WO2025170992A1 - Medical connection systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection system including a device connector coupled with an equipment connector through a sterile barrier to define an electrical and optical connection. The sterile barrier includes a tubular portion and when connected, a portion of the device connector is disposed in the tubular portion and the tubular portion is disposed within a cavity of the equipment connector. The optical connection and electrical connection are established with the cavity of the equipment connector, the tubular portion, and a cavity of the equipment connector. A detent mechanism secures the device connector to the equipment and provides haptic feedback upon connection. The connection system can be employed by a medical system configured to track the location of a distal tip of a medical device within a patent body.

Description

MEDICAL CONNECTION SYSTEMS

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/552,065, filed February 9, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Hospital acquired infections continue to be an issue within patient care facility caused by a breach of sterility. Hospital acquired infections often result longer patient stays, patient complications, and increased healthcare costs. Drapes are often used as a sterile barrier between a sterile environment and a non-sterile environment. Medical procedures often include the use of non-sterile medical equipment coupled with a sterile medical device. In cases where the sterile medical device must be physically connected to the non-sterile medical equipment, the connection extends across or through the sterile barrier. Consequently, a breach of sterility caused by the connection through the sterile barrier is generally a concern. Disclosed herein are systems and methods that address the foregoing.

SUMMARY

[0003] Disclosed herein is a connection system that, according to some embodiments, includes an equipment connector located within a non-sterile environment, a device connector operatively coupled with the equipment connector in a connected state of the connection system, where the device connector is located within a sterile environment. The connection further includes a sterile barrier separating the sterile environment from the non-sterile environment, where the sterile barrier includes a connection interface member disposed between the equipment connector and the device connector in the connected state.

[0004] In some embodiments, the connection system provides for at least one of an electrical connection or an optical connection across the sterile barrier. In some embodiments, the connection system provides for the electrical connection and the optical connection across the sterile barrier.

[0005] In some embodiments, the sterile barrier includes a drape having a sterile side facing the sterile environment and a non-sterile side facing the non-sterile environment. [0006] In some embodiments, the connection interface member includes a tubular portion defining a tubular cavity having an open proximal end and an open distal end, where a flange extending radially outward from the tubular portion is located at the open distal end of the tubular portion, and where the flange is attached to the drape such that the open distal end of the tubular cavity is aligned with an aperture extending through the drape. In some embodiments, the flange is attached to the drape on the non-sterile side such that the tubular portion extends toward the non-sterile environment. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of the device connector is disposed within the tubular cavity in the connected state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the equipment connector includes an equipment connector cavity having a closed proximal end and an open distal end, and the tubular portion is disposed within the equipment connector cavity in the connected state.

[0008] In some embodiments, the equipment connector includes an equipment protrusion extending distally into the equipment connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the equipment connector cavity, and the device connector includes a device connector cavity having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. In such embodiments, the equipment protrusion extends distally into the device connector through the proximal end of the device connector cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tubular portion includes a rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the tubular portion, and the equipment connector cavity includes an equipment groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the equipment connector cavity. In such embodiments, the rib is disposed within the equipment groove in the connected state such that the tubular portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the equipment connector.

[0010] In some embodiments, the proximal portion includes a device rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the proximal portion, and the tubular cavity includes a groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the tubular cavity. In such embodiments, the device rib is disposed within the groove in the connected state such that the proximal portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the tubular portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device cavity includes a device groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the device cavity, and the device connector includes a device electrical connector disposed within and extending along the device groove. In such embodiments, an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion includes an equipment electrical connector, and the device electrical connector is disposed in electrical contact with the equipment electrical connector in the connected state to define an electrical connection between the equipment connector and device connector. In some embodiments, the electrical connection is established within the tubular cavity, the equipment connector cavity, and the device connector cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the equipment connector protrusion includes a protrusion cavity having an open distal end and a closed proximal end and an equipment optical connector at a distal end of an equipment optical connector protrusion extends distally into the protrusion cavity from the closed proximal end of the protrusion cavity. The device connector includes a device optical connector at a proximal end of a device connector protrusion extending proximally into the device connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the device connector cavity, and the equipment optical connector operatively engages the device optical connector in the connected state to define an optical connection between the equipment connector and device connector. In some embodiments, the optical connection is established within the tubular cavity, the equipment connector cavity, device connector cavity, and the protrusion cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments, the equipment connector protrusion includes a first portion of a detent mechanism disposed on an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion, and the proximal portion includes a corresponding second portion of the detent mechanism disposed on an inside surface of the device connector cavity. The detent mechanism is configured to at least (i) provide haptic feedback to a user upon connection of the device connector with the equipment connector or (ii) secure the device connector to the equipment connector in the connected state.

[0014] Also disclosed herein is a method that, according to some embodiments, includes (i) positioning an equipment connector on a non-sterile side of a sterile barrier having connection interface member attached to the non-sterile side; (ii) positioning a device connector on a sterile side of the sterile barrier; (iii) inserting a proximal portion of the device connector through an aperture of the sterile barrier and into a tubular portion of the connection interface member, where the tubular portion extends away from the non-sterile side; and (iv) inserting the proximal portion of the device and the tubular portion into an equipment connector cavity of the equipment connector to operatively connect the device connector to the equipment connector.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, operatively connecting the device connector to the equipment connector includes establishing at least one of an electrical connection or an optical connection between the device connector and the equipment connector. In some embodiments of the method, operatively connecting the device connector to the equipment connector includes establishing the electrical connection or the optical connection between the device connector and the equipment connector.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, the equipment connector includes an equipment connector protrusion extending distally into the equipment connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the equipment connector cavity, and the device connector includes a device connector cavity having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. In such embodiments, inserting the proximal portion of the device connector includes inserting the equipment connector protrusion into the device connector cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method, the tubular portion includes a rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the tubular portion, and the equipment cavity includes an equipment groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the equipment cavity. In such embodiments, inserting the tubular portion into the equipment connector cavity includes inserting the rib into the equipment groove such that the tubular portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the equipment connector.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method, the proximal portion includes a device rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the proximal portion, and the tubular portion includes a groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the tubular portion. In such embodiments, inserting the proximal portion into the tubular portion includes inserting the device rib into the groove such that the proximal portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the tubular portion.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method, the device cavity includes a device groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the device cavity, the device connector includes a device electrical connector disposed within and extending along the device groove. In such embodiments, an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion includes an equipment electrical connector, and establishing the electrical connection includes electrically contacting the device electrical connector to the equipment electrical connector. Accordingly, the electrical connection may be established within the tubular portion, the equipment connector cavity, and the device connector cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments of the method, the electrical connector protrusion includes a protrusion cavity having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, and an equipment optical connector at a distal end of an equipment connector protrusion extends distally into the protrusion cavity from the closed proximal end of the protrusion cavity. In such emblements, the device connector includes a device optical connector at a proximal end of a device connector protrusion extending proximally into the device connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the device connector cavity, and inserting the proximal portion into the equipment connector cavity includes operatively engaging the device optical connector with the equipment optical connector to define the optical connection. Accordingly, the optical connection may be established within the tubular portion, the equipment connector cavity, device connector cavity, and the protrusion cavity.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method, the equipment connector includes a first portion of a detent mechanism disposed on an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion, and the proximal portion includes a corresponding second portion of the detent mechanism disposed on an inside surface of the device connector cavity. In such embodiments, inserting the proximal portion into the equipment connector cavity includes engaging the first portion with the second portion such that the detent mechanism provides haptic feedback to a user.

[0022] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and following description, which describe particular embodiments of such concepts in greater detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a medical connection system in a disconnected state, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. IB illustrates the medical connection system of FIG. 1A in a connected state, in accordance with some embodiments. [0025] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an equipment connector of the medical connection system of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of a sterile barrier of the medical connection system of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a device connector of the medical connection system of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of connection system of FIG. 1 A in the connected state, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a method of using the connection system of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a medical connection system in a disconnected state, in accordance with some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

[0031] Before some particular embodiments are disclosed in greater detail, it should be understood that the particular embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that a particular embodiment disclosed herein can have features that can be readily separated from the particular embodiment and optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of a number of other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] Regarding terms used herein, it should also be understood the terms are for the purpose of describing some particular embodiments, and the terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a group of features or steps, and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation. For example, “first,” “second,” and “third” features or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the particular embodiments including such features or steps need not necessarily be limited to the three features or steps. Labels such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. Singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] The phrases “connected to,” “coupled with,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled with each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled with each other through an intermediate component.

[0034] The terms “proximal” and “distal” refer to opposite ends of a medical device, including the devices disclosed herein. More specifically, the proximal end of a medical device is the end nearest a practitioner during use, and the distal end of a medical device is the end or portion nearest a patient during use. For example, the distal end or portion of a stylet is the end or portion of the stylet furthest disposed within the patient. Conversely, the proximal end or portion of the stylet is the end or portion disposed outside the patient.

[0035] The terms “tubular,” “tubular portion,” “tubular cavity” and the like used herein are not intended to necessarily mean a circular diameter or cross-section, although it can mean that in certain embodiments. That is, other suitable geometries are also within the scope of the term as used herein, for example, a square profile or cross-sectional shape, a teardrop profile or cross-sectional shape, etc.

[0036] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. References to approximations are made throughout this specification, such as by use of the term “substantially.” For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where qualifiers such as “about” and “substantially” are used, these terms include within their scope the qualified words in the absence of their qualifiers. For example, where the term “substantially straight” is recited with respect to a feature, it is understood that in further embodiments, the feature can have a precisely straight configuration.

[0037] Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. Moreover, sub-routines or only a portion of a method described herein may be a separate method within the scope of this disclosure. Stated otherwise, some methods may include only a portion of the steps described in a more detailed method. Additionally, all embodiments disclosed herein are combinable and/or interchangeable unless stated otherwise or such combination or interchange would be contrary to the stated operability of either embodiment.

[0038] The instant disclosure is directed to a connection system for use in a medical setting where maintaining a sterile environment adjacent a patient skin is desired. The connection system includes a non-sterile equipment portion and a sterile device portion. The connection system further includes a sterile barrier that separates a sterile environment from a non-sterile environment, where the equipment portion resides in the non-sterile environment and the sterile device portion resides in the sterile environment. An equipment connector is a component of medical equipment and a device connector a component of a medical device. The medical equipment and the medical device define a medical system. The medical device includes an elongate member configured for insertion into a patient, such as advancement along a vasculature of the patient, for example. The medical system includes a tip location system configured to determine the location of a distal tip of the elongate member within the patient. In some embodiments, the tip location system may be configured to determine the location of the distal tip by monitoring an ECG signal acquired by an electrode disposed at the distal tip. In some embodiments, the elongate member includes an optical fiber (e.g., a multi-core optical fiber) having a plurality of Bragg gratings disposed along a length of the elongate member. As such, the tip location system may be configured to determine the location of the distal tip by monitoring conditions of the optical fiber or conditions surrounding or adjacent the optical fiber, such as (i) shape or movement of the optical fiber, or temperature, pressure, fluid flow adjacent the optical fiber, for example.

[0039] FIG. 1 A illustrates a connection system 100 in a disconnected state and FIG. IB illustrates the connection system 100 in a connected state. The connection system 100 generally includes three main components: an equipment connector (EC) 110, a device connector (DC) 140, a sterile barrier (SB) 170. The SB 170 separates a sterile environment 40 from a non- sterile environment 41. The DC 140 is located within the sterile environment 40 and the EC 110 is located within the non-sterile environment 41. The connection system 100 is configured to establish an electrical connection, an optical connection, or both an electrical connection and an optical connection between the EC 110 and the DC 140.

[0040] The SB 170 includes a drape 171 which may be formed a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a plastic sheet or any other suitable sheet-like material. The SB 170 is sterilized before use. The drape 171 may include any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the drape 171 may include a flat shape, such as a flat rectangular, oval, or circular shape, for example. In other embodiments, the drape 171 may include a non-flat pre-formed shape, such as a tubular or conical shape, for example. In such embodiments, an interior of the non-flat pre-formed shape may include the non-sterile environment 41 and may be configured to receive the EC 110 therein. The drape 171 includes sterile and non-sterile sides (or surfaces) 172, 173, respectively. The drape 171 further includes a drape aperture 175 extending through the drape 171 between the sterile and non-sterile sides 172, 173.

[0041] The SB 170 further includes a connection interface member 180. The connection interface member 180 is attached to the drape 171. The connection interface member 180 is configured to attach to the EC 110 in the connected state. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface member 180 is attached to the drape 171 on the non- sterile side. Further details of the connection interface member 180 are described below.

[0042] The EC 110 includes an EC housing 111 and an EC opening 115 at a distal end 111A of the EC housing 111. The EC housing 111 includes an EC handle portion 113 configured for grasping and manipulation of the EC 110 across the SB 170 by a clinician during use. The EC handle portion 113 may include an hour-glass shape as illustrated or any other suitable shape or features that facilitate or enhance the grasping and manipulation of the EC 110. The EC 110 is connected to medical equipment 105 via a cable 114 extending away from a proximal end 11 IB of the EC housing 111 to the medical equipment 105.

[0043] The DC 140 includes a DC housing 141 extending between a proximal end 141 A and a distal end 141B. The DC housing 141 includes a DC proximal portion 145 disposed distal a DC handle portion 143. The DC handle portion 143 may include an hour-glass shape as illustrated or any other suitable shape or features that facilitate or enhance the grasping and manipulation of the DC 140 by the clinician. The DC proximal portion 145 is configured to be inserted through the drape aperture 175 and into the EC opening 115 in the connected state as shown in FIG. IB. As such, the drape aperture 175 is configured to receive the DC proximal portion 145 therethrough, and the EC opening 115 is configured to receive the DC proximal portion 145 therein. The DC proximal portion can include a wireless communication device, e.g., a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag that could convey information about the device when read by a corresponding antenna, for example included in the EC.

[0044] The DC 140 may include an elongate member 144 extending distally away from the distal end 141 A. In some embodiments, the elongate member 144 may include one or more electrical conducting elements (e.g., wires, not shown) extending along the elongate member 144 to an electrode 144 A, where the electrical conducting elements may be configured to transmit an ECG signal obtained by the electrode 144A along the elongate member 144. In some embodiments, the elongate member 144 may include one or more fiber optic elements 144B (e.g., single-core or multi-core optical fibers) extending along the elongate member 144, where the fiber optic elements 144B may be configured to distally and or proximally propagate light or light signals distally and and/or proximally along the elongate member 144 in conjunction with projecting light, obtaining an image, sensing a shape of the elongate member 144, or any other functionalities of the fiber optic elements 144B. The fiber optic elements 144B may include a plurality of Bragg gratings (not shown) disposed along a length of the elongate member 144, where the Bragg gratings may be configured to detect conditions of the optical fiber elements 144B or conditions surrounding or adjacent the optical fiber elements 144B, such as (i) shape or movement of the optical fiber optical fiber elements 144B, or temperature, pressure, fluid flow adjacent the optical fiber elements 144B, for example.

[0045] The connection interface member 180 includes an attachment mechanism 182 configured to attach the connection interface member 180 to the EC housing 111 and allow detachment of the connection interface member 180 from the EC housing 111. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 182 may include a clip having first and/or a second deflectable members 183 A, 183B configured to extend around and clip onto the EC housing 111.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the EC 110 illustrating components and features of the EC 110. The EC housing 111 may include a bottom housing portion 211 A and a top housing portion 21 IB. The EC housing 111 may be formed of a plastic material via the plastic injection molding process. [0047] The EC opening 115 provides access to an EC cavity 215, where the EC cavity 215 includes a circumferential wall 216 extending around the EC cavity 215 and between a closed proximal end 215A and an open distal end 215B, i.e., the opening 115. The EC cavity 215 defines a length 214 and a central axis 217. The EC cavity 215 includes an EC groove 232 extending radially outward from an inside surface 216A of the circumferential wall 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the EC groove 232 extends proximally away from the open distal end 215B to the closed proximal end 215 A. However, in other embodiments, the EC groove 232 may extend only partially toward the closed proximal end 215 A. The EC groove 232 is configured to receive a rib of the interface component 180 as further described below.

[0048] The EC 110 includes an EC protrusion 221 disposed within the EC cavity 215, where the EC protrusion 221 extends distally into the EC cavity 215 from the closed proximal end 215 A. The EC protrusion 221 may extend along the central axis 217. The protrusion 221 includes a protrusion length 224 that is between about 50 percent and 70 percent of the length 214 of the EC cavity 215. A distal end 221A of the EC protrusion 221 may be disposed proximally inward of the open distal end 215B such at that touching the EC protrusion 221 by the clinician is prevented, i.e., a clinician finger 205 is prevented from contacting the EC protrusion 221 including the equipment electrical connector (EEC) 220 and/or the equipment optical connector (EOC) 230.

[0049] The EC protrusion 221 may include an electrically conductive material, such as gold, brass, or copper, for example, defining the EEC 220. For example, an outside surface or portion of the EC protrusion 221 may include the electrically conductive material an electrical pathway (e.g., a trace) extending along the EC protrusion 221.

[0050] The protrusion 221 includes a protrusion cavity 222 extending proximally away from the distal end 221A toward the closed proximal end 215A. In some embodiments, the protrusion cavity 222 may extend a distance between about 70 percent and 100 percent of the length 224 of the protrusion 221. The protrusion 221 may include an annular protrusion 225 (i.e., an internal flange) extending radially into the protrusion cavity 222, where the annular protrusion 225 defines an alignment opening 226. In some embodiments, the alignment opening 226 may be concentrically disposed with respect to the central axis 217. The annular protrusion 225 may be positioned adjacent the distal end distal end 221 A or proximal the distal end 221 A a distance between about 10 percent and 40 percent the length 224 of the protrusion 221. The EC 110 includes an electrical conducting element 227 that provides an electrical connection between the EEC 220 and at least one wire (not shown) of the cable 114.

[0051] The EC 110 further includes the EOC 230 disposed within the EC cavity 215. The EOC 230 includes an optical connector protrusion 231 extending distally into the EC cavity 215 from the closed proximal end 215 A. The optical connector protrusion 231 may extend along the central axis 217. The optical connector protrusion 231 includes a protrusion length 234 that is between about 20 percent and 60 percent of the length 224 of the EC protrusion 221. In the illustrated embodiment, the EOC 230 is disposed within the protrusion cavity 222, and the optical connector protrusion 231 may extend along the central axis 217. In some embodiments, the optical connector protrusion 231 disposed within the protrusion cavity 222 of the EC protrusion 221 may define a female optical connector. The EC 110 may include a single core or multi-core fiber optic element 237 that provides an optical connection between the EOC 230 and at least one optical fiber (not shown) of the cable 114.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion the SB 170 including a portion of the drape 171 attached to the connection interface component 180. FIG. 3 illustrates various components and features of the connection interface component 180. The connection interface component 180 includes a tubular member 310 extending between a distal end 310A and a proximal end 310B. A flange 320 is coupled with the tubular member 310 at the distal end 310A. The flange 320 extends radially outward from the tubular member 310, and the flange 320 (or more specifically a distal side of the flange 320) is attached to the non-sterile side 173 of the drape 171 as best shown in FIG. 1A so that the tubular member 310 extends away from the non-sterile side 173 of the drape 171 toward into the non-sterile environment 41. In other embodiments, a portion of the connection interface component 180 may extend into the sterile environment 40 and/or a portion of the connection interface component 180 may be attached to the sterile side 172 of the drape 171. The flange 320 may be attached to the drape 171 via any suitable attachment method, such as adhesive bonding, or heat staking, for example. The connection interface component 180 may be formed of a plastic material via the plastic injection molding process.

[0053] The tubular member 310 defines a tubular cavity 315 extending along a central axis 317. A circumferential wall 311 of the tubular member 310 defines an outside surface 312 and inside surface 313. The tubular member 310 defines a length 314. A proximal end portion of the circumferential wall 311 curves radially inward to define a proximal opening 316 at the proximal end 31 OB, ere a .

[0054] The tubular member 310 includes a rib 331 protruding outward from the outside surface 312, where the rib 331 extends longitudinally along the tubular member 310. The rib 331 extends proximally away from the flange 320 toward the proximal end 310B. In the illustrated embodiment, the rib 331 extends substantially the length 314. In other embodiments, the rib 331 extends only partially the length 314.

[0055] The tubular member 310 includes a groove 332 protruding outward from the inside surface 313, where the groove 332 extends longitudinally along the tubular member 310. The groove 332 extends proximally away from the flange 320 toward the proximal end 310B. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 332 extends substantially the length 314. In other embodiments, the groove 332 extends only partially the length 314. In some embodiments, groove 332 is located adjacent the rib 331. In some embodiments, the rib 331 is disposed atop the groove 332. In some embodiments, the groove 332 extends radially into the rib 331.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of DC 140 illustrating components and features of the DC 140. As discussed above, the DC 140 include a DC housing 141 having a DC proximal portion 145 and a DC handle portion 143. Similar to the EC handle portion 113, the DC handle portion 143 may include an hour-glass shape as illustrated or any other suitable shape or features that facilitate or enhance the grasping and manipulation of the DC 140. The DC housing 141 may be formed of a plastic material via the plastic injection molding process.

[0057] As discussed above, the EC cavity 215 and the DC proximal portion 145 are correspondingly configured so that the DC proximal portion 145 may be disposed within the EC opening 115 when the connection system 100 is disposed in the connected state. The DC housing 141 includes a DC shoulder 446 positioned between the DC proximal portion 145 and the DC handle portion 143, which is some embodiments may define a mechanical stop when the DC proximal portion 145 is inserted into the EC cavity 215. The DC housing 141 may include a strain relief 147 extending distally beyond the DC handle portion 143. The strain relief 147 is configured to inhibit and/or prevent damage to the elongate member 144 at the interface of the elongate member 144 with the DC housing 141. In some embodiments, the strain relief 147 may define a minimum radius of curvature 147A (i.e., bending radius) for the elongate member 144 at the interface. [0058] The DC proximal portion 145 defines a DC cavity 415, where the DC cavity 415 includes a circumferential wall 416 extending around the DC cavity 415 and between an open proximal end 415A and a closed distal end 415B. The DC cavity 415 includes a DC groove 432 extending radially outward from an inside surface 416A of the circumferential wall 416. In the illustrated embodiment, the DC groove 432 extends proximally away from the DC handle portion 143 toward the open proximal end 415A. The DC groove 432 communicates with a DC handle cavity 445.

[0059] The DC proximal portion 145 further defines a DC rib 431 protruding outward from the outside surface 416B of the circumferential wall 416 (i.e., the DC proximal portion 145 generally), where the DC rib 431 extends longitudinally along the DC proximal portion 145. The DC rib 431 extends proximally away from the DC shoulder 446 toward the proximal end 141B. In the illustrated embodiment, the DC rib 431 extends substantially the length of the DC proximal portion 145, i.e., from the DC shoulder 446 to the proximal end 141B. In other embodiments, the DC rib 431 extends only partially toward the proximal end 141B from the DC shoulder 446.

[0060] The DC 140 includes a device electrical connector (DEC) 420 which is configured to electrically couple with the EEC 220 when the connector system 100 is disposed in the connected state. Although not specifically shown, DEC 420 is electrically coupled with at least electrode 144 A via one of the one or more electrical conducting elements of the elongate member 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the DEC 420 extends along the DC groove 432 (including within the groove 432) between the DC cavity 415 and the DC handle cavity 445. A proximal end portion of the DEC 420 may be shaped to extend radially inward from the DC groove 432 and further extend in a distal direction within the DC cavity 415 defining an angled contact surface 420A configured to electrically engage the EEC 220 in the connected state. More specifically, the angled contact surface 420A is configured to deflect radially outward upon engagement with the EEC 220. The DEC 420 is formed of any suitable electrically conductive material, such as gold, brass, copper, or any combination thereof, for example.

[0061] The DC 140 further includes a device optical connector (EOC) 430 disposed within the DC cavity 415. The DOC 430 includes an optical connector protrusion 431 extending proximally into the DC cavity 415 from the closed distal end 415B. The optical connector protrusion 431 may extend along the central axis 417. The optical connector protrusion 431 includes a protrusion length 434 that is between about 50 percent and 70 percent of the length 414 of the DC cavity 415. In some embodiments, the optical connector protrusion 431 may define a male optical connector. The DOC 430 may be coupled directly with the optical fiber 144B of the elongate member 144. A proximal end 430A of the DOC 430 may be disposed distally inward of the open proximal end 415A such that touching the DOC 430 by the clinician is prevented, i.e., a clinician finger 205 is prevented from contacting the DOC 430 and/or the DEC 420.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of a portion of the connection system 100 in a fully connected state. The tubular member 310 is inserted into the EC cavity 215 which may correspond with the flange 320 disposed adjacent the distal end 215B of the EC housing 111 of the EC 110. The EC protrusion 221 along with the EOC 230 and the optical connector protrusion 231 extend distally into the tubular cavity 315 of the connection member 180. The rib 331 is disposed within the EC groove 232 such that the connection member 180 is disposed in rotational alignment (i.e., keyed) with respect to the EC 110 and so that rotation of the connection member 180 with respect to the EC 110 is prevented.

[0063] The DC proximal portion 145 is inserted into the tubular cavity 315 which may correspond with the DC shoulder 446 disposed adjacent the flange 320 of the connection member 180 to complete the connection of the DC 140 with the EC 110. The EC protrusion 221 along with the EOC 230 and the optical connector protrusion 231 extend distally into the DC cavity 415 of the DC proximal portion 145. The DC rib 431 is disposed within the groove 332 such that the DC proximal portion 145 is disposed in rotational alignment with respect to the connection member 180 and so that rotation of the DC proximal portion 145 with respect to the connection interface member 180 is prevented. As such, the DC proximal portion 145 is in rotational alignment with the EC 110, and rotation of the DC proximal portion 145 with respect to the EC 110 is prevented.

[0064] The EC protrusion 221 along with the EOC 230 and the optical connector protrusion 231 extend distally into the DC cavity 415 of the connection member 180. The EEC 220 as part of the EC protrusion 221 engages that the angled surface 420 A of the DEC 420 to complete the electrical connection of the DC 140 with the EC 110. As such, the electrical connection 520 is established (i) within the DC cavity 415, (ii) within the tubular cavity 315, and (iii) within the EC cavity 215. By establishing the electrical connection 520 within the DC cavity 415, the tubular cavity 315, and the EC cavity 215, the electrical connection 520 is isolated from the environment, e.g., protected from fluid contact, touch contact or any other contamination.

[0065] The DOC 430 along with the optical connector protrusion 431 extend proximally into the protrusion cavity 222 so as to establish an optical connection with the EOC 230. As result of the keyed relationship between the EC 110 and DC 140, the DOC 430 is disposed and maintained in rotational alignment with the EOC 230. The optical connector protrusion 431 is inserted through the alignment opening 226 to ensure lateral alignment of the DOC 430 with the EOC 230. As such, the alignment opening 226 is configured to define a close tolerance sliding fit with the optical connector protrusion 431. As the optical connector protrusion 431 is disposed within the protrusion cavity 222, the optical connection 530 is established (i) within the protrusion cavity 222, (ii) within the DC cavity 415, (iii) within the tubular cavity 315, and (iv) within the EC cavity 215. By establishing the optical connection 530 within the protrusion cavity 222, the DC cavity 415, the tubular cavity 315, and the EC cavity 215, the optical connection 520 is isolated from the environment, e.g., protected from fluid contact, touch contact or any other contamination.

[0066] In some embodiments, the connection system 100 may include a detent mechanism 540 configured to maintain the connection system 100 in the connected state and/or provide haptic feedback upon connection. The detent mechanism 540 includes a first portion and a corresponding second portion, where the detent mechanism is configured to at least (i) provide haptic feedback to a user/clinician upon connection of the DC with the EC or (ii) secure the DC to the EC in the connected state. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent mechanism 540 includes a detent protrusion 541 and a corresponding detent recess 542 disposed in interfering relationship with the detent protrusion 541. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent protrusion 541 extends radially inward from the inside surface 416A of the circumferential wall 416 of the DC proximal portion 145, and the detent recess 542 extends radially inward from an outside surface of the EC protrusion 221. The detent protrusion 541 and the detent recess 542 are arranged such that the detent protrusion 541 is disposed within the detent recess 542 when the DC 140 is fully connected with the EC 110. As such, during insertion of the DC proximal portion 145 into the EC cavity 215, the detent protrusion 541 snaps into the detent recess 542 providing haptic feedback. Similarly, the disposition of the detent protrusion 541 within the detent recess 542 requires a separating force to disconnect the DC 140 from the EC 110. As may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill, detent features other than the detent protrusion 541 and detent recess 542 may incorporated into the connection system 100 to define the functionalities of the detent mechanism 540.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of method of establishing a connection between a piece of non-sterile medical equipment and sterile medical device across a sterile barrier may include all or any subset of the following steps, actions, or processes. The method 600 may include positioning an equipment connector of the non-sterile medical equipment with respect to a sterile barrier such that the equipment connector is located on a non-sterile side of a sterile barrier (block 610). The sterile barrier separates a sterile environment from a non-sterile environment and includes the connection interface member which is attached to the sterile barrier on the non-sterile side thereof. The method 600 further includes positioning a device connector of a medical device on a sterile side of the sterile barrier an opposite the non-sterile side (block 620) such that the device connector is disposed with a sterile environment. The method 600 further includes inserting a proximal portion of the device connector through an aperture of the sterile barrier (block 630), where the aperture extends through the sterile barrier from the sterile side to the non-sterile side. Inserting the proximal portion of the device connector also includes inserting the proximal portion into a tubular portion of the connection interface member, where the tubular portion extends away from the non-sterile side. The method 600 further includes inserting the proximal portion of the device and the tubular portion of the sterile barrier into an equipment connector cavity of the equipment connector (block 640) to operatively connect the device connector to the equipment connector.

[0068] The method 600 may include, as part of operatively connecting the device connector to the equipment connector, establishing at least one of an electrical connection or an optical connection between the device connector and the equipment connector. The method 600 may also include, as part of operatively connecting the device connector to the equipment connector, establishing the electrical connection and the optical connection between the device connector and the equipment connector.

[0069] In accordance with the method 600, the equipment connector may include an equipment connector protrusion extending distally into the equipment connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the equipment connector cavity, and the device connector may include a device connector cavity having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. As such, inserting the proximal portion of the device connector may include inserting the equipment connector protrusion into the device connector cavity. [0070] In accordance with the method 600, the tubular portion may include a rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the tubular portion, and the equipment cavity may include an equipment groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the equipment cavity. As such, inserting the tubular portion into the equipment connector cavity may include inserting the rib into the equipment groove such that the tubular portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the equipment connector.

[0071] In accordance with the method 600, the proximal portion may include a device rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the proximal portion, and the tubular portion may include a groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the tubular portion. As such, inserting the proximal portion into the tubular portion may include inserting the device rib into the groove such that the proximal portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the tubular portion.

[0072] In accordance with the method 600, the device cavity may include a device groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the device cavity, and the device connector may include a device electrical connector disposed within and extending along the device groove. In further accordance with the method 600, an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion may include an equipment electrical connector. As such, establishing the electrical connection may include electrically contacting the device electrical connector to the equipment electrical connector. Accordingly, the electrical connection may be established within the tubular portion, the equipment connector cavity, and the device connector cavity.

[0073] In accordance with the method 600, the electrical connector protrusion may include a protrusion cavity having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, and an equipment optical connector disposed at a distal end of an equipment connector protrusion, where the equipment connector protrusion extends distally into the protrusion cavity from the closed proximal end of the protrusion cavity. In further accordance with the method 600, the device connector may include a device optical connector at a proximal end of a device connector protrusion, where the device connector protrusion extends proximally into the device connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the device connector cavity, As such, inserting the proximal portion into the equipment connector cavity includes operatively engaging the device optical connector with the equipment optical connector to define the optical connection. Accordingly, the optical connection may be established within the tubular portion, the equipment connector cavity, device connector cavity, and the protrusion cavity.

[0074] In accordance with the method 600, the equipment connector may include a first portion of a detent mechanism disposed on an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion, and the proximal portion may include a corresponding second portion of the detent mechanism disposed on an inside surface of the device connector cavity. As such, inserting the proximal portion into the equipment connector cavity may include engaging the first portion with the second portion such that the detent mechanism provides haptic feedback to the user/clinician.

[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a connection system 700 that can, in certain respects, resemble components and features of the connection system 100 described in connection with FIGS. 1A-5. It will be appreciated the connection system 700 may have analogous features to the connection system 100. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals that include a leading digit of “7.” Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the connection system 100 and related components shown in FIGS. 1A-5 may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may be clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in FIGS. 1A-5 and/or described with respect to FIGS. 1A-5. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the connection system 700. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the connection system 100 and components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-5 can be employed with the connection system 700 and components of FIG. 7, and vice versa.

[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates the connection system 700 in a disconnected state. The connection system 100 generally includes four main components: an equipment connector (EC) 7110, a patient interface member 7710, a device connector (DC) 7140, and a sterile barrier (SB) 7170. The SB 7170 separates a sterile environment 40 (illustrated as the area above the SB 7170) from non-sterile environment 41 (illustrated as the area below the SB 7170). The DC 7140 is located within the sterile environment 40 and the EC 7110 and the patient interface member 7710 are located within the non-sterile environment 41. The connection system 700 is configured to establish an electrical connection, an optical connection, or both an electrical connection and an optical connection between the EC 7110 and the DC 7140.

[0077] The patient interface member 7710 includes a frame 7720 that is configured to be attached to a skin of a patient, such as via an adhesive layer 7725, for example. The patient interface member 7710 may include a number (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or more) sensors 7730. The sensors 7730 may include electrodes, magnetometers, or any other suitable sensor technology associated with operation of the medical equipment 7105.

[0078] The patient interface member 7710 is communicatively coupled with the EC 7110, such that electrical signals from the sensors 7730 may be communicated to the medical equipment 7105. The patient interface member 7710 may be communicatively coupled with the EC 7110 via a direct electrical connection. In some embodiments, the patient interface member 7710 may be communicatively coupled with the medical equipment 7105 directly, i.e., not via the EC 7110.

[0079] The SB 7170 includes a drape 7171 which may be formed a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a plastic sheet or any other suitable sheet-like material. The SB 7170 is sterilized before use. The drape 7171 may include any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the drape 7171 may include a flat shape, such as a flat rectangular, oval, or circular shape, for example. The drape 171 further includes a drape aperture 7175 extending through the drape 7171 between the sterile and non-sterile sides 7172, 7173.

[0080] The SB 7170 further includes a connection interface member 7180. The connection interface member 7180 is attached to the drape 7171. The connection interface member 7180 is configured to attach to the EC 7110 in the connected state. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface member 7180 is attached to the drape 171 on the non- sterile side 7173, and a tubular member 7310 of the interface member 7180 extends through the drape aperture 7175 from the non-sterile environment 41 into the sterile environment 40. Also hidden within the connection interface member 7180, a distal portion of the tubular member 7310 extends distally away from the non-sterile side 7173 of the SB 7170, where the distal portion of the tubular member 7310 is inserted into the EC cavity 7215 in the connected state.

[0081] The EC 7110 includes an EC housing 7111 and an EC opening 7115 at a distal end of the EC housing 7111. The EC 7110 is connected to the medical equipment 7105 via a cable 7114 extending away from the EC housing 7111. The EC housing 7111 is configured to physically couple with the patient interface member 7710 via the frame 7720.

[0082] The DC 7140 includes a DC housing 7141 extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The DC housing 7141 includes a DC proximal portion 7145 disposed distal a DC handle portion 7143. Similar to the DC handle portion 143. the DC handle portion 7143 may include an hour-glass shape as or any other suitable shape or features that facilitate or enhance the grasping and manipulation of the DC 7140 by the clinician. The DC proximal portion 7145 is configured to be inserted through the drape aperture 7175 and into the EC opening 7115 in the connected state. As such, the drape aperture 7175 is configured to receive the DC proximal portion 145 therethrough, and the EC opening 7115 is configured to receive the DC proximal portion 7145 therein.

[0083] The DC 7140 includes an elongate member 7144 extending distally away from the distal end. In some embodiments, the elongate member 7144 may include one or more electrical conducting elements (e.g., wires, not shown) extending along the elongate member 7144, where the electrical conducting elements may be configured to transmit an ECG signal, for example. In some embodiments, the elongate member 7144 may include the components and functionality of the elongate member 144.

[0084] The connection system 700 includes an attachment mechanism 7182 configured to attach the connection interface member 7180 with the patient interface member 7710 and allow detachment of the connection interface member 180 from the patient interface member 7710. As shown, the attachment mechanism 7182 may secure the EC 7110 to the patient interface member 7710. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 7182 may include a pair of deflectable members 7182A, e.g., one on each side of the connection interface member 7180. Each deflectable member 7182A includes a detent protrusion 7182C. The attachment mechanism 7182 includes a corresponding pair of detent recesses (or openings) 7182B in the frame 7720. Each detent recess 7182B is configured to receive the detent protrusion 7182C therein when the connection interface member 7180 is coupled with the patient interface member 7710. As such, attachment mechanism 7182 secures the connection interface member 7180 to the patient interface member 7710.

[0085] The connection interface member 7180 includes the tubular member 7310 defining a tubular cavity 7315 and upon coupling of the DC 7140 with the EC 7110, the DC proximal portion 7145 is inserted into the tubular cavity 7315. Similar to the DC rib 7431 and the groove 7332 of the connection system 100, the DC proximal portion 7145 includes a flat surface 7431 extending longitudinally along an outside surface of the DC proximal portion 7145, and the tubular cavity 7315 includes corresponding flat surface 7332 extending longitudinally along an inside surface of the tubular cavity 7315 to define a keyed relationship between the DC 7140 and the connection interface member 7180 in the connected state.

[0086] Similar to the rib 331 and the EC groove 232 of the connection system 100, the tubular member 7310 includes a flat surface 7331 extending longitudinally along an outside surface of the tubular member 7310, and the EC cavity 7215 includes corresponding flat surface 7232 extending longitudinally along an inside surface of the EC cavity 7215 to define a keyed relationship between the connection interface member 7180 and the EC 7110 in the connected state.

[0087] While some particular embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while the particular embodiments have been disclosed in some detail, it is not the intention for the particular embodiments to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations and/or modifications can appear to those of ordinary skill in the art, and, in broader aspects, these adaptations and/or modifications are encompassed as well. Accordingly, departures may be made from the particular embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A connection system, comprising: an equipment connector located within a non-sterile environment; device connector operatively coupled with the equipment connector in a connected state of the connection system, the device connector located within a sterile environment; and a sterile barrier separating the sterile environment from the non-sterile environment, the sterile barrier including a connection interface member disposed between the equipment connector and the device connector in the connected state.

2. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the connection system provides for at least one of an electrical connection or an optical connection across the sterile barrier.

3. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the device connector comprises a wireless communication device to convey information when read by a corresponding antenna in the equipment connector.

4. The connection system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sterile barrier includes a drape having a sterile side facing the sterile environment and a non- sterile side facing the non-sterile environment.

5. The connection system according to claim 4, wherein: the connection interface member includes: a tubular portion defining a tubular cavity having an open proximal end and an open distal end; and a flange located at the open distal end of the tubular portion, the flange extending radially outward from the tubular portion, and the flange is attached to the drape such that the open distal end of the tubular cavity is aligned with an aperture extending through the drape.

6. The connection system according to claim 5, wherein the flange is attached to the drape on the non-sterile side such that the tubular portion extends toward the non-sterile environment.

7. The connection system according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a proximal portion of the device connector is disposed within the tubular cavity.

8. The connection system according to any of claims 5-7, wherein: the equipment connector includes an equipment connector cavity having a closed proximal end and an open distal end, and the tubular portion is disposed within the equipment connector cavity in the connected state.

9. The connection system according to claim 8, wherein: the tubular portion includes a rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the tubular portion, the equipment connector cavity includes an equipment groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the equipment connector cavity, and the rib is disposed within the equipment groove such that the tubular portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the equipment connector.

10. The connection system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein: the equipment connector includes an equipment connector protrusion extending distally into the equipment connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the equipment connector cavity, the device connector includes a device connector cavity having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, and the equipment protrusion extends distally into the device connector cavity through the open proximal end of the device connector cavity.

11. The connection system according to any of claims 5-10, wherein: the proximal portion includes a device rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the proximal portion, the tubular cavity includes a groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the tubular cavity, and the device rib is disposed within the groove such that the proximal portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the tubular portion.

12. The connection system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: the device connector cavity includes a device groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the device cavity, the device connector includes a device electrical connector disposed within and extending along the device groove, an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion includes an equipment electrical connector, and the device electrical connector is in electrical contact with the equipment electrical connector to define an electrical connection between the equipment connector and device connector.

13. The connection system according to claim 12, wherein the electrical connection is established within the tubular cavity, the equipment connector cavity, and the device connector cavity.

14. The connection system according to any of claims 10-13, wherein: the equipment connector protrusion includes: a protrusion cavity having an open distal end and a closed proximal end; and an equipment optical connector at a distal end of an equipment optical connector protrusion extending distally into the protrusion cavity from the closed proximal end of the protrusion cavity, the device connector includes a device optical connector at a proximal end of a device optical connector protrusion extending proximally into the device connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the device connector cavity, and the equipment optical connector operatively engages the device optical connector to define an optical connection between the equipment connector and device connector.

15. The connection system according to claim 14, wherein the optical connection is established within the tubular cavity, the equipment connector cavity, device connector cavity, and the protrusion cavity.

16. The connection system according to any of claims 10-15, wherein: the equipment connector protrusion includes a first portion of a detent mechanism disposed on an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion, the proximal portion includes a corresponding second portion of the detent mechanism disposed on an inside surface of the device connector cavity, and the detent mechanism is configured to at least (i) provide haptic feedback to a user upon connection of the device connector with the equipment connector or (ii) secure the device connector to the equipment connector in the connected state.

17. A method, comprising: positioning an equipment connector on a non-sterile side of a sterile barrier having connection interface member attached to the non-sterile side; positioning a device connector on a sterile side of the sterile barrier; inserting a proximal portion of the device connector through an aperture of the sterile barrier and into a tubular portion of the connection interface member, the tubular portion extending away from the non-sterile side; and inserting the proximal portion of the device and the tubular portion into an equipment connector cavity of the equipment connector to operatively connect the device connector to the equipment connector.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein operatively connecting the device connector to the equipment connector includes establishing at least one of an electrical connection or an optical connection between the device connector and the equipment connector.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein operatively connecting the device connector to the equipment connector includes conveying information via wireless technology.

20. The method according to any of claims 17-19, wherein: the equipment connector includes an equipment connector protrusion extending distally into the equipment connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the equipment connector cavity, the device connector includes a device connector cavity having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, and inserting the proximal portion of the device connector includes inserting the equipment connector protrusion into the device connector cavity.

21. The method according to any of claims 17-20, wherein: the tubular portion includes a rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the tubular portion, the equipment cavity includes an equipment groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the equipment cavity, and inserting the tubular portion into the equipment connector cavity includes inserting the rib into the equipment groove such that the tubular portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the equipment connector.

22. The method according to any of claims 17-21, wherein: the proximal portion includes a device rib extending outward from and longitudinally along an outside surface of the proximal portion, the tubular portion includes a groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the tubular portion, and inserting the proximal portion into the tubular portion includes inserting the device rib into the groove such that the proximal portion is disposed in rotational alignment with the tubular portion.

23. The method according to any of claims 17-22, wherein: the device cavity includes a device groove extending outward from and longitudinally along an inside surface of the device cavity, the device connector includes a device electrical connector disposed within and extending along the device groove, an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion includes an equipment electrical connector, and establishing the electrical connection includes electrically contacting the device electrical connector to the equipment electrical connector.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the electrical connection is established within the tubular portion, the equipment connector cavity, and the device connector cavity.

25. The method according to any of claims 17-24, wherein: the equipment connector protrusion includes: a protrusion cavity having an open distal end and a closed proximal end; and an equipment optical connector at a distal end of an equipment connector protrusion extending distally into the protrusion cavity from the closed proximal end of the protrusion cavity, the device connector includes a device optical connector at a proximal end of a device connector protrusion extending proximally into the device connector cavity from the closed proximal end of the device connector cavity, and inserting the proximal portion into the equipment connector cavity includes operatively engaging the device optical connector with the equipment optical connector to define the optical connection.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the optical connection is established within the tubular portion, the equipment connector cavity, device connector cavity, and the protrusion cavity.

27. The method according to any of claims 17-26, wherein: the equipment connector includes a first portion of a detent mechanism disposed on an outside surface of the equipment connector protrusion, the proximal portion includes a corresponding second portion of the detent mechanism disposed on an inside surface of the device connector cavity, and inserting the proximal portion into the equipment connector cavity includes engaging the first portion with the second portion such that the detent mechanism provides haptic feedback to a user.