Medical device with electrically isolated communication interface

The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to medical devices with electrical connectors. In one embodiment, a medical device may include a medical connector having one or more contacts configured to enable communication between the medical device and a medical monitor according to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. The medical connector may also include an interface region disposed at least partially about the one or more contacts. The interface region may be configured to physically couple to a mating connector of the medical monitor. Additionally, the interface region may include a geometry or a dimension that does not comply with the USB standard.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to medical devices with electrical connectors.

In the field of medicine, doctors often desire to monitor certain physiological characteristics of their patients. Accordingly, a wide variety of devices have been developed for monitoring many such physiological characteristics. These medical devices provide doctors and other healthcare personnel with the information they need to provide the best possible healthcare for their patients. As a result, such medical devices have become an indispensible part of modem medicine.

The medical devices may communicate with a patient monitor using a communication cable and an electrical connector. For example, the medical device may be a pulse oximetry sensor, a regional oximetry sensor, an electrocardiography sensor, or a camera disposed about a tracheal tube. A medical device may use such an electrical connector to send a signal to a patient monitor for processing and/or display. For example, a visualization device (e.g., a camera) disposed about a tracheal tube may send a signal corresponding to an image obtained by the visualization device. Certain electronic medical devices (e.g., the tracheal tube with the visualization device) and their corresponding patient monitors may follow medical electrical equipment safety standards as set forth by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60601-1. For example, the patient monitor may include electrical isolation circuitry in accordance with IEC 60601-1. However, some medical devices may have electrical connectors, such as a universal serial bus (USB) connector, which enable connection with a variety of computing devices that may not necessarily include desired electrical isolation circuitry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

As discussed above, medical devices may include an electrical connector to enable communication with a medical monitor. As discussed herein, a medical monitor is defined as a computing device that is configured to monitor patient parameters or images of a patient and is in compliance with the medical electrical equipment safety standards set forth by IEC-60601-1. Specifically, as discussed herein, a medical monitor includes electrical isolation circuitry. Electrical isolation circuitry may control the flow of power from a medical monitor to a medical device. In one embodiment, electrical isolation circuitry may be configured to electrically isolate a patient from an earth ground.

Medical devices may connect and communicate with such a medical monitor using, for example, a standard USB connector. Indeed, USB connectors are widely available and inexpensive, which has led to their use in a variety of electrical devices, including many medical devices. Unfortunately, this also enables a medical device with a USB connector to connect with a laptop or powered USB hub that does not have electrical isolation circuitry in compliance with IEC-60601-1. Similarly, medical devices may include other standard connector types, such as a serial port connector, a video graphics array (VGA) connector, a D-subminiature connector, a BNC connector, or a mini-DIN connector, which may also connect with a non-medical computing device lacking such circuitry. Furthermore, some electrical connectors may have an exposed ground connection, or a configuration in which a person or object may inadvertently contact the pins of the connector.

To address these and other shortcomings of existing devices, the present embodiments include, among other approaches, a medical device having an electrical connector adapted (e.g., shaped) so as to connect specifically to medical monitors having electrical isolation circuitry. Generally, to enable the medical device to connect to specific medical monitors, the electrical connector of the medical device may be shaped such that the dimensions and/or geometry of the electrical connector do not comply with the USB standard. That is, the dimensions and/or shape of the electrical connector do not correspond with any of the connector types complying with the USB standard (e.g., the standard USB specification), such as the USB Series Standard-A, Standard-B, Mini-A, Mini-B, Micro-A, or Micro-B. For example, as discussed with respect toFIGS. 2,4,6,8,10, and12, the medical device may be equipped with an asymmetrically-shaped insulating shroud that covers a connection region of the connector. Additionally, as discussed with respect toFIG. 13, the insulating shroud may be symmetrical, but may have dimensions or protrusions that do not comply with the USB standard. The connection region may be the portion of the connector configured to physically and electrically couple with a mating connector of a monitor (e.g., via one or more pins). As such, the insulating shroud may cover the connection region so as to block inadvertent contact with pins and/or an exposed ground connection of the connection region.

Further, the asymmetric geometry of the insulating shroud may limit connection to devices (e.g., medical monitors with isolation circuitry) having a mating connector with a receptacle for receiving the asymmetric geometry. Indeed, the asymmetric geometry may provide an indication to a user that a medical device may be appropriate for use with a particular medical monitor having the mating connector and the electrical isolation circuitry in accordance with IEC-60601-1. In addition, the asymmetric insulating shroud may provide a visual and/or tactile indication to a user regarding the correct orientation of the electrical connector to facilitate insertion into a mating connector.

It should be noted that, as discussed herein, the medical device may be any suitable medical device. By way of non-limiting example, medical devices in accordance with present embodiments may include a tracheal tube having one or more electrical components (e.g., a visualization device), a pulse oximetry sensor, a bispectral index (BIS) sensor, an electroencephalography (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor, a surgical tool, or any combination of medical devices. An example endotracheal tube incorporating certain of the present approaches are discussed in further detail below with respect toFIG. 1.

A suitable medical monitor may be provided to connect with the electrical connector of the desired medical device. Accordingly, the medical monitor may include a receptacle shaped to receive the connection region and the insulating shroud of the connector. As such, an embodiment of a mating connector having the receptacle may correspond to an embodiment of a connection region and an insulating shroud of an electrical connector. For example, embodiments of asymmetrically-shaped connectors and corresponding mating connectors are discussed with respect toFIGS. 4 and 5,FIGS. 6 and 7,FIGS. 8 and 9, andFIGS. 10 and 11.

In certain circumstances, it may be desirable to connect the medical device with the asymmetric shroud to a non-medical computing device. For example, a healthcare provider may desire to view images generated from an endotracheal visualization device, or view data stored on the device, on a portable computing device such as a personal data assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or the like. However, typical portable computing devices may lack the electrical isolation circuitry suitable for compliance with IEC 60601-1 and, therefore, may lack a mating connector suitable for connecting to an embodiment of the asymmetric connectors described herein. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is discussed in further detail below with respect toFIG. 12, relates to an adaptor having the electrical isolation circuitry that enables connection between two types of electrical connectors. For example, the adaptor may be configured to receive the asymmetric insulating shroud of the electrical connector and also to connect with a standard portable computing device (e.g., plug into a standard USB port of a laptop).

In addition to, or in lieu of, providing an insulating shroud having an asymmetric geometry to induce asymmetry into the connector, a connection region of an electrical connector may have an asymmetric geometry or symmetric geometry. Similar to the insulating shroud, in some embodiments, the dimensions and/or shape of the connection region may not comply with the USB standard. An embodiment of such an asymmetric electrical connector and a mating connector of a medical monitor having a corresponding asymmetric geometry is discussed below with respect toFIG. 16-18.

In other embodiments, the medical device may be equipped with a standard electrical connector, such as a USB connector in compliance with the USB standard. However, it may be desirable to connect the medical device to a medical monitor having a mating connector that does not comply with the USB standard. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is discussed in further detail below with respect toFIG. 17, relates to a dongle that may be an interface between the medical device and the medical monitor. For example, the dongle may be configured to receive the electrical connector of the medical device and to connect to the mating connector of the medical monitor.

As noted above, connectors in accordance with the present techniques may be used in conjunction with any medical device having one or more electrical components. One such medical device is illustrated inFIG. 1, which is a perspective view of a system8including an embodiment of a tracheal tube10configured to be placed in a patient bronchial stem. The tracheal tube10may be used in conjunction with an acceptable auxiliary airway device, such as a ventilator12. The tracheal tube10includes a central tubular body14with a tracheal ventilation lumen16and a bronchial ventilation lumen18. The tracheal ventilation lumen16terminates at a tracheal lumen distal end20while the bronchial ventilation lumen18terminates in a bronchial lumen distal end22. The tube10may include a visualization device24(e.g., a sensor) associated with one or both of the tracheal ventilation lumen16and the bronchial ventilation lumen18.

The tracheal lumen distal end20of ventilation lumen16terminates in an opening26and may be placed in a patient trachea during operation to maintain airflow to and from the patient's lungs. A Murphy's eye28may be present and located on the ventilation lumen16opposite the opening26to prevent airway occlusion. As illustrated, a tracheal cuff30may encircle the tubular body14and be inflated to seal against the walls of a body cavity (e.g., a trachea). The cuff30may be inflated via an inflation lumen terminating in an inflation tube32connected to an inflation pilot balloon and valve assembly34. The bronchial ventilation lumen18may include a bronchial inflation cuff36that is configured to seal against the walls of a patient's bronchus. The cuff36may be inflated via an inflation lumen terminating in an inflation tube38connected to an inflation pilot balloon and valve assembly40. In certain embodiments, the cuff30or cuff36may be generally sized and shaped as a high volume, low pressure cuff that may be designed to be inflated to pressures between about 15 cm H2O and 30 cm H2O.

The tubular body14and the cuffs30and36may be formed from any suitable materials having desirable mechanical properties (e.g., puncture resistance, pin hole resistance, tensile strength, and so forth) and desirable chemical properties (e.g., biocompatibility). Portions of the visualization device24may be formed from the same material or different materials as the tube10. Generally, the visualization device24may be formed from biocompatible polymers and other nonreactive materials. The visualization device24may be adhered to or fastened to the tubular body14by any suitable process. For example, the visualization device24may be embedded in or adhered (e.g., welded) to the tubular body14. The tube10may also include a fluid delivery lumen42in communication with the visualization device24. The fluid delivery lumen42may terminate in a proximal coupler44that is sized and shaped to connect to a fluid source (e.g., a saline reservoir, a syringe). A portion of the fluid delivery lumen42may be formed within a wall of the tube10. The fluid delivery lumen42may be configured to flush or clear mucus buildup on the visualization device24.

The tube10may also include a cable46coupled to the visualization device24. Generally, the cable46is configured to enable communication between the visualization device24and an external device, such as a medical-grade monitor, as discussed in further detail below. The cable46may run along or within (e.g., in a dedicated lumen) the tubular body14. The cable46may terminate in an electrical connector48(e.g., a USB connector), which may include a body49and a connection region50protruding from the body49. The connection region50may be the portion of the electrical connector48configured to physically couple to a mating connector of a computing device. For example, in an embodiment in which the electrical connector48is a USB connector, the body49may be the plastic portion that a user may handle and the connection region50may be defined by the metal portion that is inserted into a corresponding mating connector. Furthermore, the connection region50may at least partially surround one or more pins (e.g., for electrically coupling to a mating connector) of the electrical connector48.

While a USB connector is depicted inFIG. 1, it should be appreciated that the electrical connector48may be any type of electrical connector suitable for communicating with or receiving power from a computing device. For instance, the electrical connector48may be a serial port connector, a video graphics array (VGA) connector, a D-subminiature connector, a BNC connector, or a mini-DIN connector. Furthermore, the electrical connector48may be a male or female connector.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrical connector48may include an insulating shroud52covering the connection region50. The insulating shroud52may extend past the connection region50to block a user from inadvertently contacting the connection region50and/or one or more pins disposed within the connection region50. That is, in certain embodiments, the electrical connector48with the insulating shroud52may be touchproof such that inadvertently contacting the electrical connector48to any surface may not ground the patient (i.e., cause a voltage to run through the patient). The insulating shroud52may physically couple to a mating connector of a computing device. As such, at least a portion of the insulating shroud52may be defined as an interface region. Specifically, the interface region of the insulating shroud52will include one or more surfaces sharing a common boundary with one or more surfaces of a mating connector of the computing device. The insulating shroud52may be asymmetrically shaped to limit connection to the mating connector of the computing device having certain attributes, such as electrical isolation circuitry. One example of such a device, as discussed below, is a medical monitor. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the asymmetric geometry of the insulating shroud52may provide an indication to a user (e.g., a caregiver) regarding the correct orientation of the electrical connector48to facilitate insertion into a corresponding mating connector.

Again, the connector48, in certain embodiments, may be shaped so as to connect only to computing devices having a mating connector with a matching geometry (e.g., a medical monitor) and may be shaped such that the connector48does not comply with the USB standard. The matching geometry of the connector may serve as an indicator that the computing device includes particular features, such as electrical isolation circuitry. Accordingly, the illustrated system8also includes a monitor54having a mating connector56configured to physically and electrically couple to the connector48. Generally, the monitor54is configured to monitor patient parameters, such as by receiving and processing signals generated via the visualization device24. In particular, the monitor54may be coupled to the visualization device24via the connectors48,56and the cable46. As discussed below, the mating connector56may include one or more pins (FIG. 5) to enable communication with one or more pins of the electrical connector48.

The monitor54may be a stand-alone device or may, in certain embodiments, be integrated into a single device with, for example, the ventilator12. In addition to electrical isolation circuitry in accordance with IEC 60601-1, the monitor54may include processing circuitry, such as a microprocessor58coupled to an internal bus and a display60. By way of example, the monitor54may receive one or more signals representative of image data collected by the visualization device24, and may process the image data using the microprocessor58. The data may be stored in a mass storage device62, such as RAM, PROM, optical storage devices, flash memory devices, hardware storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable computer-readable storage medium. The data may be accessed and operated upon according to microprocessor58instructions.

For example, the monitor54may be configured to process data received from the visualization device24and provide indications of tube placement within the trachea. The indications may include audio, visual or other user-perceivable indications. In certain embodiments, the monitor54may be configured to communicate the information to another device, such as the ventilator12. The monitor54may also provide camera drive signals (including a drive signal to any associated light sources) to the visualization device24via camera driver64. Further, the monitor54may also be configured to control the delivery of fluid or air via the fluid delivery lumen42. In certain embodiments, the monitor54may supply power to electrically-powered elements of the tube10, such as the visualization device24, via the connectors48,56.

As noted above, the electrical connector48of the tube10may physically and electrically couple to the mating connector56of the monitor54. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the connection region50may include a USB pin-out66that includes one or more pins70(e.g., one or more electrical contacts), which are described in further detail below with respect toFIG. 4, to enable the electrical connection to the one or more corresponding pins of the mating connector56of the monitor54. It should be noted that in embodiments in which the electrical connector48is not a USB connector, the electrical connector48may include a different pin-out66and/or a different configuration of the pins70. Specifically, the electrical connector48may connect with the mating connector56along a connection axis72. The connection axis72may be centered about a front cross-section of the connection region50such that the connection axis72is a longitudinal axis of the electrical connector48. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the configuration of the connection region50and pins70may vary across different connector types. Accordingly, both the geometry and the pin configuration of the mating connector56may change for the various connector types to facilitate the physical and electrical coupling with electrical connector48along the connection axis72. Various non-limiting examples of different geometries of the connection region50and of the mating connector56are discussed below with respect toFIGS. 4,6,8,10,12-14,16, and,17andFIGS. 5,7,9,11, and18, respectively.

In addition to the components that enable communication, the illustrated electrical connector48also includes the insulating shroud52. The insulating shroud52may cover the connection region50, and may partially or entirely cover the body49of the electrical connector48. The insulating shroud52may be fixed or removable. In embodiments where the insulating shroud52is fixed, the insulating shroud52may be adhered to or may be integral with the body49. In one embodiment, the insulating shroud52may be retractable, such that as a user inserts the electrical connector48into a mating connector, the insulating shroud52abuts a surface surrounding the mating connector and retracts, allowing the connection region50to be inserted into a receptacle of the mating connector.

Additionally, the insulating shroud52may cover the connection region50such that the connection region50is recessed in the insulating shroud52. The recessed configuration may reduce the possibility of inadvertent contact with the connection region50and/or the pins70. Specifically, the recessed configuration may block a user from touching the connection region50and/or the pins70, and may provide an insulating barrier between the connection region50and/or the pins70and a grounded surface. The insulating shroud52may be formed from any suitable material with insulating properties such as an insulating polymer, plastic, rubber, glass, ceramic, or paper. In certain embodiments, the insulating material of the insulating shroud52may be transparent such that the connection region50and the configuration of the pins70may be visible to a user to facilitate recognition of the connector type. This may enable a user to more quickly select the appropriate mating connector for the electrical connector48.

The insulating shroud52may also be shaped to enhance usability. For example, the insulating shroud52may be shaped such that a user may more easily determine the correct orientation of the electrical connector48for connection with the mating connector56of the monitor54. This may be useful, for example, in high-stress and/or time-critical medical environments in which a healthcare provider may not have sufficient time to examine the electrical connector48for indicia (e.g., the USB insignia) to determine its correct orientation for connection. To address this issue, the insulating shroud52may have an asymmetric geometry (e.g., a triangular protrusion along one side) that may connect with mating connector56with a corresponding asymmetric geometry. As such, a user may be able to quickly connect the electrical connector48with mating connector56.

As noted above, the insulating shroud52and/or the connection region50may be shaped to create various asymmetric geometries and/or symmetric geometries that do not comply with the USB standard. Embodiments in which the connection region is asymmetric are discussed in detail below with respect toFIGS. 16 and 17. It should be noted that the insulating shroud52may have an inner and an outer geometry, and the geometries may be distinct. Generally, the outer geometry may be asymmetric with respect to a plane oriented along the connection axis72and bisecting a width of the connection region50. Indeed, as highlighted by line4-4, the geometry of the front view of the insulating shroud52and/or the entirety of the insulating shroud52may be modified according to various embodiments, which will be described in further detail below with respect toFIGS. 4,6,8,10, and12-14.

Further, the mating connector56of the monitor54and its corresponding receptacle may be adjusted to accommodate the various embodiments of the insulating shroud52and the connection region50. Indeed, as highlighted by line5-5ofFIG. 3and as will be discussed in more detail below with respect toFIGS. 5,7,9, and11, the receptacle and the mating connector56of the monitor54may be adjusted for the geometries of corresponding embodiments of the insulating shroud52and the connection region50as illustrated inFIGS. 4,6,8, and10, respectively. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the mating connector56may include a structure sized to fit about the connection region50. By way of non-limiting example, in embodiments in which the mating connector56is a female USB connector, the mating connector56may fit about the corresponding male connection region50. Conversely, in embodiments in which the mating connector56is a male USB connector, the connection region50may fit about the mating connector56.

As noted above,FIG. 4illustrates an embodiment of the front view (e.g., a view along the connection axis72) of the insulating shroud52. In some embodiments, the insulating shroud52may extend past the connection region50such that the connection region50is recessed within the insulating shroud52. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the inner geometry74is flush with the connection region50. Further, there may be a slight gap between the inner geometry74and the connection region50such that the mating connector56may fit about the connection region50. The insulating shroud52may have an inner geometry74and an outer geometry76. As illustrated, inner geometry74may be symmetric about a plane crosswise to the connection axis72(e.g., a plane bisecting a side of the inner geometry74). However, embodiments in which the inner geometry74is asymmetric about such a plane are also presently contemplated.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, at least one side of the outer geometry76may be angled with respect to the connection region50to induce asymmetry into the outer geometry76. In particular, the outer geometry76may include a first surface78, terminating at a first end80and a second end82, and a second surface84, terminating at a third end86and a fourth end88. As illustrated, the first surface78is an opposing surface with respect to the second surface84, and vice versa. As defined herein, an opposing surface is a face that is disposed across the connection region50from a recited surface (e.g., the other of a pair of opposing surfaces). Though other surfaces may also be handled, the first surface78and the second surface84may be handling surfaces that a user would likely grip when connecting the electrical connector48to the mating connector56. The first surface78and the second surface84may have equal lengths, illustrated by w1. The outer geometry76may additionally include a third surface90connecting the first end80and the third end86. The third surface90may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second surfaces78,84and the second surface84and may have a length illustrated by h1. Additionally, the outer geometry76may include an angled (e.g., cornered) fourth surface92connecting the second end82and the fourth end88. Accordingly, the third surface90is an opposing surface with respect to the fourth surface92. Generally, asymmetry may be induced in the insulating shroud52by providing a surface that is not substantially parallel to its opposing surface. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the cornered fourth surface92, which is angled away from the connection region50, is not parallel to the third surface90, which is not angled with respect to the connection region50.

Furthermore, the cornered fourth surface92may be longer than the third surface90to induce asymmetry in the insulating shroud52. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the cornered fourth surface92may include a corner94such that the fourth surface92may be a triangular protrusion. Indeed, in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth surface92includes two sides. Conversely, the first, second, and third surfaces78,84,90include only one side. As illustrated, the triangular protrusion may have dimensions of h2and w2, where w2corresponds to the distance that the cornered fourth surface92protrudes from the second end82and the fourth end88. Further, h2may be less than h1and may correspond to the distance between the corner94and the fourth end88. In certain embodiments, h2may be 0-100%, 20-80%, or 40-60% of h1. Similarly, w2may be 0-100%, 20-80%, or 40-60% of w1. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the angle of the corner94may be between 0-90°, 20-70°, or 40-50°. It should be noted that adjusting the dimensions of h2and/or w2may adjust the angle of the corner94. Additionally, the illustrated outer geometry76is asymmetric with respect to a plane crosswise to the connection axis72and that bisects w1. Furthermore, while illustrated as a triangular protrusion, in certain embodiments, the fourth surface92may be a triangular recess, or any surface having any number of sides.

FIG. 5illustrates a front view of a portion of the monitor54having the mating connector56. The mating connector56may include a USB pin-out96that includes one or more pins98(e.g., one or more electrical contacts) that may electrically couple with the pins70of the connector58to enable communication, power transmission, and so forth. Additionally, the monitor54may include a receptacle100surrounding the mating connector56to receive the outer geometry76of the insulating shroud52as described above. Thus, the insulating shroud52may be inserted into the receptacle100to enable the one or more pins70of the electrical connector48to couple with the one or more pins98of the mating connector56. It should be appreciated that the geometry of the receptacle100may, in some embodiments, be mirrored with respect to the outer geometry76. As illustrated, the receptacle100may have dimensions h3, w3, h4, and w4. The dimensions h3, w3, h4, and w4may be approximately equal to h1, w1, h2, and w2(e.g., the dimensions of the receptacle may be slightly greater to accommodate the insertion of the insulating shroud52). Similar to the outer geometry76, the receptacle100may include a first surface102, terminating at a first end104and a second end106, and a second surface108, terminating at a third end110and a fourth end112. The receptacle100may include a third surface114connecting the second end106and the fourth end112(e.g., to mirror the outer geometry76), and a fourth surface116connecting the first end104and the third end110. The fourth surface116may additionally include a corner corresponding to the corner94.

As set forth above, the insulating shroud52may have a variety of geometries. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the insulating shroud52may have an outer geometry120including a slanted surface in addition to, or in lieu of, a cornered surface. In particular, the outer geometry120may include a slanted fourth surface122connecting the second end82and the fourth end88. The slanted fourth surface122may be longer than the third surface90, resulting in the first surface78and the second surface84having different lengths.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second surface84is longer than the first surface78, though the opposite relationship is also presently contemplated. Specifically, the second surface84has a width of w5, and the first surface78is longer by w6due at least to the angle by which the fourth surface122is slanted. As illustrated, the width the first surface78is equal to the sum of w5and w6. In certain embodiments, w6may be 0-100%, 20-80%, or 40-60% of w5. As may be appreciated, adjusting w6will adjust the angle at which the slanted fourth surface122is offset from being perpendicular to the first and second surfaces78,84.

As noted above, the shape of the fourth surface122induces asymmetry into the insulating shroud52. In particular, the outer geometry120is asymmetrical with respect to a plane crosswise to the connection axis72and that bisects w5. Additionally, the outer geometry120is asymmetrical with respect to a plane that bisects a width of the third surface90, h5. The asymmetry with respect to two planes, rather than one, of the insulating shroud52may advantageously facilitate a user's recognition of the correct orientation of the electrical connector48for connection with a corresponding mating connector (e.g., the mating connector56of the monitor54).

The monitor54may include a receptacle124to facilitate connection between the mating connector56and the electrical connector48having the outer geometry120, as illustrated byFIG. 7. As described above, the receptacle124may be shaped with dimensions corresponding to the outer geometry120to enable the insertion of the insulating shroud52into the receptacle124. Additionally, as with certain embodiments described above, the receptacle124may have surfaces and ends which are mirrored with respect to the outer geometry120. Specifically, the receptacle124may have a slanted fourth surface126which may correspond to the slanted fourth surface122of the outer geometry120. For example, w7and w8may be substantially the same as w5and w6, respectively (allowing for some tolerance to receive the electrical connector48).

In addition to, or as an alternative to, having an asymmetric outer geometry, the inner geometry of the insulating shroud52may be asymmetric.FIG. 8is a front view of the insulating shroud52including such an inner geometry128. As illustrated, the inner geometry128may be outwardly curved with respect to the connection region50in two regions of the insulating shroud52. Again, there may be a slight separation between an inner geometry of the insulating shroud52and the connection region50to facilitate connection with a mating connector. As illustrated, the inner geometry128includes two triangular separations129disposed about opposite corners of the connection region50. Thus, the inner geometry128may be asymmetric with respect to a plane crosswise to the connection axis72and bisecting the width of the connection region50, as well as a plane crosswise to the connection axis72and bisecting the height of the connection region50.

Additionally, as illustrated, an outer geometry130of the insulating shroud52may include one or more irregular surfaces, such as a ridge and/or a groove. Providing a ridge and/or a groove may help a user to determine the correct orientation of the electrical connector48for connection. By way of non-limiting example, a user may recognize a ridge by sight and/or touch and determine that the ridge corresponds to a particular surface (e.g., a top handling surface). For example, as illustrated, a first surface132of the outer geometry130may include a ridge134(e.g., a tab or a protrusion). Additionally, a second surface136of the outer geometry130may include a groove138.

While the insulating shroud52is illustrated as having one groove and one protrusion, it should be noted that any one or a combination of the surfaces may have any one or a combination of grooves, protrusions, slants, curves, and so on. Further, the grooves, protrusions, etc., may generally have any desirable size and shape. For example, the groove138may protrude into the second surface136by a height of h9, while the ridge134may protrude from the first surface132by a height of h10. Generally, h9and h10may be the same or different. According to certain embodiments, it may be desirable for h9and/or h10to have a size that facilitates recognition by a user and that also blocks the connection region50from mating with the mating connector56when the electrical connector48is not properly positioned with respect to the mating connector56. As illustrated, the ridge134and the groove138may be substantially centered about their respective surfaces. However, it should be appreciated that the ridge134and/or the groove138may be disposed about any location of their respective surfaces. Furthermore, it should be noted that any one or a combination of the approaches for inducing asymmetry into the electrical connector48may be used in combination with the approaches described with respect toFIG. 8. By way of non-limiting example, the embodiment of the insulating shroud52as described with respect toFIG. 6may be modified to include the ridge134and/or the groove138.

As discussed above, the mating connector56of the monitor54may have a geometry that matches (e.g., mirrors) the inner and/or outer geometries of the electrical connector48(including the insulating shroud52and the connection region50).FIG. 9illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the mating connector56having a receptacle140configured to enable connection with the electrical connector48ofFIG. 8. As illustrated, the mating connector56may be shaped to minor the inner geometry120. In particular, the receptacle140may include a first surface142having a ridge144corresponding to the ridge134of the connector48ofFIG. 8and a second surface146having a groove148corresponding to the groove138of the electrical connector48ofFIG. 8. As may be appreciated, widths w11and w12and heights h11, h12, h13, and h14may be suitably sized to accommodate widths w9and w10and heights h7, h8, h9, and h10of the electrical connector48ofFIG. 8.

In addition to, or in lieu of, any of the approaches described above, other embodiments of the insulating shroud52may include geometries having curved surfaces. For example,FIG. 10illustrates a front view of the insulating shroud52including an outer geometry146with a curved fourth surface148. As illustrated, the curved fourth surface148may be curved along its entirety. However, the curved fourth surface148may have a curved portion and a straight portion or several curved and straight portions (e.g., one or more “humps”). Additionally, the curved portion of the curved fourth surface148may have a constant or a varying radius. The curved fourth surface148may, in some embodiments, include multiple curved portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved fourth surface148may protrude from the second end82and the fourth end88of the first surface78and the second surface84, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the curved fourth surface148may be curved inwardly (i.e., toward the connection region50). As illustrated, the curved fourth surface148may be curved such that the outer geometry146may be asymmetric with respect to a plane that is crosswise to the connection axis72and that bisects the width of the connection region50.

FIG. 11illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the mating connector56having a receptacle150configured to enable connection with the electrical connector48ofFIG. 10. The receptacle150may be shaped with dimensions corresponding to the outer geometry146to enable the insertion of the insulating shroud52into the receptacle150. Additionally, the receptacle150may have surfaces and ends which are mirrored with respect to the outer geometry146. Specifically, the receptacle150may have a curved fourth surface152which may be curved to correspond to the fourth surface148of the outer geometry146.

Additionally, as noted above, the insulating shroud52and/or the connection region50may include symmetric and/or asymmetric geometries that do not comply with the USB standard to enable connection with specific medical monitors (e.g., the monitor54) having the mating connector56. More specifically, the insulating shroud52and/or the connection region50may be shaped such that the electrical connector48may not be able to physically connect with a standard USB mating connector, such as the USB Series Standard-A, Standard-B, Mini-A, Mini-B, Micro-A, or Micro-B. For example,FIGS. 12-14illustrate front views of embodiments of the insulating shroud52that do not comply with the USB standard. It should be noted that while the illustrated embodiments illustrate the insulating shroud52as having the geometries that do not comply with the USB standard, the connection region50may additionally or alternatively include the geometries. That is, the front view illustrated inFIGS. 12-14may be front view of the connection region50of the electrical connector48.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the insulating shroud52may include a symmetrical outer geometry154having at least one dimension that does not match a corresponding dimension of any standard USB connectors. For example, the symmetrical outer geometry154may have a height of h17and a width of w13, and h17and/or w13may be larger than the dimensions specified in the USB standard. The symmetrical outer geometry154may be square, rectangular, or any other suitable symmetric shape. For example, the symmetrical outer geometry154may include symmetrical angled sides such that the insulating shroud52is trapezoidal.

Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 13, the insulating shroud52may include an outer geometry156that may have a height of h18and a width of w14, which may be sized to physically couple with a USB mating connector in compliance with the USB standard. However, the outer geometry156additionally includes one or more tabs (e.g., protrusions or ridges)158that may not fit in the USB mating connector. As illustrated, the outer geometry156may be symmetrical. However, the outer geometry156may include an odd number of tabs158or an arrangement of tabs158to induce asymmetry in the outer geometry156.

In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 14, the insulating shroud52may include an irregular outer geometry160. The irregular outer geometry160may include curved and/or angled portions in any combination.

Furthermore, it may be desirable to provide the electrical connector48with an embodiment of the insulating shroud52that does not comply with the USB standard and with an embodiment of the connection region50that does comply with the USB standard. More specifically, the dimensions and the geometry of the connection region50may comply with the USB standard such that the connection region50may physically couple to a standard USB port. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the mating connector56of the monitor may also be shaped to comply with the USB standard, while the receptacle of the mating connector56may be shaped to receive the insulating shroud52. Thus, the mating connector56may be configured to receive the connection region50of the electrical connector48and a standard USB device, such as a flash drive. However, in certain embodiments, the monitor54may be provided with only one mating connector56such that the monitor54may not be coupled to the electrical connector48and a standard USB device simultaneously. In this manner, the monitor54may not be coupled to a non-isolated device while coupled to the medical device (e.g., the tracheal tube10). Alternatively, to enable simultaneous connection to the electrical connector48and a standard USB device, the monitor54may include more than one mating connector56and electrical isolation circuitry (i.e., an isolator) for each mating connector56.

As described in detail above, the insulating shroud52, and in particular, the asymmetry of the insulating shroud52, may be desirable for a wide variety of electrical connectors48(e.g., a USB or a D-subminiature). For example, an embodiment of the insulating shroud52having a recessed configuration (e.g., a touchproof electrical connector48) may block a user from inadvertently contacting the pins70disposed about the connection region50. Additionally, the asymmetry of the insulating shroud52may enable a user to more easily determine the correct orientation of the electrical connector48for insertion into a corresponding mating connector. Furthermore, the asymmetry of the insulating shroud52may enable the electrical connector48to be used with a particular medical monitor having a corresponding mating connector and receptacle. Various embodiments of the asymmetry may be desirable to distinguish between different electrical connectors48and the corresponding medical monitor. By way of non-limiting example, a user may recognize the electrical connector48ofFIG. 4to be an electrical connector48suitable for use with the monitor54and the electrical connector48ofFIG. 6to be suitable for use with a pulse oximetry monitor.

However, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to connect the electrical connector48having the insulating shroud52with a non-medical computing device lacking the electrical isolation circuitry in accordance with the medical electrical equipment standards of IEC-60601-1. For example, a user may desire to view images generated by the visualization device24on a standard computer. Additionally, a portable computing device (e.g., a laptop) may facilitate portable patient monitoring systems (e.g., transporting a patient).

With the foregoing in mind,FIG. 15illustrates a system170which may include the electrical connector48having the insulating shroud52, an adaptor172, and a computer174(e.g., a portable computing device such as a laptop). The computer174may include a display176and one or more connection ports, such as a USB port178. The computer176may include a processor (not shown) and one or more memory units (not shown). The processor of the computer176may be configured to execute code to process, analyze, and/or display data obtained by a medical device, such as for example, the visualization device24and/or a pulse oximetry sensor. Again, the computer174may not include electrical isolation circuitry in accordance with IEC 60606-1.

The adaptor172in accordance with present embodiments may be configured to perform one or more functions, such as enabling electrical coupling between the electrical connector48and the computer174, and providing electrical isolation between a medical device to which the electrical connector48is attached and the computer174. Specifically, the adaptor172may enable connection between two different types of connectors. As illustrated, the adaptor172is configured to receive the electrical connector48and the insulating shroud52via a receptacle180. The receptacle180may function similar to the receptacles described with respect toFIGS. 5,7,9, and11. Specifically, the geometry of the receptacle180may mirror that of the insulating shroud52. The adaptor172also includes a connector182(e.g., a plug) configured to connect with a port of the computer176. As illustrated, the connector182is a male USB connector configured to insert into the USB port178. That is, in certain embodiments, the connector182may be include a geometry and dimensions in compliance with the USB standard to enable physical and electrical communication with a mating connector (e.g., the USB port178) in compliance with the USB standard. However, it should be appreciated that as the computer176may include additional ports (e.g., VGA, S-Video, or serial port), the adaptor174may be modified to include an alternative connector182, instead of the illustrated USB connector. Further, various adaptors174may be designed for various embodiments of the electrical connector48and the insulating shroud52. Additionally, in other embodiments, the adaptor172may include a cable between the receptacle180and the connector182.

The adaptor174also includes communication and electrical isolation circuitry184. The communication circuitry184includes features (e.g., one or more pins) configured to receive signals from the electrical connector48and transmit the received signals to the computer176. In certain embodiments, the adaptor174may merely provide a physical transformation. However, in other embodiments, the communication circuitry184may be configured to convert the signal received from the electrical connector48into a different signal type (e.g., a USB signal). The electrical isolation circuitry184may be desirable in circumstances in which the electrical connector48is connected to the computer174while a medical device (e.g., the tube10or a pulse oximetry sensor) coupled to the electrical connector48is obtaining data from a patient. Providing the electrical isolation circuitry184may enable the computer174to comply with the medical equipment standards in accordance with IEC 60606-1.

In one embodiment, the adaptor172having the communication and electrical isolation circuitry184may be configured to receive the electrical connector48without the insulating shroud52. As noted above, in certain embodiments the connection region50of the electrical connector48may be constructed from an insulating material. Thus, the insulating shroud52may not be desired. However, providing an asymmetrical geometry for the electrical connector48may be desirable for the reasons described in detail above (e.g., for connecting with specific medical monitors and providing an indication of orientation). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the receptacle180of the adaptor172may be shaped to receive an asymmetrical geometry of the connection region50. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the electrical connector48does not include the insulating shroud52, the connection region50may be defined as an interface region, because the connection region50includes one or more surfaces which share a common boundary with one or more surfaces of a mating connector.

With the foregoing in mind,FIG. 16illustrates an embodiment of the electrical connector48having the connection region50with an asymmetric geometry188. As illustrated, the electrical connector48is a USB connector, which may be configured to communicate using the USB standard. However, it should be appreciated that the electrical connector48may be any electrical connector suitable for a medical device. Additionally, the connection region50may have various asymmetric and symmetric geometries, which may be similar to the various embodiments of the insulating shroud52as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 4,6,8,10, and12-14.

For example,FIG. 17illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the connection region50having the asymmetric geometry188. Specifically, as illustrated, the asymmetric geometry188may be similar to the outer geometry76of the insulating shroud52as illustrated inFIG. 4. Thus, the asymmetrical geometry188may include a first surface190terminating at a first and a second end192and194, and a second surface196terminating at a third and a fourth end198and200. A third surface202may connect the first and third ends192and198and may be substantially perpendicular to the first surface and the second surfaces190and196. The third surface202may be an opposing surface with respect to a cornered fourth surface204, as described above with respect toFIG. 4. The cornered fourth surface204may connect the first and second surfaces190and192at the second and fourth ends194and200, respectively. The cornered fourth surface204may include a corner206such that the cornered fourth surface204may be angled away from the pins70. In one embodiment, the cornered fourth surface204may be angled toward the pins70. However, in other embodiments, the cornered fourth surface204may be angled toward the connection region50. In certain embodiments, the electrical connector48may include the insulating shroud52, which may be modified to fit about the asymmetric geometry188of the connection region50.

FIG. 18illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the mating connector56having an asymmetric geometry220, which may be configured to physically and electrically couple with the electrical connector48ofFIG. 17. As illustrated, the asymmetric geometry220minors the asymmetric geometry188of the electrical connector48ofFIG. 17. Specifically, the mating connector56includes a first surface222terminating at a first and a second end224and226, and a second surface228terminating at a third and a fourth end230and232. In a similar manner to the electrical connector48discussed above with respect toFIG. 17, a third surface234may be an opposing surface with respect to a cornered fourth surface236. The cornered fourth surface236may connect the first and second surfaces222and228at first and third ends224and230, respectively. In an embodiment in which the electrical connector48also includes the insulating shroud52, a medical monitor (e.g., the monitor54) having the mating connector56may additionally include a receptacle surrounding the mating connector56to enable insertion of the insulating shroud52.

As discussed above, the embodiments discussed with respect toFIGS. 1-18generally relate to an embodiment of the electrical connector48where the electrical connector48may include the insulating shroud52and/or the connection region50that may be shaped such that the electrical connector48does not comply with the USB standard. However, in other embodiments, the electrical connector48may not include the insulating shroud52and may include a connection region50in compliance with the USB standard and thus, may not be able to connect with medical monitors34having the mating connector56. Furthermore, various medical monitors34may include mating connectors56with different geometries to enable connection with a variety of medical devices having electrical connectors48with different geometries. As such, the electrical connector48may have a different geometry than the mating connector56. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a dongle that is configured to connect the medical device to the medical monitor34.

FIG. 19illustrates a perspective view of a system250including the electrical connector48. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector48does not include the insulating shroud52. Furthermore, the electrical connector48may include the USB pin-out66and the connection region50that complies with the USB standard. For example, the connection region50may be a Series A USB connector. The system250also includes a dongle252. The dongle252may include a receptacle254(e.g., a mating connector) shaped to receive the connection region50. Accordingly, the receptacle254may also comply with the USB standard. The dongle252may also include a connector256(e.g., a plug) that is configured to connect with an embodiment of the mating connector56. In certain embodiments, the dongle252may be configured to enable communication between the tracheal tube10, or another medical device such as a sensor, and the medical monitor34according to the USB standard. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the dongle252may include a cable258between the receptacle254and the connector256. The cable258may be advantageous to provide additional length so the tracheal tube10(or another medical device) may be placed at a distance away from the monitor34. Alternatively, the receptacle254and the connector256may be disposed in a single unit, similar to the illustrated embodiment of the adaptor172. To enable connection with the mating connector56, the connector256may include a geometry260that does not comply with the USB standard. In certain embodiments, the connector256may prevent the dongle252from connecting to a mating connector that complies with the USB standard (e.g., a USB port). Furthermore, it should be noted that the connector256may include the insulating shroud52, and thus, the insulating shroud52may additionally or alternatively include the geometry260. As illustrated, the geometry260is similar to the asymmetric geometry188ofFIG. 15. However, the geometry260may be any of the geometries described above.

While the disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments provided herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Indeed, the disclosed embodiments may not only be applied to the connector types as illustrated, but these techniques may also be utilized for other connector types suitable for medical devices. Additionally, any of the disclosed asymmetrical geometries, may include additional asymmetrical surfaces. For example, an embodiment of an asymmetrical geometry may include some combination of the described fourth surfaces. Rather, the various embodiments may cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.