attached to the shoulder suspenders, loops around the medical tubes 16, and reattaches to the suspenders at the other end on the opposite suspender. Apparatus B is located immediately below the Apparatus A loops. In FIG. 1, apparatus B 17 uses two of its cylindrical passageways to secure the medical tubes. The rear elastic strap 19 is loose and disengaged in this drawing. The exterior surface of the vest, including the suspenders, apparatuses, and rear elastic straps, is covered with hook and/or loop fasteners, allowing apparatuses with complementary fasteners to latch on easily. The interior surface of the overlapping horizontal straps is also covered with hook and/or loop fasteners. The only parts of the vest that are not covered in hook and/or loop fasteners are surfaces that make contact with the patient. Surfaces touching the patient are comprised of any type of fabric that is comfortable to the wearer such as cotton or Lycra®.

Referring to FIG. 2, the vest is secured to the patient as in FIG. 1 except with the additional assistance of the rear elastic straps 19, which wrap around the front of the vest and attach to the vest and to each other via hook and loop fasteners, securing any apparatuses underneath.

Referring to FIG. 3a, each suspender (10 or 11) consists of two straps joined at mechanism 14. Mechanism 14 is a strap length adjustment mechanism resembling those commonly used in backpack straps but is big enough to accommodate the wide suspenders on the vest. Attached to the top of the suspenders are fastening mechanisms 15c (quick-lock buckle receptacle) and 15c′ (button) that serve to secure apparatus A (not shown).

FIG. 3b shows the lower section of the vest without the suspenders attached. The anchoring region for the suspenders is located around 13d, which is a fastening mechanism (button) for the suspenders. The right 12a and left 12b horizontal straps (from the wearer's perspective) are loose and open, revealing the inside of the vest 12c, the inner surface of the rear of the vest.

FIGS. 3c-3f illustrate how to put the vest on (or remove the vest from) a patient. Referring to FIG. 3c, the suspenders 10 and 11 are detached from the lower section of the vest. In order to attach the suspenders to the vest, slits 13c on the suspenders are attached to the lower section of the vest by latching onto buttons 13d in addition to hook-and-loop fasteners. Other fastening mechanisms mentioned earlier can also take the place of 13d. The slits 13c can be replaced with other fastening mechanisms mentioned earlier such as laces or a quick lock buckle that complement and attach to 13d. The separation of the suspenders from the lower section of the vest allows the patient to put on the shoulder straps and the lower section of the vest without disrupting the position of protruding medical tubes or apparatuses. FIG. 3d shows the patient wearing the lower section of the vest with buttons 13d disengaged and horizontal straps 12a and 12b disengaged. FIG. 3e shows the patient wearing the suspenders before they are attached to the lower section of the vest (slits 13c and buttons 13d are not yet engaged). FIG. 3f shows the patient wearing the suspenders attached to the lower section of the vest via the slit 13c and button 13d latching mechanism.

FIG. 4 shows the vest on the patient with the left horizontal straps 12b wrapped around the front of the torso. The gap between the first and second strap is adjusted to allow medical tubes 16 to pass through. This gap also facilitates the cleaning of the dressing near the exit site. The left horizontal straps consist of hook fasteners on the side facing away from the patient. The right straps 12a consist of loop fasteners on the side facing the patient and hook fasteners on the side facing away from the patient.

FIG. 5a shows one of the right straps 12a wrapped around the torso to fasten to strap 12b via hook and loop fasteners (the middle 12b strap is not visible because it is hidden beneath the middle 12a strap). The button 13b passes through slit 13a on the middle strap, further securing these two straps together. FIG. 5b shows one of the right straps 12a wrapped around the torso to fasten to the left strap 12b in the middle via hook and loop fasteners. The laces 13b′ are tied together (the middle 12b strap is not visible because it is hidden beneath the middle 12a strap), further securing the two straps together. Each of the unfastened right 12a and left 12b straps has a lace 13b′ attached to it.

FIG. 6a illustrates all the right straps 12a overlapping and fastened to the left straps 12b via the hook-and-loop fastener mechanism. In addition to this mechanism, the right straps each have a slit 13a at the distal end which joins with a button 13b attached/sewn to the proximal end of the left strap. The button slides through the right strap slip, fastening the right strap to the vest. The purpose of these overlapping straps is to secure the vest tightly around the patient and to create openings in the vest for the protruding medical tubes 16. The space between horizontal straps allows the medical tubes to emerge from any number of locations on the vest. FIG. 6b is identical to FIG. 6a except the overlapping straps are fastened with laces 13b′ tied together (for each pair of straps, one lace attached to the right strap 12a is tied to the other lace attached to the left strap, which is hidden beneath the 12a strap).

FIG. 7a provides another view of two overlapping horizontal straps and the button-through-slit fastening mechanism. The button 13b on the bottom strap passes through slit 13a on the top strap and holds the two straps together. FIG. 7b provides the same view as FIG. 7a but with the use of laces 13b′, one of which is attached to the top strap and the other which is attached to the bottom strap. They can be tied together to secure the two straps together. The added advantage of the laces is to allow the straps to be fastened to wearers of varying sizes.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the length adjuster mechanism 14 on the shoulder strap in more detail. Referring to FIG. 8, the mechanism consists of a solid receptacle (made from any solid material, including, but not limited to, plastic or metal) that contains two horizontal bars 14a. FIG. 9 shows how the suspender straps 14d fit tightly around these bars 14a as demonstrated. To tighten the suspenders, strap ends 14b (on the side facing away from the patient) are pulled away from 14. To loosen the suspenders, the strap ends are threaded back through 14. The thick folds 14e on the strap ends prevent the straps from detaching from 14. With the help of mechanism 14, the vest can accommodate patients of different sizes. The suspender length is firmly secured by a region of loop fasteners at 14e, which attach to the hook fasteners on the surface of 14d.

Referring to FIG. 10a, the rear of the suspenders consists of two slits 13c which attach securely to the rear of the lower section of the vest via buttons 13d. FIG. 10b shows the rear of the vest with the suspenders secured to the lower section of the vest via the button-through-slit fastening mechanism (13d through 13c). Two elastic straps 19 are attached/sewn to the back of the vest. These straps also have hook-and-loop fasteners which bind to the vest and to each other when extended around the front of the vest. Referring back to FIG. 2, the rear elastic straps 19 wrap around the sides to the front of the vest.

Presented in the following section are four apparatuses (labeled A, B, C, and D in the description and visually represented by numerical labels 15, 17, 20, and 23 respectively) that are used as part of the vest to help secure medical tubes to the vest. It is necessary to use apparatus A in conjunction with the vest (including the rear strap 19, as demonstrated in FIG. 2) and one of the other three apparatuses in order to secure the patient's medical tubes, especially VAD cannulae. The combination of apparatuses maintains each tube's natural exit angle and safe elevation level. The combination of apparatuses also secures each tube circumferentially and at multiple sites to fulfill the previously stated objects of the present invention.

FIGS. 11-19 illustrate the use of apparatus A. Referring to FIG. 11, apparatus A (labeled 15 in the illustrations) consists of a long strap that secures the patient's medical tubes to the vest. The apparatus A straps 15, which have button slits at the proximal ends, fasten to the left and right suspenders via the suspender buttons 15c′ (these buttons are interchangeable with buckle receptacles 15c and/or laces). The proximal ends of apparatus A may also fasten to the suspenders via other fastening mechanisms, including hook and loop fasteners, quick-lock buckles, and/or laces. Each apparatus A strap 15 is comprised of loop fasteners on the side facing the patient and hook fasteners on the side facing away from the patient. This allows the straps to latch on securely to the vest at any location, distributing any tugging or gravitational force to the suspenders and to multiple regions on the vest away from the tube anchoring sites. The region of the strap between the two length adjustment mechanisms 15d contains a wider section with a slit 15a, where a cruciated loop can be formed.

Referring to FIG. 12, each apparatus A strap can form a cruciated loop at slit 15a circumferentially around a medical tube. The slit is located in between the two mechanisms 15d on part of the strap that is wider than the remainder of the strap. The slit is sufficiently long and wide enough to allow for the rest of the strap to pass through and form a cruciated loop around the medical tube. Fabric 18 is comprised of hook or loop fasteners (complementing the apparatus A strap) and is adhered to the medical tube 16 where the cruciated loop forms.

FIG. 13 is identical to FIG. 12 but shows how apparatus A 15 is used in conjunction with apparatus B 17 on the front of the vest. Apparatus B 17 is located on the vest below the strap loops of apparatus A 15, securing medical tubes 16 with two vertical cylindrical passageways. Fabric 18 is also used in the region of the tubes held in the cylindrical passageways, which are lined with hook or loop fasteners complementing those on fabric 18.

FIG. 14 shows the apparatus A straps 15 attached to a single suspender 10 via buttons 15c′. A closer view of the buttons 15c′ on the suspender is illustrated back in FIG. 3a. Referring back to FIG. 14, each of the apparatus A straps 15 consists of three sections 15g, 15h, and 15j joined at strap length adjustment mechanisms 15d. Two mechanisms 15d are attached to each apparatus A strap 15. Section 15h of apparatus A rests in between two 15d mechanisms.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the length adjustment mechanism 15d for the long strap (apparatus A) is similar to mechanism 14 (from FIG. 3a) for the suspenders. Mechanism 15d consists of a solid receptacle that contains two horizontal bars 15e, as shown in FIG. 15. The strap (technically consisting of two sub-straps) fits tightly around these bars, leaving two tail ends 15f as demonstrated in FIG. 16. To tighten the suspenders, strap ends 15f (on the side facing away from the patient) are pulled in opposite directions away from 15d. To loosen the suspenders, the strap ends are threaded back through 15d. The thick folds at distal ends of 15f prevent the straps from detaching from 15d. The strap ends can attach to the vest via hook-and-loop fasteners. 15d allows the length of the three sections (shown in FIG. 14) to be adjusted from both sides of the mechanism. This adjustment mechanism is important because it changes the position of the slit and cruciated loop section to accommodate a medical tube's position and modifies the tension with which the strap secures a medical tube.

FIG. 17 provides a close-up view of section 15h with slit 15a located at the region wider than the rest of the strap. The slit 15a is sufficiently long and wide enough to allow the distal region of the strap to thread through to form a cruciated loop.

FIG. 18 illustrates the strap passing through the slit to form a cruciated loop. This loop holds the medical tube 16 around fabric 18 (shaded) which is adhered to the surface of the tube—the dotted lines indicate the tube's position inside the loop. The strap can then wrap securely and tightly around the tube's circumference. Referring back to FIG. 12, once the strap passes through the slit and the loop is formed around the tube, the distal end is directed towards and attached to the opposite suspender of the vest via hook-and-loop fasteners and a quick release buckle 15b clasped into one of several buckle receptacles 15c attached/sewn onto on the suspenders. A larger view of these receptacles is shown in FIG. 3a.

FIG. 19 offers a closer view of the shoulder strap 15 at the distal region with sections 15h and 15j, length adjuster mechanism 15d, length adjuster strap ends 15f, the quick release buckle 15b, and the buckle receptacle 15c. Although the illustrated buckle mechanism resembles that of Bianchi's U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,272 (expired), any buckle mechanism may be used with the strap. More straps and buckle receptacles may be attached to the vest with hook-and-loop fasteners and the button-through-slit mechanisms or laces in order to accommodate more medical tubes.

FIG. 20 provides a side view of the vest, showing the medical tube 16 emerging from the area between horizontal straps 12a. The rear strap 19 is loose and disengaged. Other apparatuses are not shown.

FIG. 21 provides a side view of the vest employing the use of apparatus A and slit 15a to form a cruciated loop around the tube 16. The rear strap 19 is loose and disengaged. Other apparatuses are not shown.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate apparatus B (labeled 17 in the illustrations) and its use with the vest and apparatus A 15. Apparatus B is a polygon-shaped medical tube holder. FIG. 22 provides a side view of the vest securing medical tube 16 with use of the apparatus B 17. The medical tube 16 passes through apparatus B's cylindrical passageway (lined with hook or loop fasteners) and is secured with the help of hook or loop fasteners on fabric 18 adhered to the tube. The rear strap 19 is loose and disengaged. Other apparatuses are not shown.

FIG. 23 provides a side view similar to that in FIG. 22 but with apparatus A 15 used in conjunction with apparatus B 17. As with FIG. 13, apparatus B 17 holds medical tube 16 on the length of the tube further away from the exit site than the loop from apparatus A 15. The rear strap 19 is loose and disengaged. Other apparatuses are not shown. Refer back to FIG. 2 to see the rear elastic strap 19 securing and covering both apparatuses 15 and 17 at the front of the vest.

Referring to FIG. 24, apparatus B 17 secures the medical tubes to the vest by holding the tubes inside cylindrical passageways 17a. The apparatus is comprised of a firm but flexible material, including, but not limited to, foam, rubber, and silicone, and attaches to the vest via hook-and-loop fasteners. The apparatus contains several cylindrical passageways 17a through which the medical tubes pass. To place the medical tubes into these passageways, the tubes are pressed against slits/gaps 17b which flexibly open to make way for the tubes but close once the tubes have reached the holes (the slits/gaps are less wide than the width of each medical tube passing through). This allows tubes of varying diameters to fit securely into the apparatus. The surface of the apparatus, including the passageways 17a, is lined with hook-and-loop fasteners. In order to facilitate the hold of the tube and to prevent the tube from sliding, a hook or loop fastener fabric 18 is adhered to the surface of the medical tube around the inserted area. The size of the apparatus and the number of cylindrical passageways can be modified, without limitation. Different versions of this apparatus can also be produced to provide different sized cylindrical passageways to accommodate an even wider variety of tube diameters.

FIG. 25 provides a side view of apparatus B 17 similar to that of FIG. 23 (but closer than FIG. 23) from the right side used in conjunction with the loop formed at slit 15a from apparatus A.

FIGS. 26-27 illustrate apparatus C (labeled 20 in the illustrations). Referring to FIG. 26, apparatus C 20 secures the medical tubes to the vest via semi-cylindrical passageways 20a and straps. This apparatus comprises of a firm material, including but not limited to semi-rigid foam, rubber, and silicone, in a polygonal shape that attaches to the vest via hook-and-loop fasteners at or around region 20b or a wider platform/base than region 20b (not shown). The rest of the apparatus is also covered in hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing straps to attach to the surface. Several semi-cylindrical passageways 20a run through the top surface of the apparatus. The medical tubes rest in these passageways 20a and are secured by connection between fabric 18 and the hook and loop fasteners in the passageways 20a. This apparatus also employs a fastening strap mechanism 21 along the length of the ridges to secure the medical tubes. The configuration of strap mechanisms used can also be altered, without limitation, in different combinations from that of the illustrations. The first two ridges are occupied by medical tubes 16 and secured by straps 21. The last two ridges are empty with straps 21 loose. A variant of this fastening strap mechanism may also be used, as shown by 22 in FIG. 27 (fastening strap mechanism 22 is illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 36-38). The size of the apparatus, the number of semi-cylindrical passageways, and the number of fastening strap mechanisms can be modified without limitation.

FIGS. 28-33 illustrate apparatus D (labeled 23 in the illustrations). Referring to FIG. 28, apparatus D 23 secures the medical tubes to the vest using a clamp and strap mechanism. The apparatus consists of one or more clamps 23a (the apparatus may be produced with any number of clamps) that attach to the vest (such as strap 12a) via hook-and-loop fasteners on its base 23b. Each clamp provides enough space for a medical tube of any size to pass through. The size of the clamp's opening can be adjusted by strap fastening mechanism 21 attached to the arms of the clamp. The number and size (including length, width, height, and thickness) of clamps on this apparatus can be modified without limitation.

FIG. 29 illustrates a single clamp 23a on platform/strap 23b. The clamp's fastening strap (21 in FIG. 28) is comprised of three parts labeled 21a, 21b, and 21c. 21a is the longer strap, 21b is the shorter strap, and 21c is the strap receptacle attached to 21b. The fastening strap mechanism 21 will be described in further detail in FIGS. 34-35.

FIG. 30 provides an overhead view of FIG. 29 but with the clamp in a loosened position. The clamp's arms (the two distal ends of the clamp) join at an angle to vertex 23a′; the triangular space at 23a′ allows the clamp arms at the distal end to adjust position and tightness of grip. 21a, 21b, and 21c are components of strap fastening mechanism 21 (shown in FIG. 28) and help tighten or loosen the clamp. The inside of each clamp is lined with hook-and-loop fasteners which attach to 18 and prevent the tube from sliding. The clamp is attached to base/platform 23b, which attaches to the vest.

FIG. 31 provides a different perspective view of the clamp with the long strap 21a and short strap 21b. In this drawing, the long strap 21a passes through the short strap receptacle 21c but is not fastened.

FIG. 32 provides the same view as FIG. 31 but with the strap fastened to the clamp 23a and to the base/platform 23b via hook-and-loop fasteners.

FIG. 33 provides a view of an individual clamp 23a employing an alternate strap fastening mechanism 22, which will be described in FIGS. 36-38.

FIGS. 34-35 illustrate strap fastening mechanism 21 from FIG. 28 in further detail. In FIG. 34, the longer strap 21a passes through receptacle 21c, which is attached to the shorter strap 21b. The straps involved are composed of stretchable material including, but not limited to, rubber, elastic, or silicon. The receptacle 21c is made of solid material, including, but not limited to, plastic or metal.

Referring to FIG. 35, once strap 21a passes through the receptacle 21c, the strap is folded back and secured via hook-and-loop fasteners.

FIGS. 36-39 illustrate strap fastening mechanism 22 in further detail. In FIG. 36, the longer strap 22a passes through receptacle 22c, which is attached to the shorter strap 22b. The longer strap 22a is lined with parallel pairs of holes 22d. The straps involved are composed of stretchable material including, but not limited to, rubber, elastic, or silicon. The receptacle 22c is made of solid material, including, but not limited to, plastic or metal.

As shown in FIG. 37, two of these holes latch on to protruding buttons 22e on the surface of 22b.

FIG. 38 illustrates the strap fastening mechanism in its secured position, with buttons 22e protruding through holes 22d. The buttons 22e are slightly larger in circumference than the holes 22d, but the holes allow the buttons to pass through when pressure is applied. The tightness of the mechanism may be adjusted by latching a pair of holes further away from the distal end of strap 22a.

The use of apparatus A in conjunction with apparatus C (labeled 20 in the illustration) is demonstrated in FIG. 39. The use of apparatus A in conjunction with apparatus D (labeled 23 in the illustration) is demonstrated in FIG. 40. The rear elastic straps 19 (not shown) wrap around apparatus C and apparatus D as portrayed in FIG. 2.

In order to fulfill the objects of the present invention, it is necessary use apparatus A in conjunction with apparatus B, apparatus C, or apparatus D in addition to the rear elastic straps. To ensure the proper function of the present invention, all hook-and-loop fastener mechanisms and button-through slit mechanisms should be secured.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, the securing of medical tubes to the patient, the minimization of tug trauma risk and tube dislocation risk, the increase in patient mobility, and the reduction of patient recovery times. Unlike previous medical tube holders, the present invention directs physical and gravitational forces away from the medical tube anchoring sites onto the vest, which is fastened to and supported by the patient's body. Tugging forces that would normally dislodge a vital medical tube would instead meet resistance from the rear elastic straps, the apparatuses, the vest, and ultimately, the patient's body weight. The present invention is comparatively advantageous to prior art for several reasons. First, the vest and apparatuses are highly versatile—the prevalence of hook and loop fastener junctions on the vest allows apparatuses and straps to secure medical tubes of varying sizes at varying locations on the torso and allow tubes to be routed to a desired location without the risk of being squeezed or dislodged. The hook-and-loop fasteners on the vest allow for the use of any number of tube holder apparatuses at any location of the vest where the medical tubes may be located. Second, the vest is easily worn and removed by patients of various sizes because of the combined use of detachable suspenders and horizontal overlapping straps. Unlike adhesive-based tube holders, the present invention does not risk loosening from the patient's body because of perspiration or body fluids, nor does the invention irritate the patient's skin. The adjustable hook-and-loop fastener straps on multiple sides of the vest allow the patient to adjust the tightness of the vest for security and for comfort. Third, the horizontal straps leave gaps through which the medical tubes protrude, providing easy access to the medical tube exit site for maintenance and cleaning of the dressing surrounding the tube. Fourth, the vest is made of washable fabric that can be easily cleaned by machine washing and drying. Fifth, the combined use of the vest, apparatuses, and rear elastic straps provide a three-(or more) point force distribution mechanism to stabilize each medical tube and redistribute force or pressure away from the medical tubes and their exit sites. These mechanisms help anchor and secure medical tubes with significant weight and high pressure loads. Sixth, unlike prior art, the present invention maintains the natural angle of each tube at the exit site with the help of apparatuses A, B, C, and D without bending the tube, avoiding the creation of fluid turbulence within the tube. Seventh, the present invention increases the surface contact area and grip medical tube holders have on medical tubes by incorporating the use of a hook and loop fastener fabric adhered to the circumference of each medical tube where the holder and the fabric meet. Lastly, the combined advantages from above allow the present invention to be used with VAD cannulae, which require fastening mechanisms that can withstand a greater amount of weight and pressure that the prior art cannot handle.

One example of the invention's advantages involves the use of external ventricular assist devices (VADs). External VADs are typical short-term solutions for patients with weak hearts recovering after heart surgery or heart attack and for patients waiting for a more permanent heart pump implant or heart transplant. VADs are responsible for supplementing or replacing the functionality of a damaged or non-functioning left or right ventricle. An external VAD, comprised of a pump located outside the patient's body, connects to the patient's heart chambers via cannulae that pass through the patient's body. Blood that leaves the heart (e.g. blood from the left atrium) is drained through a cannula ranging from 16-42 Fr in diameter, where 1 Fr=⅓ mm) into the VAD which then pumps the blood to a major artery (e.g. the aorta) via another cannula. These two (or more) cannulae pass through the patient's body and are anchored to the patient's heart and skin. These cannulae are filled with blood with a mean pressure of 60 mmHg and flow at >2 L/min. The fluid weight in the cannulae coupled with the high speed blood flow and pressure exert force/pressure on the tube anchoring/exit sites. The present invention is currently the only invention that can specifically address this demand—the use of cannulae attached to VADs increased in prevalence after 2002 and after the advent of the prior art. Accidental tugging or physical movement risks over-stressing these anchor sites and dislodging the cannulae. The VAD cannulae exit the body generally at a 15-60 degree angle. Any prior art used with VAD cannulae would change this angle. The present invention is the only device designed to maintain the angle while securing the cannulae. The vest and apparatuses of the present invention minimizes the risk of tube dislodgment by redirecting physical or gravitational force away from the anchoring site and onto the vest and the patient's body. Therefore, the present invention facilitates safe patient transport, body position change, and allows patients to perform moderate physical exercise during recovery periods, decreasing complications related to bed-ridden hospital/ICU stays, reducing recovery time, lowering hospital costs, and improving the quality of the convalescent period.

Claims

1. A medical vest for a patient to wear, the vest comprising:

(a) a fabric shaped and sized to fit the patient's torso and back

(b) an exterior surface of said fabric facing away from the patient's body consisting entirely of hook-and-loop fasteners

(c) two length-adjustable shoulder strap suspenders extending from the upper portion of said fabric

(d) three pairs of horizontal straps, one strap from each pair extending from a lateral side of the fabric opposite the other strap from the same pair

(e) two rear elastic straps, extending laterally from the fabric at the rear of the patient's torso, that wrap around said fabric and said horizontal straps; and

(f) four length-adjustable straps that latch on to said shoulder strap suspenders.

2. The medical vest of claim 1 wherein all said straps attached to the fabric consist of hook-and-loop fasteners on the exterior surface facing away from the patient's body and hook-and-loop fasteners on the interior surface facing the patient's body capable of latching on to the said hook-and-loop fasteners on the exterior surface of both the fabric and of other straps.

3. The medical vest of claim 1 wherein each length-adjustable shoulder strap suspender removably attaches to said fabric via fastening mechanisms.

4. The medical vest of claim 1 wherein three of the horizontal straps extending from the same lateral side overlap and fasten on, to the other three horizontal straps via fastening mechanisms.

5. The medical vest of claim 1 wherein the overlapping horizontal straps close the front of the vest when completely fastened and open the front of the vest when completely unfastened.

6. The medical vest of claim 1 wherein each pair of overlapping horizontal straps is flexible enough and far enough from an adjacent pair of overlapping horizontal straps to allow medical tubes to pass through gaps between each pair of overlapping horizontal straps.

7. The medical vest of claim 1 wherein each of the length adjustable straps removably attaches to the shoulder strap suspenders via fastening mechanisms.

8. The medical vest of claim 1 wherein each of the four length adjustable straps consists of a slightly wider region along the length of the strap with a slit long and wide enough to allow the remainder of the strap to pass through and form a cruciated loop.

9. The medical vest of claim 1 wherein each of the four length adjustable straps fastens on to one of the shoulder strap suspenders via one distal end, forms a cruciated loop around a medical tube attached to the patient's body, and fastens on to the other shoulder strap suspender via the other distal end.

10. A medical tube-holding apparatus that fastens on to a medical vest via hook-and-loop fasteners comprising:

(a) a platform lined with hook-and-loop fasteners

(b) a polygon-shaped solid in the form of a three-dimensional trapezoid attached to said platform wherein the two parallel sides of the trapezoid are perpendicular to said platform as well as one of the non-parallel sides and wherein the remaining non-parallel side slopes at an angle that matches the angle of exit for a protruding medical tube;

(c) said polygon-shaped solid consisting of cylindrical and semi-cylindrical passageways through which medical tubes can pass

(d) cylindrical clamps with arms wide enough to hold medical tubes attached to said platform with fastening straps.

(e) surface areas within said cylindrical passageways, semi-cylindrical passageways, and cylindrical clamps consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners

(f) removable elevation-altering padding affixed to said platform

11. The medical tube-holding apparatus of claim 10 wherein the polygon-shaped solid contains hollow cylindrical passageways and semi-cylindrical passageways large enough to contain a medical are oriented at the same angle as the sloping non-perpendicular, non-parallel side of said trapezoid.

12. The medical tube-holding apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cylindrical passageways of the polygon-shaped solid are accessed by medical tubes via a gap in the sloping non-perpendicular, non-parallel side of said trapezoid.

13. The medical tube-holding apparatus of claim 10 wherein the external surface of sloping non-perpendicular, non-parallel-side consists of fastening straps that tight around the medical tube and keep the medical tube in the semi-cylindrical passageway from shifting position.

14. The medical tube-holding apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cylindrical clamps are tightened around medical tubes running through the inside of the clamps' arms via fastening straps affixed to outside of the clamps' arms.

15. The medical tube-holding apparatus of claim 10 wherein hook-and-loop fasteners in the surface areas within said cylindrical passageways, semi-cylindrical passageways, and cylindrical clamps fastens to hook-and-loop fastener fabric affixed to the surface of the medical tube.

16. A method for wearing a medical vest to hold medical tubes steady, said vest comprising a fabric shaped and sized to fit the patient's torso and back, an exterior surface of said fabric facing away from the patient's body consisting entirely of hook-and-loop fasteners, two detachable, length-adjustable shoulder strap suspenders extending from the upper portion of said fabric, three pairs of horizontal straps, one strap from each pair extending from a lateral side of the fabric opposite the other strap from the same pair, two rear elastic straps, extending laterally from the fabric at the rear of the patient's torso, that wrap around said fabric and said horizontal straps, and four length-adjustable straps that latch on to said shoulder strap suspenders, and utilizing the medical tube-holding apparatus that fastens on to the medical vest, said medical tube-holding apparatus comprising of a platform lined with hook-and-loop fasteners, a polygon-shaped solid in the form of a three-dimensional trapezoid attached to said platform wherein the two parallel sides of the trapezoid are perpendicular to said platform as well as one of the non-parallel sides and wherein the remaining non-parallel side slopes at an angle that matches the angle of exit for a protruding medical tube, said polygon-shaped solid consisting of cylindrical and semi-cylindrical passageways through which medical tubes can pass, cylindrical clamps with arms wide enough to hold medical tubes attached to said platform with fastening straps, surface areas within said cylindrical passageways, semi-cylindrical passageways, and cylindrical clamps consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, removable elevation-altering padding affixed to said platform, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) affixing hook-and-loop fastening fabric to the medical tube's contact points with the medical vest's straps and apparatuses

(b) fastening one end of the length-adjustable strap to one shoulder strap Suspender, securing the medical tube with the length-adjustable strap with a cruciated loop, and fastening the other end of the length-adjustable strap to the other shoulder strap suspender

(c) further securing the medical tubes by passing the medical tube through the medical tube-holding apparatus fastened to the vest—this can be through the cylindrical passageways of the polygonal solid, semi-cylindrical pathways of the polygonal solid, or the cylindrical clamps.

(d) adding or removing the removable elevation-altering padding in order to allow the medical tube-holding apparatus to reach the medical tube; and

(e) adjusting the medical tube-holding apparatus in order to maintain a medical tube's original angle of exit from the patient's body.

(f) adjusting the medical tube-holding apparatus to support the position of a medical tube with a full tube fluid weight or dynamic flow greater than 0 L/minute with a mean pressure greater than 0 mmHg.

17. A method for wearing the medical vest of claim 1 that involves adjusting the vest to maintain a medical tube's original angle of exit from the patient's body and to maintain a position of a medical tube with a full tube fluid weight or dynamic flow greater than 0 L/minute with a mean pressure greater than 0 mmHg.

18. A method for wearing the medical tube-holding apparatus of claim 10 that involves adjusting the apparatus to maintain a medical tube's original angle of exit from the patient's body and to maintain a position of a medical tube with a full tube fluid weight or dynamic flow greater than 0 L/minute with a mean pressure greater than 0 mmHg.