Smart connector for connecting a patient to a medical product

Abstract

Various smart medical connection embodiments of the present disclosure include a magnetic connection manager energizing a ferromagnetic body in response to power-up of the magnetic connection manager and sensing of a connection strain on a medical base (21) and / or a patient base (31) of the device, whereby a magnetic connection interface (22, 32) activates a magnetic connection between a metal module and the ferromagnetic body for a catheter channel of the base connected through the interface. Various smart medical connection embodiments of the present disclosure also include the magnetic connection manager de-energizing the ferromagnetic body in response to power-down of the magnetic connection manager and / or sensing of a disconnection strain on the base, whereby the magnetic connection interface (22, 32) deactivates the magnetic connection between the metal module and the ferromagnetic body for the catheter channel of the base connected through the interface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to connecting a patient to a medical product (e.g., a medical fluid bag or a medical device). The present disclosure relates specifically to a smart connector for disconnecting a patient from a medical product due to excessive strain / force on the connection or a request by the care team (e.g., in an emergency situation). BACKGROUND

[0002] Pulling out a basic connector (e.g., an IV line connector and an electrical connector) located between an IV bag / medical device and a patient as known in the art of the present disclosure due to excessive strain / force on the connector can be dangerous to the patient. For example, pulling on an IV line due to movement associated with body pain or a patient falling can remove the IV line from the patient and cause complications such as bleeding and disconnection of an important medication. Disconnection of an electrical connector (e.g., a cable connecting a patient to a monitoring system) can interrupt patient monitoring and also cause unnecessary alarms such as a disconnection alarm. In addition, pulling on a medical device, an IV bag, and an IV pole due to pulling on the connector is another issue that can be dangerous to the patient.

[0003] Connectors in current medical facilities are simple and do not include a mechanism for disconnecting a patient from a medical product due to excessive strain / force on the connection. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure describes a smart medical connection between a patient and a medical product (e.g., a medical fluid container (an IV bag) or a medical device (a bedside vital signs monitor)) that can be applicable to a variety of and various medical applications.

[0005] The smart medical connection of the present disclosure involves sensing of potentially harmful strain on the connection between a patient and a medical product and also involves automatically disconnecting the patient from the medical product due to the sensed potentially harmful strain, thereby preventing (hopefully preventing) any harm to the patient. In addition, the smart medical connection of the present disclosure can involve notifying a clinical team of any disconnection of the patient from the medical product. In addition, the smart medical connection of the present disclosure can involve a clinician or a nurse requesting to disconnect the patient from the medical product, for example, in the case of patient transfer or patient emergency care (e.g., providing an electric shock to the patient).

[0006] The present disclosure can be implemented as:

[0007] (1) a smart medical connector of the present disclosure;

[0008] (2) a smart medical connection system including the smart medical connector of the present disclosure; and

[0009] (3) A smart medical connection method utilizing the smart medical connector of the present disclosure.

[0010] Various embodiments of the smart medical connector of the present disclosure include a medical base, a patient base, a magnetic connection interface, and a magnetic connection manager.

[0011] The medical base has a medical conduit passage, and the patient base has a patient conduit passage.

[0012] The magnetic connection interface includes one or more metal modules and one or more ferromagnets that collectively adjoin one of the medical base or the patient base or distributively adjoin the medical base and the patient base.

[0013] The magnetic connection manager includes a power source, a ferromagnet driver, and one or more strain sensors that collectively adjoin one of the medical base or the patient base or distributively adjoin the medical base and the patient base.

[0014] In operation, in response to sensing of a connection strain on the medical base and / or the patient base by the strain sensor, the smart medical controller controllably energizes the ferromagnet. In response to energization of the ferromagnet, the magnetic connection interface activates a magnetic connection between the metal module and the ferromagnet for connecting the medical conduit passage and the patient conduit passage through the interface.

[0015] Alternatively, in operation, in response to sensing of a disconnection strain on the medical base and / or the patient base by the strain sensor, the magnetic connection manager controllably de-energizes the ferromagnet. In response to de-energization of the ferromagnet, the magnetic connection interface deactivates the magnetic connection between the metal module and the ferromagnet for connecting the medical conduit passage and the patient conduit passage through the interface.

[0016] Various embodiments of the smart medical connection system of the present disclosure include the smart medical connector of the present disclosure, and a medical fluid container (e.g., an intravenous bag) in fluid communication / communicable with the medical conduit passage via a medical fluid conduit or a medical device (e.g., a bedside vital signs monitor) in electrical communication / communicable with the medical conduit passage via a medical electrical conduit.

[0017] Various embodiments of the smart medical connection method of the present disclosure include operation of the smart medical connector involving energization of the ferromagnet in response to power-on of the smart medical connector and further in response to sensing of a connection strain on the medical base and / or the patient base. In response to energization of the ferromagnet, the magnetic connection interface activates a magnetic connection between the metal module and the ferromagnet for connecting the medical conduit passage and the patient conduit passage through the interface.

[0018] Operation of the smart medical connector also involves de-energizing the ferromagnetic body in response to a power down of the smart medical connector or sensing of a disconnection strain on the medical base and / or the patient base. In response to the de-energizing of the ferromagnetic body, the magnetic connection interface deactivates the magnetic connection between the metal module and the ferromagnetic body for interfacing the medical conduit channel and the patient conduit channel.

[0019] For the purposes of the description and claims of this disclosure:

[0020] (1) technical terms including, but not limited to, “medical,” “patient,” “base,” “conduit,” “channel,” “magnetic,” “connection,” “interface,” “metal,” “module,” “ferromagnetic body,” “connectivity,” “pose,” “power source,” “driver,” and “strain sensor” are to be interpreted as known in the art of this disclosure and as exemplarily described in this disclosure;

[0021] (2) More specifically, the term “medical base” broadly includes any object that serves as a foundation for the connection of the smart medical connector of this disclosure with a medical fluid container or medical device;

[0022] (3) More specifically, the term “medical conduit channel” broadly includes any channel that extends through the medical base and serves as a passageway for fluids, electrical signals, and / or optical signals through the medical base;

[0023] (4) More specifically, the term “patient base” broadly includes any object that serves as a foundation for the connection of the smart medical connector of this disclosure with a patient;

[0024] (5) More specifically, the term “patient conduit channel” broadly includes any channel that extends through the patient base and serves as a passageway for fluids, electrical signals, and / or optical signals through the patient base;

[0025] (6) More specifically, the term “metal module” broadly includes any object that is composed of one or more metals;

[0026] (7) More specifically, the term “magnetic connection” broadly includes any magnetic attraction between the metal module and the ferromagnetic body;

[0027] (8) More specifically, the phrase “for interfacing the medical conduit channel and the patient conduit channel” broadly includes any alignment of the medical conduit channel and the patient conduit channel that is established and / or maintained by the magnetic connection between the metal module and the ferromagnetic body that enables the transmission of fluids, electrical signals, and / or optical signals from one channel to the other;

[0028] (9) More specifically, the term “connection strain” broadly includes any strain level applied to the medical base and / or patient base within the magnetic connection manager of this disclosure that is specified as harmless to the patient and / or medical fluid container / medical device;

[0029] (10) More specifically, the term “disconnect strain” broadly includes any strain level applied to the medical base and / or patient base within the magnetic connection manager of this disclosure that is designated as potentially harmful to the patient and / or medical fluid container / medical device.

[0030] (11) The term “adjacent” and any tense thereof broadly refer to any type of integration, attachment, installation, connection, etc. of objects;

[0031] (12) The term “controller” broadly includes all structural configurations as understood in the field of this disclosure and as exemplarily described in this disclosure, having circuit boards and / or integrated circuits for controlling the application of various principles of this disclosure to realize the intelligent medical connectivity method of this disclosure;

[0032] (13) The term "application module" broadly includes applications included within or accessible by a controller, which includes electronic circuitry (e.g., electronic components and / or hardware) and / or executable programs (e.g., executable software stored on non-transitory computer-readable media and / or firmware) for performing specific applications related to the intelligent medical connectivity method of this disclosure; and

[0033] (14) The terms “signal,” “data,” and “command” broadly include all forms of detectable physical quantities or impulses (e.g., voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) as understood in the field of this disclosure and exemplarily described herein, for transmitting information and / or instructions to support the application of various innovative principles of this disclosure, as described herein. The signal / data / command communication components of this disclosure may relate to any communication method known in the field of this disclosure, including but not limited to signal / data / command transmission / reception via any type of wired or wireless data link, and the reading of signal / data / command uploaded to a computer-usable / computer-readable storage medium.

[0034] The above-described and other embodiments of this disclosure, as well as the various structures and advantages of this disclosure, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of this disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative and not restrictive of this disclosure, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0035] This disclosure will give a detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0036] Figures 1A-1D Exemplary embodiments of a smart medical connector according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0037] Figures 2A-2C Exemplary embodiments of a magnetic connection interface according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0038] Figures 3A-5B Exemplary embodiments of a medical base and a patient base according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0039] Figures 6A-6C Exemplary embodiments of a metal module and a ferromagnetic body according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0040] Figures 7A-7C Exemplary embodiments of a strain sensor according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0041] Figures 7A-7C Exemplary embodiments of a strain sensor according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0042] Figures 8A-9B Exemplary embodiments of a magnetic connection manager according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0043] Figure 10A and Figure 10B Exemplary embodiments of a ferromagnetic body controller according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0044] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Exemplary flowcharts representative of embodiments of a smart medical connection method according to the present disclosure are shown; and

[0045] Figure 12A and Figure 12B Exemplary smart medical connections according to the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present disclosure can be applicable to a variety of and various connections between patients and medical products for any medical purpose.

[0047] Examples of medical products include, but are not limited to, medical fluid containers and medical devices.

[0048] Examples of medical fluid containers include, but are not limited to, crystal intravenous injection bags, colloid intravenous injection bags, and feeding tube containers.

[0049] Examples of medical devices include, but are not limited to, electrocardiogram monitors, ventilators, blood pressure monitors, intracranial pressure monitors, and ventriculostomy devices.

[0050] The present disclosure improves the art by providing intelligent mechanisms / processes that disconnect the patient from the medical product due to excessive strain / force on the connection.

[0051] For the purposes of understanding the present disclosure, the following description of Figure 1A Figure 1D The description of Figures 1A-1D From the description of

[0052] Figures 1A-1D Four (4) embodiments of intelligent medical connectors 10a-10d are shown, each having a medical product domain 20 and a patient domain 30.

[0053] What all intelligent medical connectors 10a-10d have in common are a medical base 21, a patient base 31, a magnetic connection interface 22 / 32, a ferromagnetic controller 50, a power source 60. In addition, each intelligent medical connector 10a-10d employs a medical strain sensor 70 and / or a patient strain sensor 71.

[0054] Referring to Figure 1A , the medical product domain 20a of intelligent medical connector 10a includes a medical conduit 23a that is permanently adjoined to the medical base 31, and the patient domain 30a of intelligent medical connector 10a includes a patient conduit 33a that is permanently adjoined to the patient base 31, as will be further described in the present disclosure.

[0055] In implementation, the medical conduit 23a can have a connection element 24 (e.g., a socket, a plug, a coupler, an adapter, etc.) for connecting to one or more types of medical products, and the patient conduit 33a can have a connection element 34 (e.g., a socket, a plug, a coupler, an adapter, etc.) for connecting to a patient.

[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, the medical conduit 23a and the patient conduit 33a are fluid tubes for facilitating fluid communication between a medical fluid container (e.g., an intravenous bag) and a patient.

[0057] In a second exemplary embodiment, the medical conduit 23a and the patient conduit 33a are electrical / optical cables for facilitating signal communication between a medical device (e.g., a monitor) and a patient.

[0058] Referring to Figure 1B, the medical product region 20b of the smart medical connector 10b includes a medical conduit 23b that is temporarily abuttable with the medical base 31, and the patient region 30a of the smart medical connector 10a includes a patient conduit 33b that is temporarily abuttable with the patient base 31, as further described in the present disclosure.

[0059] In implementation, the medical conduit 23b is a conduit that extends from a medical product to abut with the medical base 21, and the patient conduit 33b is a conduit that extends from a patient to abut with the patient base 31.

[0060] In one exemplary embodiment, the medical conduit 23b and the patient conduit 33b are fluid tubes for facilitating fluid communication between a medical fluid container (e.g., an intravenous bag) and a patient.

[0061] In a second exemplary embodiment, the medical conduit 23b and the patient conduit 33b are electrical / optical cables for facilitating signal communication between a medical device (e.g., a monitor) and a patient.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1C , the medical product domain 20c of the smart medical connector 10c includes the medical conduit 23a of FIG. 1, and the patient domain 30c of the smart medical connector 10c includes the patient conduit 33b of Figure 1B .

[0063] Referring to Figure 1D , the medical product domain 20d of the smart medical connector 10d includes the medical conduit 23b of Figure 1B , and the patient domain 30d of the smart medical connector 10d includes the patient conduit 33a of Figure 1A .

[0064] In practice, the selection of one of the smart medical connectors 10a-10d for a particular medical application can depend on user preference and the specific type of medical product used.

[0065] Referring back to Figures 1A-1D , in implementation, the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 includes one or more metal modules and one or more ferromagnets that are distributively abuttable (e.g., integrated, attached, mounted, coupled, etc.) between the medical base 21 and the patient base 31.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment as shown in Figure 2A , the metal module 22a is abuttable with the medical base 21, and the ferromagnet 32a is abuttable with the patient base 31, whereby the energization of the ferromagnet 33a establishes a magnetic attraction of the metal module 22a to the ferromagnet 32a for establishing and / or maintaining the alignment of the medical conduit passage 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient conduit passage 35 of the patient base 31, as further described in the present disclosure.

[0067] In such Figure 2B In the second exemplary embodiment shown, the ferromagnet 22b is adjacent to the medical base 21 and the metal module 32b is adjacent to the patient base 31, whereby the excitation of the ferromagnet 22b establishes a magnetic attraction of the metal module 32b to the ferromagnet 22b for establishing and / or maintaining the alignment of the medical catheter access 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient catheter access 35 of the patient base 31, which will be further described in this disclosure.

[0068] In such Figure 2C In the third exemplary embodiment shown, the metal module 22c and the ferromagnet 22d are adjacent to the medical base 21, and the ferromagnet 32c and the metal module 32d are adjacent to the patient base 31. Excitation of the ferromagnet 22d establishes a magnetic attraction between the metal module 32d and the ferromagnet 22d, and / or excitation of the ferromagnet 32c establishes a magnetic attraction between the metal module 22c and the ferromagnet 32c, for establishing and / or maintaining alignment of the medical catheter access 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient catheter access 35 of the patient base 31, as will be further described in this disclosure.

[0069] More specifically, this relates to the alignment of the medical catheter access 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient catheter access 35 of the patient base 31. Figure 3A An exemplary embodiment of the magnetic connection interfaces 22 / 23 is shown. The magnetic connection interfaces 22 / 23 are externally mounted to the medical base 21 and the patient base 31, respectively. Activation of the magnetic connection interfaces 22 / 23 aligns the medical catheter channel 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient catheter channel 35 of the patient base 31, thereby allowing fluid, electrical signals and / or optical signals to be transmitted between the catheters connected to the medical product and the patient via channels 25 and 35.

[0070] Figure 3B An exemplary embodiment of the magnetic connection interfaces 22 / 23 is shown, which are internally integrated within the medical base 21 and the patient base 31, respectively. Activation of the magnetic connection interfaces 22 / 23 aligns the medical catheter channel 25 of the medical base 21 with the patient catheter channel 35 of the patient base 31, thereby allowing fluid, electrical, and / or optical signals to be transmitted between the catheters connected to the medical product and the patient via channels 25 and 35.

[0071] exist Figure 3A In one exemplary embodiment of a fluid, Figure 4AA medical hub 21 is shown with a medical catheter segment 26a extending through a medical catheter channel 25 and a patient hub 31 with a patient catheter segment 36a extending through a patient catheter channel 35, whereby a distal end of the medical catheter segment 26a receives a distal end of the patient catheter segment 36a to establish alignment of the medical catheter channel 25 of the medical hub 21 and the patient catheter channel 35 of the patient hub 31 so that fluid can be transferred between tubes connected to a medical product and a patient via the channels 25 and 35.

[0072] For Figure 4A , the medical catheter segment 26a can represent a fluid tube from a medical fluid container, such as an intravenous bag, or a friction fitting or clamping coupler / adapter connected to a fluid tube of a medical fluid container.

[0073] For Figure 4A , the patient catheter segment 36a can represent a fluid tube from a patient, or a friction fitting or clamping coupler / adapter connected to a fluid tube of a patient.

[0074] Activation of the magnetic connection interface (not shown for clarity) maintains the alignment of the medical catheter channel 25 of the medical hub 21 and the patient catheter channel 35 of the patient hub 31, whereby fluid can be transferred between tubes connected to a medical product and a patient via the channels 25 and 35.

[0075] In Figure 3B one fluidic example embodiment, Figure 4B A medical hub 21 is shown with a medical catheter segment 26b flush with a medical catheter channel 25 and a patient hub 31 with a patient catheter segment 36b flush with a patient catheter channel 35, whereby a distal end of the medical catheter segment 26b and a distal end of the patient catheter segment 36b are coaxially in contact to establish alignment of the medical catheter channel 25 of the medical hub 21 and the patient catheter channel 35 of the patient hub 31 so that fluid can be transferred between tubes connected to a medical product and a patient via the channels 25 and 35. Seals 27 and 37 are provided to prevent any leakage of fluid from the medical catheter segment 26b and the patient catheter segment 36b.

[0076] For Figure 4B , the medical catheter segment 26b can represent a fluid tube from a medical fluid container, such as an intravenous bag, or a friction fitting or clamping coupler / adapter connected to a fluid tube of a medical fluid container.

[0077] For Figure 4B , the patient catheter segment 36b can represent a fluid tube from a patient, or a friction fitting or clamping coupler / adapter connected to a fluid tube of a patient.

[0078] Activation of the magnetic connection interface (not shown for clarity) maintains the alignment of the medical conduit channel 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient conduit channel 35 of the patient base 31, whereby fluid can be transferred between the tubes connected to the medical product and the patient via channels 25 and 35.

[0079] In Figure 3A one signal exemplary embodiment, Figure 5A the medical base 21 is shown with a medical conduit segment 28a extending through the medical conduit channel 25 and the patient base 31 is shown with a patient conduit segment 38a extending through the patient conduit channel 35, whereby the distal end of the medical conduit segment 28a receives the distal end of the patient conduit segment 38a to establish the alignment of the medical conduit channel 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient conduit channel 35 of the patient base 31, whereby the electrical / optical signal can be transmitted between the cables connected to the medical device and the patient via channels 25 and 35.

[0080] For Figure 5A , the medical conduit segment 28a can represent a cable connected to a piece of medical equipment, or a friction fitting or a clamping coupler / adapter connected to a cable of a piece of medical equipment.

[0081] For Figure 5A , the patient conduit segment 38a can represent a cable connected to a patient (e.g., ECG LED), or a friction fitting or a clamping coupler / adapter connected to a cable of a patient.

[0082] Activation of the magnetic connection interface (not shown for clarity) maintains the alignment of the medical conduit channel 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient conduit channel 35 of the patient base 31, whereby the electrical / optical signal is transmitted between the cables connected to the medical device and the patient via channels 25 and 35.

[0083] In Figure 3B one signal exemplary embodiment, Figure 5B the medical base 21 is shown with a medical conduit segment 28b extending through the medical conduit channel 25 and the patient base 31 is shown with a patient conduit segment 38b extending through the patient conduit channel 35, whereby the distal end of the medical conduit segment 28b receives the distal end of the patient conduit segment 37a to establish the alignment of the medical conduit channel 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient conduit channel 35 of the patient base 31, whereby the signal can be transferred between the cables connected to the medical device and the patient via channels 25 and 35. The seals 27 and 37 are provided to prevent any electrical / optical signal from leaking from the medical conduit segment 28b and the patient conduit segment 38b

[0084] For Figure 5BMedical catheter segment 28b may represent a cable connected to a medical device, or a friction fitting or clamping connector / adapter connected to a cable connected to a medical device.

[0085] for Figure 5B The patient catheter segment 38b may represent a cable connected to the patient (e.g., ECG LED), or a friction fitting or clamping connector / adapter connected to the cable connected to the patient.

[0086] Activation of the magnetic connection interface (not shown for clarity) maintains the alignment of the medical catheter channel 25 of the medical base 21 and the patient catheter channel 35 of the patient base 31, thereby allowing electrical / optical signals to be transmitted via channels 25 and 35 between the cables connected to the medical device and the patient.

[0087] refer to Figures 1A-1D In practice, the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 can have any arrangement of metal modules and ferromagnets, which provides a secure connection with the expected magnetic strength between the medical base 21 and the patient base 31.

[0088] In such Figure 6A In one exemplary embodiment of the magnetic connection interfaces 22 / 32 shown, an annular metal module 22e is externally mounted (or alternatively integrated) to a medical base 21, and an annular ferromagnetic body 32e, comprising a ferromagnetic material surrounded by a coil, is externally mounted (or alternatively integrated) to a patient base 31. The ferromagnetic body 32e can be excited by a current flowing through the coil to generate a magnetic attraction between the metal module 22e and the ferromagnetic body 32e. Conversely, the ferromagnetic body 32e can be de-excited without a current flowing through the coil to prevent any magnetic attraction between the metal module 22e and the ferromagnetic body 32e.

[0089] In a second exemplary embodiment of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 as shown in 6B, a prismatic metal module 22f is externally mounted (or alternatively integrated) onto a medical base 21, and a prismatic ferromagnetic body 32f, comprising up to four (4) coils of ferromagnetic material, is externally mounted (or alternatively integrated) onto a patient base 31. The ferromagnetic body 32f can be excited by a current flowing through the coils to generate a magnetic attraction between the metal module 22f and the ferromagnetic body 32f. Conversely, the ferromagnetic body 32f can be de-excited without a current flowing through the coils to prevent any magnetic attraction between the metal module 22f and the ferromagnetic body 32f.

[0090] In practice, if the ferromagnet 32f uses two or more coils, the current flowing through each coil can be controlled individually to change the magnetic strength of the connection between the medical base 21 and the patient base 31.

[0091] In a third exemplary embodiment of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 as shown in Figure 6C In implementation, the current flowing through each coil can be controlled individually to vary the magnetic strength of the connection between the medical base 21 and the patient base 31.

[0092] In implementation, the current flowing through each coil can be controlled individually to vary the magnetic strength of the connection between the medical base 21 and the patient base 31.

[0093] Referring back to Figures 1A-1D In implementation, the medical strain sensor 70 and the patient strain sensor 71 can include one or more strain gauges that are respectively in contact with the medical base 21 and the patient base 31, and / or that respectively encircle the medical catheter 23 and the patient catheter 33.

[0094] In a first exemplary embodiment of the medical strain sensor 70 as shown in Figure 7A In implementation, the medical strain sensor 70 and the patient strain sensor 71 can include one or more strain gauges that are respectively in contact with the medical base 21 and the patient base 31, and / or that respectively encircle the medical catheter 23 and the patient catheter 33.

[0095] In a first exemplary embodiment of the medical strain sensor 70 as shown in Figure 7B In implementation, the medical strain sensor 70 and the patient strain sensor 71 can include one or more strain gauges that are respectively in contact with the medical base 21 and the patient base 31, and / or that respectively encircle the medical catheter 23 and the patient catheter 33.

[0096] Figure 7C Exemplary embodiments of the medical strain sensor 70 and the patient strain sensor 71 are shown to include a medical strain gauge 70a of Figure 7A and a patient strain gauge 71a of Figure 7B .

[0097] Referring back to Figure 1A and Figure 1DIn implementation, the ferromagnetic controller 50 and the power supply 60 are operated to control the excitation of magnetic connection interfaces 22 and 32 to activate the magnetic connection of magnetic connection interfaces 22 and 32, and to control the de-excitation of magnetic connection interfaces 22 and 32 to deactivate the magnetic connection of magnetic connection interfaces 22 and 32. For this purpose, the ferromagnetic controller 50 and the power supply 60 can be collectively adjacent to the medical base 21 or the patient base 31, or they can be distributedly adjacent between the medical base 21 and the patient base 31.

[0098] In such Figure 8A In one exemplary embodiment of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and power supply 60 shown, the ferromagnetic controller 50a and power supply 60a are internally integrated within the medical base 21a. The power supply 60a is electrically connected to the ferromagnetic controller 50a via a switch 61 (implemented in hardware and / or software), and the ferromagnetic controller 50a is electrically connected to the ferromagnetic 22b (…). Figure 2B The two ends of the coil are connected. The opening and closing of switch 61 are controlled by manual activation / deactivation button 29a or ferromagnetic controller 50a to control the excitation and de-excitation of ferromagnetic body 22b, which will be further described in this disclosure.

[0099] In such Figure 8B In the second exemplary embodiment of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and power supply 60 shown, the ferromagnetic controller 50a and power supply 60a are internally integrated within the patient base 31a. The power supply 60a is electrically connected to the ferromagnetic controller 50a via a switch 61, and the ferromagnetic controller 50a is connected to the ferromagnetic 32a (…). Figure 2A The two ends of the coil are electrically connected. The opening and closing of switch 61 is controlled by manual activation / deactivation button 39a or ferromagnetic controller 50a to control the excitation and de-excitation of ferromagnetic material 32a, which will be further described in this disclosure.

[0100] In such Figure 8C In the third exemplary embodiment of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and power supply 60 shown, the ferromagnetic controller 50b and power supply 60b are internally integrated within the medical base 21b. The power supply 60b is electrically connected to the ferromagnetic controller 50b via switch 62 (implemented in hardware and / or software), and is electrically connected to the ferromagnetic 22b via switch 63 (implemented in hardware and / or software). Figure 2B One end of the coil of ferromagnet 22b is connected to the other end of the coil of ferromagnet 22b. To control the excitation and de-excitation of ferromagnet 22b, the opening and closing of switch 62 is controlled by manual activation / deactivation button 29b or ferromagnet controller 50b, and the opening and closing of switch 63 is controlled by ferromagnet controller 50b, as will be further described in this disclosure.

[0101] In such Figure 8DIn the fourth exemplary embodiment shown, the ferromagnetic controller 50b and power supply 60b are internally integrated within the patient base 31a. The power supply 60b is electrically connected to the ferromagnetic controller 50b via switch 62 and to the ferromagnetic body 32a via switch 63. Figure 2A One end of the coil of ferromagnet 32a is connected to the other end of the coil of ferromagnet 32a. To control the excitation and de-excitation of ferromagnet 32a, the opening and closing of switch 62 is controlled by manual activation / deactivation button 39b or ferromagnet controller 50b, and the opening and closing of switch 63 is controlled by ferromagnet controller 50b, as will be further described in this disclosure.

[0102] In such Figure 9A In the fifth exemplary embodiment shown, the ferromagnetic controller 50c and power supply 60c are externally mounted to the medical base 21c, and the power supply 60c is externally mounted to the patient base 31c, wherein the ferromagnetic controller 50c is electrically connected to the power supply 60c. The ferromagnetic controller 50c is further electrically connected to the ferromagnetic 22b ( Figure 2B The two ends of the coil (not shown). The ferromagnetic controller 50c includes a switch 51 (hardware and / or software implementation), and the power supply 60c includes a switch 64 (hardware and / or software implementation) and a manual activation / deactivation button 65 to control the excitation and de-excitation of the ferromagnet 22b, which will be further described in this disclosure.

[0103] In such Figure 9B In the sixth exemplary embodiment of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and power supply 60 shown, the ferromagnetic controller 50c is externally mounted to the patient base 31c, and the power supply 60c is externally mounted to the medical base 21c, wherein the ferromagnetic controller 50c is electrically connected to the power supply 60c. The ferromagnetic controller 50c is further electrically connected to the ferromagnetic 32a ( Figure 2A The two ends of the coil (not shown). The ferromagnetic controller 50c includes a switch 51 (implemented in hardware and / or software), and the power supply 60c includes a switch 64 (implemented in hardware and / or software) and a manual activation / deactivation button 65 to control the excitation and de-excitation of the ferromagnet 32a, which will be further described in this disclosure.

[0104] Come back for reference Figure 1A and Figure 1D In practice, the power supply 60 may be any type of power supply as known in the art of this disclosure and contemplated below, and the ferromagnetic controller 50 includes circuitry, hardware, firmware, and / or software to implement the smart medical connectivity method of this disclosure, which will be further described in this disclosure.

[0105] In such Figure 10AIn one example embodiment shown, ferromagnetic controller 50d includes ferromagnetic actuator 52a that is electrically connected to ferromagnetic driver 53a through switch 51a (implemented in hardware and / or software), and power supply 60d is electrically connected to ferromagnetic actuator 52a through switch 62a (implemented in hardware and / or software). Additionally, medical strain sensor 70 and / or patient strain sensor 71 are in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with ferromagnetic actuator 52a, and optional network interface 80 can also be in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with ferromagnetic actuator 52a.

[0106] Ferromagnetic actuator 52a employs one or more processors 54a and non-transitory memory 55a to implement the intelligent medical connectivity methods of the present disclosure for controlling the opening and closing of switch 51a and / or switch 62a based on signals / information from medical strain sensor 70, patient strain sensor 71, and / or network interface 80, as will be further described in the present disclosure.

[0107] In implementation, processor 54a can be any hardware device capable of executing instructions stored in non-transitory memory 55a or otherwise processing data as known in the art of the present disclosure or as hereinafter contemplated. In non-limiting examples, processor 54a can include a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other similar device.

[0108] Non-transitory memory 55a can include various memories as known in the art of the present disclosure or as hereinafter contemplated, including but not limited to LI, L2, or L3 cache or system memory. In non-limiting examples, non-transitory memory 55a can include static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), flash memory, read only memory (ROM), or other similar memory device.

[0109] When both switches 51a and 62a are closed, ferromagnetic driver 53a employs electronic circuit 56a, or alternatively processor and non-transitory memory, to control the current flowing through the ferromagnetic body (e.g., ferromagnetic body 22b shown).

[0110] In the example embodiment shown, ferromagnetic controller 50d includes ferromagnetic actuator 52a that is electrically connected to ferromagnetic driver 53a through switch 51a (implemented in hardware and / or software), and power supply 60d is electrically connected to ferromagnetic actuator 52a through switch 62a (implemented in hardware and / or software). Additionally, medical strain sensor 70 and / or patient strain sensor 71 are in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with ferromagnetic actuator 52a, and optional network interface 80 can also be in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with ferromagnetic actuator 52a. Figure 10BIn the second example embodiment shown, the ferromagnetic controller 50e includes a ferromagnetic actuator 52b for actuating the ferromagnetic driver 53b through a switch 51b (hardware and / or software implementation), and the power source 60d can be electrically connected to the ferromagnetic actuator 52a through a switch 62a (hardware and / or software implementation) and to the ferromagnetic driver 53b through the switch 51b. Additionally, the medical strain sensor 70 and / or the patient strain sensor 71 are in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with the ferromagnetic actuator 52b, and the optional network interface 80 can also be in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with the ferromagnetic actuator 52b.

[0111] The ferromagnetic actuator 52b employs one or more processors 54b and non-transitory memory 55b to implement the intelligent medical connection method of the present disclosure for controlling the opening and closing of the switch 51b and / or the switch 62a based on signals / information from the medical strain sensor 70, the patient strain sensor 71, and / or the network interface 80, which will be further described in the present disclosure.

[0112] In implementation, the processor 54b can be any hardware device as known in the art of the present disclosure or as hereinafter contemplated capable of executing instructions stored in the non-transitory memory 55b or otherwise processing data. In non-limiting examples, the processor 54b can include a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other similar device.

[0113] The non-transitory memory 55b can include various memories as known in the art of the present disclosure or as hereinafter contemplated, including but not limited to an LI, L2, or L3 cache or system memory. In non-limiting examples, the non-transitory memory 55b can include a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), or other similar memory device.

[0114] When both the switches 51b and 62a are closed, the ferromagnetic driver 53b employs an electronic circuit 56b, or alternatively a processor and non-transitory memory, to control the current flowing through the ferromagnetic body (e.g., the ferromagnetic body 22b shown).

[0115] To further facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure, the following description of Figure 11A and Figure 11B teaches example embodiments of the intelligent medical method according to the present disclosure. From Figure 11A and Figure 11B the description of those embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art of the present disclosure will understand how to apply the present disclosure to devise and use additional embodiments of the intelligent medical method according to the present disclosure.

[0116] Figure 11AA flowchart 90 illustrating one exemplary embodiment of an intelligent medical connection method in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The flowchart 90 will be described in the context of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and the power source 60 of Figures 1A-1D However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the applicability of the flowchart 90 to other exemplary embodiments of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and the power source 60 as well as additional embodiments of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and the power source 60 in accordance with the present disclosure. Figures 8A-10B However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the applicability of the flowchart 90 to other exemplary embodiments of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and the power source 60 as well as additional embodiments of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and the power source 60 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0117] Referring to Figure 11A Stage S92 of the flowchart 90 includes the button of the power source 60 being activated to electrically connect the power source 60 to the ferromagnetic controller 50 or deactivated to electrically disconnect the power source 60 from the ferromagnetic controller 50.

[0118] If the button of the power source 60 is activated to electrically connect the power source 60 to the ferromagnetic controller 50, then stage S94 of the flowchart 90 includes the ferromagnetic controller 50 determining whether:

[0119] (1) the medical strain sensor 70 (if employed) and / or the patient strain sensor 71 (if employed) is sensing a level of strain applied to the medical base 21 and / or the patient base 31 that is designated as being non-harmful to the patient and / or the medical product (i.e., a connection strain that is less than the magnetic connection threshold); or

[0120] (2) the medical strain sensor 70 (if employed) and / or the patient strain sensor 71 (if employed) is sensing a level of strain applied to the medical base 21 and / or the patient base 31 that is designated as being potentially harmful to the patient and / or the medical product (i.e., a disconnection strain that exceeds the magnetic connection threshold).

[0121] If the ferromagnetic controller 50 determines a connection strain during stage S94, then the ferromagnetic controller 50 proceeds to stage S96 of the flowchart 90 to control excitation of the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 and then returns to stage S92.

[0122] In implementing stage S96, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can be configured to fully excite the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 (i.e., the extent of current flow through the ferromagnetic is set to establish the designated magnetic connection level of the interface 22 / 32), whereby the ferromagnetic controller 50 can provide a connection notification to the connected network system and / or workstation via the network interface 80.

[0123] Alternatively, in the implementation of stage S96, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can be configured to adapt the excitation of the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 to the strain level applied to the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 (i.e., the extent of the current flowing through the ferromagnetic is such as to establish a minimum magnetic connection level of the interface 22 / 32 to counteract the strain level), whereby the ferromagnetic controller 50 can also provide a warning connection notification to the connected network system and / or workstation via the network interface 80 when the strain level approaches the threshold value.

[0124] If the ferromagnetic controller 50 determines a disconnection strain during stage S94, the ferromagnetic controller 50 proceeds to stage S98 of flowchart 90 to control the de-excitation of the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 and then returns to stage S92.

[0125] In the implementation of stage S98, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can be configured to fully de-excite the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 (i.e., zero current flows through the ferromagnetic to disable the magnetic connection of the interface 22 / 32), whereby the ferromagnetic controller 50 can provide a disconnection notification to the connected network system and / or workstation via the network interface 80.

[0126] Alternatively, in the implementation of stage S98, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can be configured to adapt the de-excitation of the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 to the strain level applied to the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 (i.e., the extent of the current flowing through the ferromagnetic is such as to establish a minimum magnetic connection level of the interface 22 / 32 to counteract the strain level), whereby the ferromagnetic controller 50 can also provide a warning disconnection notification to the connected network system and / or workstation via the network interface 80 when the strain level substantially exceeds the threshold value.

[0127] In the implementation of flowchart 90, the threshold value can be set during the manufacture of the smart medical controller of the present disclosure or can be adjusted by the clinical staff in the field.

[0128] Also, in the implementation of flowchart 90, the strain level of stage S94 can be equivalent to an instantaneous strain level to provide an immediate response to a disconnection strain, or alternatively, the strain level of stage S94 can be an average / trending strain level to negate an immediate response to a disconnection strain (e.g., a patient rolling over in bed).

[0129] Figure 11B A flowchart 110 representative of a second exemplary embodiment of the smart medical connection method of the present disclosure is shown. Flowchart 110 will also be described in the context of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and power supply 60 of Figures 1A-1D However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that flowchart 110 is applicable to the ferromagnetic controller 50 and power supply 60 of Figures 8A-10Bexemplary embodiments of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and power source 60 and the applicability of additional embodiments of the ferromagnetic controller 50 and power source 60 according to the present disclosure.

[0130] Referring to Figure 11B Stage S112 of the flowchart 110 includes the button of the power source 60 being activated to electrically connect the power source 60 to the ferromagnetic controller 50 or deactivated to electrically disconnect the power source 60 from the ferromagnetic controller 50.

[0131] If the button of the power source 60 is activated to electrically connect the power source 60 to the ferromagnetic controller 50, stage S114 of the flowchart 100 includes the ferromagnetic controller 50 determining whether a most-priority event has been communicated to the ferromagnetic controller 50 from a clinical staff member, a medical product, or a physiological sensor through the network interface 80. In implementation, a most-priority event is any situation related to the patient and / or medical product that is deemed potentially harmful to the patient and / or medical product and requires the smart medical connector to be disconnected or is deemed not harmful to the patient and medical product but requires the threshold or magnetic connection level of the connection between the patient and medical product to be adjusted other than a strain on the smart medical connector.

[0132] For example, when a patient’s cardiac arrest is detected by a monitoring device or clinical staff member, unnecessary medical equipment can be automatically disconnected in an emergency situation.

[0133] For another example, EHR information or monitoring device information can be used to adjust the threshold or magnetic connection level of the connection between the patient and medical product.

[0134] If the ferromagnetic controller 50 determines that a most-priority event has been communicated to the ferromagnetic controller 50 during stage S114, the ferromagnetic controller 50 will proceed to stage S116 of the flowchart 110 if the most-priority event requires the threshold or magnetic connection of the connection between the patient and medical product to be adjusted or stage S120 of the flowchart 110 if the most-priority event requires the smart medical connector to be disconnected,

[0135] Otherwise, if the ferromagnetic controller 50 determines that a most-priority event has not been communicated to the ferromagnetic controller 50 during stage S114, the ferromagnetic controller proceeds to stage S116 of the flowchart 110 without any adjustment to the threshold or magnetic connection of the connection between the patient and medical product.

[0136] Stage S116 includes the ferromagnetic controller 50 determining whether:

[0137] (1) the medical strain sensor 70 (if employed) and / or the patient strain sensor 71 (if employed) is sensing a strain level applied to the medical base 21 and / or the patient base 31 that is designated as harmless to the patient and / or medical product (i.e., a connection strain that is less than the magnetic connection threshold); or

[0138] (2) the medical strain sensor 70 (if employed) and / or the patient strain sensor 71 (if employed) is sensing a strain level applied to the medical base 21 and / or the patient base 31 that is designated as potentially harmful to the patient and / or medical product (i.e., a disconnection strain that exceeds the magnetic connection threshold).

[0139] If the ferromagnetic controller 50 determines a connection strain during stage SI 16, the ferromagnetic controller 50 proceeds to stage SI 18 of flowchart 110 to control energization of the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32, and then returns to stage SI 12.

[0140] In implementation of stage SI 18, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can be configured to fully energize the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 (i.e., the extent of current flow through the ferromagnetic is set to establish the designated magnetic connection level of the interface 22 / 32), whereby the ferromagnetic controller 50 can provide a connection notification to the connected network system and / or workstation via the network interface 80.

[0141] Alternatively, in implementation of stage SI 18, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can be configured to adapt the energization of the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 to the strain level applied to the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 (i.e., the extent of current flow through the ferromagnetic is to establish a minimum magnetic connection level of the interface 22 / 32 to offset the strain level), whereby the ferromagnetic controller 50 can also provide a warning connection notification to the connected network system and / or workstation via the network interface 80 as the strain level approaches the threshold.

[0142] If the ferromagnetic controller 50 determines a disconnection strain during stage SI 16, the ferromagnetic controller 50 proceeds to stage S120 of flowchart 110 to control de-energization of the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32, and then returns to stage SI 12.

[0143] In implementation of stage S120, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can be configured to fully de-energize the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 (i.e., zero current flow through the ferromagnetic to disable the magnetic connection of the interface 22 / 32), whereby the ferromagnetic controller 50 can provide a disconnection notification to the connected network system and / or workstation via the network interface 80.

[0144] Alternatively, in the implementation of stage S120, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can be configured to de-energize the ferromagnetic of the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 to accommodate a strain level applied to the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 (i.e., the extent of the current flowing through the ferromagnetic is to establish a minimum magnetic connection level of the interface 22 / 32 to offset the strain level), whereby when the strain level substantially exceeds the threshold, the ferromagnetic controller 50 can also provide a warning disconnect notification to the connected network system and / or workstation via the network interface 80.

[0145] In the implementation of the flowchart 110, the threshold can be set during the manufacture of the smart medical controller of the present disclosure or can be adjusted by the clinical staff in the field.

[0146] Also, in the implementation of the flowchart 110, the strain level of stage S116 can be equivalent to an instantaneous strain level to provide an immediate response to a disconnect strain, or alternatively, the strain level of stage S116 can be an average / trending strain level to negate an immediate response to a disconnect strain.

[0147] To further facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure, the following description of Figure 12A and 12B illustrates an exemplary smart medical connection according to the present disclosure. From the description of Figure 12A and 12B it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of the present disclosure additional smart medical connections according to the present disclosure.

[0148] With reference to Figure 12A the smart medical connector of the present disclosure is configured to deliver an intravenous bag 130 to a patient 131 via the tubes 23t and 33t. More specifically, the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 are aligned, whereby if powered via the button 65, the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 will be energized by the ferromagnetic actuator 52b, the ferromagnetic driver 53b, and the power source 60d to establish and maintain fluid communication of the tubes 23t and 33t via the catheter passageways of the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 until (1) the smart medical connector is powered off via the button 65, (2) the patient strain sensor 71a is sensing a disconnect strain applied to the medical base 21 and the patient base 31, and / or (3) the sensor 132 or the clinical staff senses an emergency of the patient 131.

[0149] In the implementation, the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 can include a magnetically activated shutter to uncover the catheter passageways of the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 when the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 is partially or fully energized, and to cover the catheter passageways of the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 when the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 is substantially or fully de-energized.

[0150] With reference toFigure 12B The smart medical connector of the present disclosure is configured to connect an ECG monitor to the patient 131 via the cables 23ec and 33ec. More specifically, the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 are aligned whereby if powered via the button 65, the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 will be energized via the ferromagnetic actuator 52b, the ferromagnetic driver 53b, and the power source 60d to establish and maintain electrical signal communication between the cables 23ec and 33ec via the conduit channels of the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 until (1) the smart medical connector is de-powered via the button 65, (2) the patient strain sensor 71a is sensing a disconnecting strain being applied to the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 and / or (3) the sensor 132 or the clinical staff senses an emergency with the patient 131.

[0151] In implementation, the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 can include a magnetic activation bar to separate the conduit channels of the medical base 21 and the patient base 31 when the magnetic connection interface 22 / 32 is significantly or completely de-energized.

[0152] Reference is made to Figures 1A-12B Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate the many benefits of the present disclosure, including but not limited to the fact that the smart medical connection of the present disclosure involves the sensing of potentially harmful strain on the connection between the patient and the medical product, and further involves the automatic disconnection of the patient from the medical product due to the sensed potentially harmful strain, thereby preventing (hopefully preventing) any harm to the patient.

[0153] Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the teachings presented herein, will appreciate that the structures, elements, components, etc. described in the present disclosure / specification and / or illustrated in the drawings can be implemented in a variety of combinations of hardware and software and provide functionality which can be combined in a single element or among multiple elements. For example, the functionality of various structures, elements, components, etc. shown / illustrated / diagrammed in the figures can be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software being used to program and / or control the function of the dedicated hardware. When provided by a processor, the functions can be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which can be shared and / or multiplexed. Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and can implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor ("DSP") hardware, memory (e.g., read-only memory ("ROM"), random access memory ("RAM"), non-volatile memory, etc.) for storing software, and virtually any means and / or machine (including hardware, software, firmware, combinations thereof, and the like) capable of (and / or configurable to) executing and / or controlling the processes described herein.

[0154] Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the application, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future (e.g., any elements developed that perform the same or similar function, regardless of structure). Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any flow diagram, flow chart, and the like represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the application. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow diagrams, flow charts, and the like represent various processes which can be substantially represented in computer readable storage media and so executed by a computer, processor, or other device having processing capabilities, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

[0155] Having described various and preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it should be noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the teachings provided herein (including the drawings) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that changes can be made in the form, practice and details (including the arrangement of components) of the preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0156] Moreover, it is contemplated that a corresponding and / or related system including and / or implementing the device / system or that may, for example, be used / implemented with the device / system according to the present disclosure is also contemplated and considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, a corresponding and / or related method for manufacturing and / or using the device / system according to the present disclosure is also contemplated and considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A smart medical connector (10), comprising: Medical base with medical catheter access (21); Patient base with patient catheter access (31); Magnetic connection interfaces (22, 32) include at least one metal module and at least one ferromagnetic material distributed adjacent to the medical base (21) and the patient base (31). In response to the excitation of the at least one ferromagnetic body, the magnetic connection interfaces (22, 32) are configured to activate a magnetic connection between the at least one metal module and the at least one ferromagnetic body for connecting the medical catheter access and the patient catheter access via the interface. Wherein, in response to the de-excitation of the at least one ferromagnetic body, the magnetic connection interfaces (22, 32) are configured to disable the magnetic connection between the at least one metal module and the at least one ferromagnetic body for connecting the medical catheter access and the patient catheter access via the interface; and A magnetic connection manager comprising a power supply (60) collectively adjacent to one of the medical base (21) or the patient base (31) or distributedly adjacent to the medical base (21) and the patient base (31), a ferromagnetic controller (50), and at least one strain sensor (70, 71). The magnetic connection manager is configured to controllably excite the at least one ferromagnetic body in response to sensing of connection strain on at least one of the medical base (21) and the patient base (31) by the at least one strain sensor (70, 71), and The magnetic connection manager is configured to controllably de-excite the at least one ferromagnet in response to the sensing of disconnection strain on at least one of the medical base (21) and the patient base (31) by the at least one strain sensor (70, 71).

2. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The medical base (21) includes a medical catheter, which is in at least one of fluid communication and electrical communication with the medical catheter channel.

3. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The medical catheter access is configured to establish at least one of fluid communication and electrical communication with the medical catheter.

4. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The patient base (31) includes a patient catheter, which is in at least one of fluid communication and electrical communication with the patient catheter channel.

5. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The patient catheter access is configured to establish at least one of fluid communication and electrical communication with the patient catheter.

6. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, in, The at least one metal module is adjacent to the medical base (21); and The at least one ferromagnet is adjacent to the patient base (31).

7. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The magnetic connection interfaces (22, 32) also include at least one of the following: At least one additional metal module adjacent to the patient base (31); and At least one additional ferromagnetic material adjacent to the medical base (21).

8. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, in, The at least one metal module is adjacent to the patient base (31); and The at least one ferromagnet is adjacent to the medical base (21).

9. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 8, wherein, The magnetic connection interfaces (22, 32) also include at least one of the following: At least one additional metal module adjacent to the medical base (21); and At least one additional ferromagnetic body adjacent to the patient base (31).

10. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, in, The power source (60) is adjacent to the medical base (21); and The ferromagnetic controller (50) is adjacent to the patient base (31).

11. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, in, The power source (60) is adjacent to the patient base (31); and The ferromagnetic controller (50) is adjacent to the medical base (21).

12. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, in, The intelligent medical connector also includes a ferromagnetic driver and a ferromagnetic actuator; The ferromagnetic actuator is switchably connected to the power supply (60); Wherein, the ferromagnetic actuator is connected to the at least one ferromagnetic object; and The ferromagnetic actuator is configured to controllably connect the power supply (60) to the at least one ferromagnetic body to excite the at least one ferromagnetic body.

13. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 12, wherein, At least one of the following: The power supply (60) is configured to controllably connect to the ferromagnetic driver to power the ferromagnetic driver; and The ferromagnetic driver is configured to controllably connect the power supply (60) to the ferromagnetic driver to de-energize the ferromagnetic driver.

14. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The intelligent medical connector also includes a ferromagnetic actuator; The power supply (60) is switchably connected to the at least one ferromagnetic body; and The ferromagnetic actuator is configured to controllably connect the power supply (60) to the at least one ferromagnetic body to excite the at least one ferromagnetic body.

15. The intelligent medical connector (10) according to claim 14, wherein, The intelligent medical connector also includes a ferromagnetic actuator; The ferromagnetic actuator is switchably connected to the power supply (60); and Among them, at least one of the following: The power supply (60) is configured to controllably connect to the ferromagnetic driver to power the ferromagnetic driver; and The ferromagnetic driver is configured to controllably connect the power supply (60) to the ferromagnetic driver to de-energize the ferromagnetic driver.

16. A smart medical connection method for a smart medical connector (10), the smart medical connector (10) comprising a medical base (21) having a medical catheter channel, a patient base (31) having a patient catheter channel, and magnetic connection interfaces (22, 32), the magnetic connection interfaces (22, 32) comprising at least one metal module and at least one ferromagnetic material distributed adjacent to the medical base (21) and the patient base (31), the smart medical connection method comprising: In response to the energization of the smart medical connector (10) and further in response to sensing the connection strain on at least one of the medical base (21) and the patient base (31), the at least one ferromagnetic body is excited. In response to the excitation of the at least one ferromagnetic body, the magnetic connection interface (22, 32) activates the magnetic connection between the at least one metal module and the at least one ferromagnetic body for connecting the medical catheter access and the patient catheter access via the interface. In response to at least one of a power outage of the smart medical connector (10) and the sensing of at least one disconnection strain on the medical base (21) and the patient base (31), the at least one ferromagnetic material is de-excited. In response to the de-excitation of the at least one ferromagnetic body, the magnetic connection interfaces (22, 32) deactivate the magnetic connection between the at least one metal module and the at least one ferromagnetic body for connecting the medical catheter access and the patient catheter access via the interface.

17. The intelligent medical connection method according to claim 16, wherein, The intelligent medical connectivity method further includes: Send a notification that the magnetic connection between the medical base (21) and the patient base (31), including the magnetic connection interface (22, 32) located between the medical catheter channel and the patient catheter channel, is deactivated.

18. The intelligent medical connection method according to claim 16, wherein, The intelligent medical connectivity method further includes: Adjust the threshold between the connection strain and the disconnection strain.

19. The intelligent medical connection method according to claim 16, wherein, The intelligent medical connectivity method further includes: De-excitement of the at least one ferromagnetic object is performed in response to a highest priority event, which is any situation other than strain on the smart medical connector that is considered potentially harmful to the patient and / or the medical product and requires disconnection of the smart medical connector, or is considered harmless to the patient and the medical product but requires adjustment of a threshold or magnetic connection level between the patient and the medical product, wherein the patient is connected to the medical product via the smart medical connector.

20. The intelligent medical connection method according to claim 16, wherein, The intelligent medical connectivity method further includes: The excitation level of the at least one ferromagnet is adjusted to adjust the strength of the magnetic connection between the at least one metal module and the at least one ferromagnet, which is used to achieve an interface connection between the medical catheter access and the patient catheter access.

Images