Disposable medical probe and connector

Abstract

A disposable flexible medical device or probe and a reusable connector are provided. The disposable probe comprises a flexible tube of resilient plastic having a central major lumen and two or more minor lumens formed in the walls of the tube. Flexible electrically-conductive wires of undulating configuration extend through the minor lumens for conveying electrical signals from the distal end of the probe within the human body to suitable external monitoring instruments. The proximal end of the probe is formed as a female connector having longitudinally extending contacts on the inside surface of the major lumen, the contacts preferably being formed as an integral part of the wires extending through the minor lumens. A relatively rigid reusable male connector is employed as a coupling means. It includes transversely extending arcuate electrical contacts arranged for engagement with corresponding contacts on the female connector, the arcuate contacts being arranged on a tubular member surrounded by a spaced concentric sheath. It further includes a passage extending therethrough for coupling the major lumen of the disposable probe to an external stethoscope earpiece or other device. A key and slot arrangement is provided for insuring that the male and female connectors are connected in a properly polarized manner and a visible indicator is provided for facilitating such proper connection.