Medical Ferrule Cleaning Device

Abstract

The optical connector cleaning device (100) is configured to mate with an optical connector of a medical device and perform optical cleaning and disinfection of the optical connector (50). The cleaning device (100) includes a holding portion (104) and a cleaning portion (110) extending away from the holding portion (104), the cleaning portion (110) being capable of extending through a sterile barrier. A cleaning ribbon and a disinfecting ribbon having a disinfectant absorbed therein extend across the tip (112) of the cleaning portion (100) such that the cleaning ribbon and the disinfecting ribbon are sandwiched between the tip (112) and the optical connector (50). An optical evaluation system (150) of the device evaluates the optical transmission of the optical connector (50). The cleaning ribbon and the disinfecting ribbon can be slidably displaced across the tip (112) of the cleaning portion by manipulating the actuators (125A, 135A). Replaceable cartridges (124, 134) store unused and used portions of the cleaning ribbon and the disinfecting ribbon.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Fiber optic systems are increasingly being added to medical equipment used in non-invasive and invasive medical procedures. Because the components of the fiber optic system are fragile, cleaning and decontaminating the entire medical equipment before use can be difficult and time consuming. Proper cleaning of the fiber optic system is necessary to maintain proper fiber optic connections and extend the life of the fiber optic system. Decontamination of the medical equipment is necessary to reduce contamination and extend the life of the medical equipment. It would be beneficial for users to have a cleaning device configured to timely clean the fiber optic system and decontaminate the medical equipment.

[0002] Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods that address the aforementioned challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Disclosed herein, according to some embodiments, is an optical connector cleaning device including a device body having a retaining portion and a cleaning portion extending away from the retaining portion. The cleaning portion is configured to mate with an optical connector of a medical device. The device further includes an optical cleaning system configured to clean an optical fiber end face of the optical connector. The optical cleaning system includes a cleaning element disposed on a tip of the cleaning portion, such that when the cleaning portion is mated with the optical connector, the cleaning element is disposed between the tip and the optical fiber end face.

[0004] In some embodiments, the cleaning element includes a ribbon, and cleaning the optical fiber end face includes slidingly displacing the cleaning element across the optical fiber end face. In some embodiments, the cleaning element extends along the cleaning portion between the retainer and the tip. In some embodiments, during use, an unused portion of the cleaning element is displaced along the cleaning portion from the retainer to the tip and a used portion of the cleaning element is displaced along the cleaning portion from the tip to the retainer. In some embodiments, the optical cleaning system includes a feed mechanism coupled to a feed actuator, and operating the feed actuator causes the cleaning element to be slidingly displaced across the optical fiber end face.

[0005] In some embodiments, the device is configured for use across a sterile barrier, such that during use, the cleaning portion is located within a sterile environment and the holding portion is located outside the sterile environment.

[0006] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a replaceable cleaning cartridge coupled to the retaining portion, wherein during use, a majority of the unused portion of the cleaning element and a majority of the used portion of the cleaning element are stored in the replaceable cleaning cartridge.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cleaning portion includes a latch member configured to secure the device to the optical connector such that the optical connector is maintained in a clean condition when the optical connector is not in use.

[0008] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a disinfection system configured to disinfect the optical connector, the disinfection system including a disinfection element disposed on a tip of the cleaning portion, the disinfection element being disposed between the tip and the optical connector when the cleaning portion is coupled to the optical connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sanitizing element includes a ribbon and sanitizing the optical connector includes slidingly displacing the sanitizing element between the tip and the optical connector, hi some embodiments, the sanitizing element extends along the cleaning portion between the retaining portion and the tip.

[0010] In some embodiments, during use, an unused portion of the disinfecting element is displaced along the cleaning portion from the holding portion to the tip, and a used portion of the disinfecting element is displaced along the cleaning portion from the tip to the holding portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sterilization system includes a sterilization mechanism coupled to a sterilization actuator, whereby a sterilization element is slidably displaced between the tip and the optical connector by operating the sterilization actuator.

[0012] In some embodiments, the device further includes a replaceable disinfection cartridge coupled to the retaining portion. During use, a majority of the unused portion of the disinfection element and a majority of the used portion of the disinfection element are stored in the replaceable cleaning cartridge.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cleaning element and the sanitizing element are separate components. In some embodiments, the sanitizing element includes a sanitizing agent absorbed therein, and by sliding the sanitizing element between the tip and the optical connector, the sanitizing element applies the sanitizing agent to the optical connector to sanitize the optical connector.

[0014] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an optical evaluation system configured to evaluate the light transmission capability through the optical connector. In some embodiments, the light transmission includes reflected light emitted from the fiber optic Bragg grating. In some embodiments, the optical evaluation system is configured to evaluate the light transmission capability when the cleaning portion is coupled with the optical connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the device further includes a cap configured to be placed on the tip when the device is not in use. In some embodiments, the device further includes an adapter cap configured to be attached to the cleaning portion, the adapter configured to allow coupling of the optical connector cleaning device to the optical connector.

[0016] Also disclosed herein, according to some embodiments, is a method for cleaning an optical connector of a medical device, comprising: (i) coupling a cleaning device to the optical connector; (ii) slidingly displacing a cleaning ribbon of the cleaning device between the cleaning device and a surface of an optical fiber end face of the optical connector; and transferring a disinfectant from the cleaning device to the optical connector.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method, transferring the sanitizing agent includes slidingly displacing a sanitizing ribbon of the cleaning device between the cleaning device and the optical connector. In some embodiments, the method further includes (i) inserting a cleaning portion of the cleaning device through a sterile barrier into the sterile environment; and (ii) maintaining a holding portion of the cleaning device outside the sterile environment.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes evaluating the light transmission capability through the optical connector when the cleaning device is coupled to the optical connector. In some embodiments of the method, the light transmission includes reflected light emanating from the fiber optic Bragg grating.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further includes (i) securing a cleaning device to the optical connector; and (ii) storing the medical device with the cleaning device secured to the optical connector.

[0020] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which describe in more detail certain embodiments of such concepts.

[0021] A more particular description of the present disclosure will be provided by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an optical connector cleaning device according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a detailed view of a tip portion of the cleaning device of FIG. 1A including a cleaning system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a detailed view of a tip portion of the cleaning device of FIG. 1A including a disinfection system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] 1B illustrates a cap for placement on the tip of the cleaning device of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 1B illustrates an adapter for coupling a cleaning device to the optical connector of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 3] 1B shows a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus and fiber optic system of FIG. 1A illustrating an exemplary method of cleaning an optical connector of the fiber optic system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for cleaning an optical connector, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein can have features that are easily separable from the specific embodiment and that can be combined or substituted in any way with the features of any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0024] With regard to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are intended to describe certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a group of features or steps and do not provide sequential or numerical limitations. For example, the "first", "second", and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Designations such as "left", "right", "up", "down", "front", "rear", etc. are used for convenience and do not imply, for example, a specific fixed position, orientation, or direction. Instead, such designations are used to reflect, for example, a relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] The phrases "connected to," "coupled to," and "in communication with" refer to any form of interaction between two or more elements, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be connected to one another even if they are not in direct contact with one another. For example, two elements may be coupled to one another through an intermediary element.

[0026] Any method disclosed herein comprises one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The steps and / or actions of the method may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of an embodiment, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an optical connector cleaning device for cleaning optical connectors (e.g., fiber optic ferrules) of medical devices in a medical setting, according to some embodiments. The optical connector cleaning device (device) 100 is generally configured to replenish optical connectors, including fiber optic ferrules, of medical devices after, during, and / or before use. In some cases, the end faces of optical fibers disposed within the optical connectors may become contaminated, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable for use. Device 100 is configured to repair or restore the end faces of the optical fibers to allow for continued use of the medical device.

[0028] In some cases, the optical connector may be placed in a sterile environment during use. Thus, microbial contamination of the optical connector may also render the optical connector, and thus the entire medical device, unsuitable for use in such cases. Thus, sterilization of the optical connector may be necessary or beneficial to reduce the risk of infection to the patient. According to some embodiments, the device 100 may also be configured to sterilize the optical connector.

[0029] The device 100 includes a device body 102 having a holding portion 104 configured for handling and manipulation by a user, and a cleaning portion 110 extending away from the holding portion 104. The cleaning portion 110 is configured to mate with and operably engage the optical connector 50. The holding portion 104 may include a base 106 that is specifically configured for ergonomic handling by a user. In some embodiments, the device body 102 may include a tapered portion 103 disposed between the holding portion 104 and the cleaning portion 110.

[0030] In some embodiments, the holder 104 may be configured for use outside a sterile environment, and the cleaning portion 110 may be configured for use within a sterile environment. Thus, in some embodiments, the device body 102 may be segmented to distinguish the cleaning portion 110 from the holder 104. In some cases, the sterile environment may be separated from the non-sterile environment by a sterile barrier, such as a drape. Thus, in some embodiments, the device 100 may be configured such that the cleaning portion 110 is inserted from the non-sterile environment across / through the sterile barrier into the sterile environment, while the holder 104 remains outside the sterile environment. The cleaning portion 110 may generally define an elongated shape with a tip 112 disposed opposite the holder 104.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cleaning portion 110 may include a latching member 114. The latching member is configured to allow the device 100 to be secured to the optical connector 50. Thus, when the device 100 is secured to the optical connector 50, the device 100 may protect the optical connector 50 to prevent damage or contamination of the optical connector 50. Similarly, the optical connector 50 may protect the cleaning portion 110, thereby protecting the tip 112 from damage or contamination.

[0032] The apparatus 100 includes an optical cleaning system 120. The optical cleaning system 120 is configured to restore the optical functionality of the optical connector 50. More specifically, the optical cleaning system 120 may be configured to restore the optical functionality of the optical fiber end face 52A of the optical fiber 52 or each of a plurality of (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more optical fibers) end faces of the optical connector 50. In some embodiments, the optical connector 50 may include a plurality of electrical contacts 53. In such embodiments, the optical cleaning system 120 may be configured to restore the electrical connection functionality of the optical connector 50 by cleaning or otherwise restoring the electrical contacts 53. It should be noted that the optical connector 50 may be associated with any medical device utilizing optical fiber functionality.

[0033] The optical cleaning system 120 may include a cleaning element 122 configured to contact the end face 52A. More specifically, the cleaning element 122 may be configured to slide across the end face 52A to clean, polish, or restore the end face 52A. The cleaning element 122 may include a ribbon or filament extending across the tip 112. The cleaning portion 110 is configured to mate with the optical connector 50 such that the tip 112 abuts the end face 52A with the cleaning element 122 therebetween. The tip 112 may exert a contact force on the end face 52A to enhance the sliding engagement between the cleaning element 122 and the end face 52A.

[0034] 1B is a cross-sectional view of a tip portion of the cleaning portion 110 showing details of the optical cleaning system 120, according to some embodiments. The optical cleaning system 120 is generally configured to supply the cleaning element 122 to the tip 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical cleaning system 120 is configured to supply an unused portion 122A of the cleaning element 122 along the cleaning portion 110 from the operating portion 104 to the tip 112. In some embodiments, the optical cleaning system 120 may be configured to retrieve a used portion 122B of the cleaning element 122 along the cleaning portion 110 from the tip 112 to the operating portion 104. In some embodiments, retrieving the used portion 122B causes the cleaning element 122 to slide between the tip 112 and the end surface 52A. In some embodiments, the unused portion 122A and the majority of the used portion 122B of the cleaning element 122 may be housed within the operating portion 104. In some embodiments, the unused portion 122A may be disposed within a supply lumen 113A of the cleaning portion 110, and the used portion 122B may be disposed within a return lumen 113B of the cleaning portion 110. The supply lumen 113A and the return lumen 113B extend along the cleaning portion 110 between the tip 112 and the retaining portion 104.

[0035] 1A and 1B, in some embodiments, the optical cleaning system 120 may include a cartridge system 124 disposed within the operating portion 104. The unused portion 122A is dispensed from the cartridge system 124, and the used portion 122B is collected by the cartridge system 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge system 124 (or the entire system 100) includes a feed mechanism 125 coupled to an actuator 125A. By operating the actuator 125A, the cleaning element 122 can be slid across the tip 112. The exemplary feed mechanism 125 includes a collection spool (not shown) on which the used portion 122B is wound. By pressing the actuator 125A, the collection spool rotates to pull the used portion 122B away from the tip 112. In some embodiments, the cleaning cartridge system 124 may be a consumable or disposable item. That is, the cleaning cartridge system 124 may be replaceable within the holding portion 104.

[0036] The apparatus 100 further includes a sterilization system 130 generally configured to sterilize the optical connector 50. The sterilization system 130 is generally configured to apply a sterilizing agent 133 (i.e., a sterilizing liquid) to the optical connector 50. More specifically, the sterilization system 130 is configured to wipe the optical connector 50 with the sterilizing agent 133. In some embodiments, the sterilization system 130 may be similar in some respects to the components and functionality of the optical cleaning system 120.

[0037] The disinfection system 130 may include a disinfection element 132 configured to disinfect the optical connector 50. More specifically, the disinfection element 132 may be configured to contact the optical connector 50, including the end face 52A and the electrical contacts 53. Upon contacting the optical connector 50, the disinfection element 132 applies a disinfectant 133 to the optical connector 50. The disinfection element 132 may include a ribbon or filament extending across the tip 112. The disinfection element 132 contains the disinfectant 133. The cleaning portion 110 is configured to engage the optical connector 50 such that the tip 112 engages the optical connector with the disinfection element 132 therebetween. The tip 112 may exert a contact force on the optical connector 50 to facilitate application of the disinfectant 133 to the optical connector 50.

[0038] The sterilization system 130 is generally configured to supply the sterilization element 132 to the tip 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilization system 130 is configured to supply an unused portion 132A of the sterilization element 132 from the operating portion 104 to the tip 112 along the cleaning portion 110. In some embodiments, the sterilization system 130 may be configured to retrieve a used portion 132B of the sterilization element 132 from the tip 112 to the operating portion 104 along the cleaning portion 110. In some embodiments, retrieving the used portion 132B allows the cleaning element 132 to slide between the tip 112 and the optical connector 50. In some embodiments, the unused portion 132 and a majority of the used portion 132B of the cleaning element 132 may be housed within the operating portion 104.

[0039] 1C is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the cleaning portion 110 showing details of the sterilization system 130, according to some embodiments. The sterilization system 130 is generally configured to supply the sterilization element 132 to the tip 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilization system 130 is configured to supply the unused portion 132A of the sterilization element 132 along the cleaning portion 110 from the operating portion 104 to the tip 112. In some embodiments, the sterilization system 130 may be configured to retrieve the used portion 132B of the sterilization element 132 along the cleaning portion 110 from the tip 112 to the operating portion 104. In some embodiments, retrieving the used portion 132B causes the sterilization element 132 to slide between the tip 112 and the optical connector 50. In some embodiments, the unused portion 132A and the majority of the used portion 132B of the cleaning element 132 may be housed within the operating portion 104. In some embodiments, the unused portion 132A may be disposed within a supply lumen 115A of the cleaning portion 110, and the used portion 132B may be disposed within a return lumen 115B of the cleaning portion 110. The supply lumen 115A and the return lumen 115B extend along the cleaning portion 110 between the tip 112 and the retaining portion 104.

[0040] The cleaning element 122 and the sanitizing element 132 may be positioned in various arrangements relative to the tip 112. According to some embodiments, the cleaning element 122 may be positioned above the sanitizing element 132. According to some embodiments, the cleaning element 122 may be positioned parallel to the sanitizing element 132 across the tip 112. According to some embodiments, the sanitizing element 132 may move across the tip 112 in the same direction as the cleaning element 122. According to some embodiments, the cleaning element 122 may be positioned perpendicular to the sanitizing element 132.

[0041] 1A and 1C, in some embodiments, the sterilization system 130 may include a sterilization cartridge system 134 disposed within the operating portion 104. The unused portion 132A is dispensed from the sterilization cartridge system 134, while the used portion 132B is collected by the sterilization cartridge system 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilization cartridge system 134 (or the entire system 100) includes a feed mechanism 135 coupled to a sterilization actuator 135A. By operating the sterilization actuator 135A, the cleaning element 132 is slid across the tip 112. The exemplary feed mechanism 135 includes a collection spool (not shown) on which the used portion 122B is wound. By pressing the sterilization actuator 135A, the collection spool rotates to pull the used portion 132B away from the tip 112, thereby disposing a portion of the unused portion 132A on the tip 112. Such an exemplary feed mechanism 135 may also include a liquid container (not shown) for storing the sterilant 133 and the unused portion 132A therein. In some embodiments, the sanitization cartridge system 134 may be a consumable or disposable item, i.e., the sanitization cartridge 134 may be replaceable within the holder 104.

[0042] In some embodiments, the disinfection system 130 may be combined with the optical cleaning system 120. According to one example, several components of the cleaning system 120 may be shared with the disinfection system 130. According to another example, the disinfection system 130 may be incorporated into the optical cleaning system 120. In some embodiments, the disinfection element 132 may be incorporated into the cleaning element 122, e.g., the cleaning element 122 or a portion thereof may include the disinfectant 133.

[0043] According to yet another embodiment, the sterilization system 130 may be configured to supply the sterilizing agent 133 to the tip 112 through a fluid lumen (not shown) extending along the cleaning portion 110. In such an embodiment, operation of the sterilization actuator 135A delivers the sterilizing solution 133 through the fluid lumen to the cleaning element 122 of the tip 112, which applies the sterilizing solution 133 to the optical connector 50.

[0044] According to other embodiments, the sanitizing element 132 includes a separate pad, which is individually attachable to the tip 112. During use, a user may physically couple the pad to the tip 112 such that engagement of the tip 112 with the optical connector 50 applies the sanitizing solution 133 to the optical connector 50.

[0045] 1A, according to some embodiments, the cleaning station 110 may include an optical fiber evaluation system 150. The optical fiber evaluation system 150 may be configured to evaluate (or test) the capability of light transmission through the end face 52A of the optical fiber 52, or the optical functionality of the optical connector 50 or the optical fiber 52, generally. In some embodiments, the optical fiber evaluation system 150 may be configured to evaluate the optical reflectance capability of the optical fiber 52, as may be defined by the Bragg gratings of the optical fiber 52. In some embodiments, the optical fiber evaluation system 150 may include a portion of an optical loss test set, or a portion of an optical time domain reflectometer. In some embodiments, the optical fiber evaluation system 150 may be activated when the optical connector 50 is mated with the tip 112. In some embodiments, fiber optic evaluation system 150 may include a console, an energy source, a light source, an optical receiver, one or more optical fibers, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and a number of logic modules configured to evaluate the optical transmission and / or fiber optical reflectance capabilities of optical fiber 52. In some embodiments, fiber optic evaluation system 150 may wirelessly communicate with a computing device to communicate the capabilities and optical reflectance of optical connector 50 to the computing device. In some embodiments, fiber optic evaluation system 150 may include a notification device, such as, for example, an illumination device, to indicate the results of the evaluation.

[0046] 2A, in some embodiments, the device 100 may include a cap 210 configured to couple to the cleaning portion 110 and cover the tip 112. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a tether 211 extending between the cap 210 and the device body 106, such as the holding portion 104. In some embodiments, the cleaning element 122 and / or the sanitizing element 132 may be susceptible to damage. Thus, the cap 210 may be configured to protect the cleaning element 122, the sanitizing element 132, and / or the tip 112 while the device 110 is generally not in use. The cap 210 may also be configured to prevent evaporation of the sanitizing agent 133 from the sanitizing element 132.

[0047] 2B , in some embodiments, the device 100 may include multiple (e.g., one, two, three, or more) adapters 220 attachable to the cleaning portion 110. The adapters 220 may enable the device 100 (e.g., the cleaning portion 110) to mate with optical connectors 50 of various configurations. During use, a user may select an adapter 220 that matches the current optical connector 50 and attach the selected adapter 220 to the cleaning portion 110. The user may couple and / or secure the device 100 to the optical connector 50 via the selected adapter 220.

[0048] 3 illustrates a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus 100 according to an exemplary method of using the apparatus 100 to clean one or more optical connectors 140 of a fiber optic system 170. In some embodiments, the fiber optic system 170 may include an optical interrogator 172 configured to mate with a patch cable 174 having an optical connector 140A. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be used to clean the optical connector 140B of the optical interrogator 172. In some embodiments, a first adapter 220A may be coupled to the apparatus 100 to enable the apparatus 100 to mate with the optical connector 140A of the patch cable 174. In some embodiments, a second adapter 220B may be coupled to the apparatus 100 to enable the apparatus 100 to mate with the optical connector 140B of the optical interrogator 172.

[0049] 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for cleaning the optical connector 140, according to some embodiments. The method 400 may include all or any subset of the following steps, actions, or processes. The method 400 may include coupling a cleaning device to the optical connector (block 410).

[0050] The method 400 may further include slidingly displacing a cleaning ribbon of the cleaning device (Block 420) between the cleaning device and the optical fiber end face of the optical connector.

[0051] The method 400 may include transferring the sanitizing agent from the cleaning device to the optical connector (block 430). In some embodiments of the method 400, transferring the sanitizing agent includes sliding displacement of a sanitizing ribbon of the cleaning device between the cleaning device and the optical connector.

[0052] The method 400 may further include inserting the cleaning portion of the cleaning device through a sterile barrier into the sterile environment while maintaining the holding portion of the cleaning device outside the sterile environment (Block 440).

[0053] The method 400 may further include evaluating the light transmission capability through the optical connector (block 450). In some embodiments, the light transmission capability may be evaluated when the cleaning device is coupled to the optical connector. In some embodiments of the method 400, the light transmission includes evaluating reflected light emitted from a Bragg grating of the optical fiber.

[0054] The method 400 may further include securing the cleaning device to the optical connector (Block 460). The method 400 may further include storing the medical instrument with the cleaning device secured to the optical connector.

[0055] Some specific embodiments are disclosed herein, and although the specific embodiments are disclosed in some detail, the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Further changes and / or modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the broader aspects also encompass these changes and / or modifications. Thus, one may deviate from the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. An optical connector cleaning device a device body including a holding portion and a cleaning portion extending in a direction away from the holding portion, the cleaning portion being configured to couple with an optical connector of a medical device; an optical cleaning system configured to clean an optical fiber end face of the optical connector, the optical cleaning system including a cleaning element disposed on a tip of the cleaning portion and disposed between the tip and the optical fiber end face when the cleaning portion is coupled to the optical connector.

2. the cleaning element comprises a ribbon; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein cleaning the optical fiber end face comprises slidingly displacing the cleaning element across the optical fiber end face.

3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the cleaning element extends along the cleaning portion between the retaining portion and the tip.

4. During use, an unused portion of the cleaning element is displaced from the retaining portion toward the tip along the cleaning portion; The device of claim 3 , wherein a used portion of the cleaning element is displaced along the cleaning portion from the tip to the retaining portion.

5. The optical cleaning system includes a dispensing mechanism coupled to a dispensing actuator; The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the cleaning element is slidably displaced across the optical fiber end face by operating the feed actuator.

6. The device is configured to be used across a sterile barrier, so that during use: The cleaning station is placed in a sterile environment, and The device of claim 1 , wherein the retaining portion is located outside the sterile environment.

7. a replaceable cleaning cartridge coupled to the holding portion; 2. The device of claim 1, wherein during use, a majority of the unused portion of the cleaning element and a majority of the used portion of the cleaning element are stored within the replaceable cleaning cartridge.

8. The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cleaning portion includes a latch member configured to secure the device to the optical connector to maintain the optical connector in a clean state when the optical connector is not in use.

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a disinfection system configured to disinfect the optical connector, the disinfection system including a disinfection element disposed on the tip of the cleaning portion, the disinfection element being disposed between the tip and the optical connector when the cleaning portion is coupled to the optical connector.

10. the disinfecting element includes a ribbon; The device of claim 9 , wherein sterilizing the optical connector comprises slidingly displacing the sterilizing element between the tip and the optical connector.

11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the disinfecting element extends along the cleaning portion between the holding portion and the tip.

12. During use, an unused portion of the sanitizing element is displaced from the holding portion to the tip along the cleaning portion; The device of claim 11 , wherein the used portion of the sanitizing element is displaced from the tip along the cleaning portion to the holding portion.

13. The sterilization system includes a sterilization mechanism coupled to a sterilization actuator; The device of claim 12 , wherein the disinfection element is slidably displaced between the tip and the optical connector by operating the disinfection actuator.

14. further comprising a replaceable disinfectant cartridge coupled to the holder; 13. The device of claim 12, wherein during use, a majority of the unused portion of the disinfecting element and a majority of the used portion of the disinfecting element are stored within the replaceable cleaning cartridge.

15. the disinfecting element includes a disinfectant absorbed therein; The device of claim 10 , wherein the disinfecting element is slidably displaced between the tip and the optical connector to apply the disinfectant to the optical connector and disinfect the optical connector.

16. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the cleaning element and the sanitizing element are separate elements.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an optical evaluation system configured to evaluate the light transmission capability through the optical connector.

18. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the optical transmission comprises reflected light emitted from a fiber optic Bragg grating.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the optical evaluation system is configured to evaluate the light transmission capability when the cleaning portion is coupled to the optical connector.

20. The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cap configured to be placed on the tip when the device is not in use, the cap configured to cover the tip.

21. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adapter cap configured to be attached to the cleaning portion, the adapter configured to enable coupling of the optical connector cleaning device to the optical connector.

22. 1. A method for cleaning an optical connector of a medical device, comprising: coupling a cleaning device to the optical connector; sliding a cleaning ribbon of the cleaning device between the cleaning device and the surface of the optical fiber end face of the optical connector; and transferring a disinfectant from the cleaning device to the optical connector.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein transferring the disinfectant comprises slidingly displacing a disinfecting ribbon of the cleaning device between the cleaning device and the optical connector.

24. Coupling the cleaning device inserting a cleaning portion of the cleaning device through a sterile barrier into a sterile environment; and 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, comprising maintaining the holder of the cleaning device outside a sterile environment.

25. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising evaluating the ability of light to transmit through the optical connector when the cleaning device is coupled to the optical connector.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the optical transmission comprises reflected light emitted from a fiber optic Bragg grating.

27. fixing the cleaning device to the optical connector; 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising storing the medical device with the cleaning device secured to the optical connector.

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