WO2009055091A1

WO2009055091A1 - Medical sensor connector

Info

Publication number: WO2009055091A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/062956
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen A. Santangelo
Original assignee: Medscansonics, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-05-08
Filing date: 2008-05-07
Publication date: 2009-04-30

Abstract

Embodiments of a connector provide a reasonably secure electrical and mechanical connection between a medical sensor and a plug end of an electrical cable connected to a device such as, for example, a medical diagnostic system. In some embodiments, the connector includes a tapered shape providing a frictional taper lock that resists unintended electrical and/or mechanical disconnection of the connector and the plug. In some embodiments, the connector shape provides an oriented engagement position for the plug, so that the connector and the plug can be interconnected in only one way, thereby increasing the likelihood that electrical leads in the connector mate properly with corresponding electrical sockets in the plug. The connector also may be scaled to house, support, and/or protect the electrical leads. In some embodiments, the connector includes a tab feature that provides single- use functionality. The tab feature may be electrically conductive. Some embodiments of the connector provide substantially continuous electrical shielding.

Description

MEDICAL SENSOR CONNECTOR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/916,769, filed May 8, 2007, entitled "MEDICAL SENSOR CONNECTOR," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/974,782, filed September 24, 2007, entitled "MEDICAL SENSOR CONNECTOR." The entire disclosures of both of the above-listed provisional patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made part of this specification.

BACKGROUND Field

[0002] This application relates generally to apparatus for connecting a cable to a medical sensor and, in certain embodiments, to apparatus for electrically and mechanically connecting an electrical cable to a medical sensor such as, e.g., an acoustic sensor. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Medical sensors are used to sense many types of signals and outputs from a body, such as electrical signals, acoustic signals, pressure signals, etc. Medical sensors include electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors, electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, pulse oximetry sensors, blood pressure sensors, acoustic sensors, optical sensors, and so forth. For example, an acoustic sensor may be used to sense sounds emitted from the cardiovascular system of a body. Many medical sensors are configured to communicate the sensed body signal via one or more electrical signals. For example, an acoustic sensor may convert acoustic energy received through the skin of a patient into an electrical signal proportional to the received acoustic energy. Electrical signals from the sensor often are communicated through wire cables to a processor, memory, and/or display device. Accordingly, a connector may be used to connect the medical sensor, electrically and mechanically, to the electrical cable. Many connectors suffer from disadvantages that may be addressed by various embodiments of the present disclosure. SUMMARY

[0004] Example embodiments described herein have several features, no single one of which is indispensible or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

[0005] Embodiments of a medical sensor connector are disclosed that provide a reasonably secure electrical and mechanical connection between a medical sensor and a plug of a cable for transmitting electrical signals to another device such as, for example, a medical diagnostic system. In some embodiments, the connector comprises a tapered shape providing a frictional taper lock that resists unintended electrical and/or mechanical disconnection of the connector and the plug. In some embodiments, the connector shape provides an oriented engagement position for the plug, which can be attached to the connector in only a single orientation, thereby increasing the likelihood that electrical leads in the connector mate properly with electrical sockets in the plug. The connector also may be scaled to house, support, and/or protect the electrical leads. Embodiments of the connector may provide substantially continuous electrical shielding to reduce interference with the electrical sensor signals. In certain embodiments, the connector provides single-use functionality for a sensor. For example, the connector may comprise a flexible tab that, upon removal of the plug, deforms sufficiently to inhibit reinsertion of the plug.

[0006] An embodiment of a connector that is configured to electrically and mechanically connect a medical sensor to a cable is provided. The medical sensor has one or more electrical leads for outputting a sensor signal, and the cable is configured to transmit the sensor signal. The cable has a plug. The connector comprises a receptacle that comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and an engagement surface. The distal end is configured to be attached to the medical sensor and to mechanically support the one or more electrical leads. The proximal end is configured to receive the plug, and the engagement surface is configured to engage an outer surface of the plug. The engagement surface of the receptacle comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and two lateral surfaces, at least one of which is tapered at a taper angle selected to provide a frictional retention force on the outer surface of the plug when the plug is received in the receptacle. [0007] An embodiment of a connector for a medical sensor having a plurality of electrical leads is provided. The connector comprises means for attachment to the medical sensor. The attachment means is configured to mechanically support the electrical leads of the medical sensor. The connector also comprises means for receiving a plug of a cable configured for transmitting signals from the medical sensor. The receiving means is configured to permit electrical connection between the electrical leads and plug. The receiving means is configured to provide an oriented engagement for the plug. The receiving means may be further configured to provide a frictional retention force on the plug sufficient to secure the plug in the receiving means.

[0008] An embodiment of a medical connection system comprises a medical sensor having at least one electrical lead for outputting a sensor signal. The medical connection system also comprises a cable for transmitting the sensor signal from the medical sensor. The cable has a plug configured to electrically connect to the at least one electrical lead of the medical sensor. The medical connection system also comprises a connector configured to attach the plug to the medical sensor. The connector comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be attached to the medical sensor and to house the at least one electrical lead. The distal end is configured to receive the plug. The housing comprises at least one tapered surface configured to mate with a complementary tapered surface of the plug. The tapered surfaces provide a frictional retention force between the housing and the plug.

[0009] Embodiments of a plug end of an electrical cable are provided in which the plug end comprises a body having a tapered shape configured to engage a connector receptacle having a corresponding taper. The taper may be selected to provide a frictional taper lock when the plug and the connector receptacle are engaged. The tapered shape may be selected so that the plug can engage the connector receptacle in a single orientation. Embodiments of the plug may comprise one or more female receptacles configured to receive a male pin. One or more of the female receptacles may comprise an array of electrical contacting wires configured to provide electrical contact when a male pin is received in the receptacle. [0010] In some embodiments, an electrical lead for a sensor comprises an electrically conductive male pin electrically connected to an electrically conductive crimp portion. The crimp portion may comprise one or more at least partially deformable prongs adapted to mechanically attach the crimp portion to the sensor. In some embodiments, the electrical lead is stamped from an electrically conductive material such as a metal. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the male pin has a cross-sectional shape comprising a hollow, "C"-shape.

[0011] Embodiments of the connector advantageously may be used with acoustic sensors. In some procedures, one or more acoustic sensors are attached to a patient's body (e.g., chest) to detect body sounds (e.g., sounds of the heart, blood flow, the lungs, etc.). Another advantage of certain embodiments of the connector is that the frictional taper lock resists the plug accidentally becoming disconnected (electrically and/or mechanically) from the connector in measurement situations where, for example, the electrical cable hangs vertically and the weight of the cable tends to cause detachment (e.g., when the sensor is attached to the chest of a patient sitting upright).

[0012] An embodiment of a connector comprises a receptacle having a surface comprising a tapered portion. The tapered portion is configured to provide frictional engagement with a tapered portion of a surface of a plug. In some embodiments, the receptacle comprises one or more channels configured to permit passage of one or more elongated electrical leads. In some embodiments, the lead elements provide electrical connection to an electrical component. In certain embodiments, portions of the receptacle are electrically conductive to provide electrical shielding for electrical elements within the receptacle. In certain such embodiments, the electrically conductive portions of the receptacle comprise a metalized surface of the receptacle.

[0013] Some connector embodiments comprise a receptacle having a proximal end and a distal end and an engagement surface. The distal end is configured to be attached to the medical sensor. The proximal end is configured to receive a plug. The engagement surface comprises a tapered portion configured to match a corresponding tapered portion of the plug. In some embodiments, the tapered portion is selected to provide a frictional lock when the plug is engaged with the receptacle. In some embodiments, the distal end of the receptacle comprises a plurality of channels configured to support a plurality of electrical leads electrically coupled to the medical sensor. In some embodiments, the plug comprises a plurality of sockets configured to engage the plurality of electrical leads. One or more sockets may comprise an electrical sleeve comprising one or more electrically conductive, elongated contacting components. In some embodiments, the contacting components are configured to substantially surround a cylindrical space adapted to receive one of the electrical leads. In some embodiments, a medical detector comprises the connector electrically and mechanically coupled to the medical sensor.

[0014] In another embodiment, a medical connection system comprises a connector, a medical sensor electrically coupled to the connector, and an electrically conductive cable having a plug configured to engage the connector such that electrical signals from the sensor can be transmitted by the cable. The plug and the connector have one or more matching, tapered surfaces that provide a frictional taper-lock when the surfaces are engaged.

[0015] In some embodiments, a sensor connector comprises an electrically conductive element. The conductive element is adapted to engage an electrically conductive receptacle on a plug of an electrically shielded cable. The electrically conductive element comprises an elongated member attached to an inner surface of a receptacle of the connector. Some or all of inner surface of the receptacle may be electrically conductive. The conductive element is in electrical contact with electrical shielding of the sensor, with electrically conductive portions of the inner surface of the receptacle, or with both. When the plug is inserted into the connector, the conductive element engages the electrically conductive receptacle, thereby electrically connecting the electrical shielding of the cable to the electrical shielding of the sensor, the connector, or both.

[0016] In some embodiments, a single-use sensor comprises a connector having a receptacle. An elongated member is attached to an inner surface of the receptacle. The elongated member is configured such that sufficiently large compressive longitudinal stress will tend to cause the elongated member to buckle or move. The buckling or movement can be configured to occur about a yield point. The receptacle is adapted to allow insertion of a plug. When the plug is removed from the receptacle, a portion of the plug is adapted to apply a sufficiently large stress to the elongated member to cause the elongated member to buckle or move about the yield point. When in a buckled or moved state, the elongated member inhibits or prevents re-insertion of the plug into the connector receptacle. In some embodiments, the elongated member is electrically conductive and adapted to provide an electrical connection to the plug, when the plug is engaged with the receptacle, thereby electrically connecting the connector to the cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing embodiments of a medical sensor, a connector, and a plug at an end of a cable.

[0019] Figure 2 is a top cross-section view schematically showing electrical leads housed within an embodiment of a connector.

[0020] Figures 3 and 4 are top views schematically illustrating embodiments of a connector and a cable plug having substantially matching angled tapers on lateral, top, and/or bottom surfaces. The plug and the connector are depicted unengaged in Figure 3 and engaged in Figure 4.

[0021] Figure 5 is a side view schematically showing an embodiment depicting the plug engaged with the connector receptacle.

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective end view schematically showing an embodiment of the connector and sensor assembly, which shows electrical leads housed within the receptacle of the connector.

[0023] Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10 schematically show isometric, top, bottom, and front views, respectively, of an embodiment of an electrical lead comprising a male pin and a crimp portion.

[0024] Figure 11 schematically shows an example of the engagement of a male electrical pin with a female electrical sleeve comprising a cylindrical array of contacting wires.

[0025] Figures 12A and 12B schematically illustrate an embodiment of a sensor connector having a conductive tab configured to be connected to a plug having an electrically conductive receptacle. In these figures, the plug is shown partially inserted into the connector. Figure 12B is a section view along a medial plane of the connector shown in Figure 12A. Electrical leads and the sensor are not shown in Figures 12A and 12B (or in Figs. 13 A-15B).

[0026] Figures 13A and 13B schematically illustrate the sensor connector of Figures 12A and 12B showing the plug fully inserted into the connector and the conductive tab seated in the electrically conductive groove of the plug. Figure 13B is a section view along a medial plane of the connector shown in Figure 13 A.

[0027] Figure 14 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a sensor connector comprising a deformable tab that provides single-use functionality.

[0028] Figures 15 A and 15B schematically illustrate an embodiment of a single- use sensor connector after the plug has been removed from the connector. These figures schematically illustrate an example of the shape of the tab in the deformed state, in which reinsertion of the plug is inhibited. Figure 15B is a section view along a medial plane of the connector shown in Figure 15 A.

[0029] These and other features will now be described with reference to the drawings summarized above. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, where applicable, the first one or two digits of a reference numeral for an element generally indicate the figure number in which the element first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Certain example embodiments of a medical sensor connector will be described with reference to the drawings. Some embodiments of the connector advantageously may provide some or all of the following features: secure electrical and mechanical connection between a medical sensor and a cable plug, protection for the electrical contacts of the medical sensor during handling, electromagnetic shielding for the electrical connection to reduce electromagnetic interference, and single-use functionality.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of embodiments of a medical sensor 104, a medical sensor connector 100, and a plug 108 at an end of a cable 112. The plug 108 is configured to engage the connector 100 to provide mechanical and electrical connection between the cable 112 and the sensor 104. Electrical signals from the sensor 104 are communicated to the cable 112 when the plug 108 and the connector 100 are engaged. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the plug 108 and the connector 100 are shown physically separated and not engaged (see, e.g., Figs. 4 and 5 for an engaged configuration and a partially engaged configuration, respectively, of a connector embodiment).

[0032] In this embodiment, the connector 100 comprises a receptacle 116, which is attached to the sensor 104 and which encloses one or more electrical contacts 200 (see, e.g., Fig. 2) that carry signals from the sensor 104. The electrical contacts 200 are configured to mate with corresponding sockets (see, e.g., Figs. 12A and 12B) disposed in the plug 108. For example, the electrical contacts 200 may comprise male electrical pins or leads configured to engage female sockets in the plug 108. The receptacle 116 may be a unitary structure or may be formed from, for example, a top portion and a bottom portion configured to fit together (e.g., by a snap fit and/or adhesive bonding). The receptacle 116 may be fabricated from a lightweight plastic (or polymeric) material, for example, by injection molding. In some embodiments, the receptacle 116 is fabricated from a "softer" (e.g., more deformable) material than the material comprising the plug 108, so that wear that occurs upon engagement of the receptacle 116 and the plug 108 tends to take place on the receptacle 116 (which often is attached to a disposable sensor) rather than the plug 108 (which often is a reusable component).

[0033] The receptacle 116 may be sized to enclose the electrical contacts 200 in a shrouded configuration to protect them from damage during handling. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 200 pass through channels formed at the end of the receptacle 116 attached to the sensor 104 (the "sensor end"), as shown and described with reference to Figure 12 A. The channel openings advantageously may physically support the electrical contacts 200 and reduce likelihood of damage to the contacts 200 during handling and use.

[0034] In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 200 include a number (e.g., 6) of electrically conductive male pins that mate with corresponding female sockets in the plug 108. For example, the pins may include Hypertac pins (available from Hypertronics Corporation, 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA) that are configured to mate with Hypertac female sockets. Hypertac pins and sockets typically mate with a relatively low frictional coefficient, which advantageously reduces the force necessary to engage and disengage the pins and the sockets. Because the frictional forces between the pins and the sockets may be insufficient to resist unintentional detachment (especially for heavier cables and for sensors having a small number of pins), the connector receptacle 116 may be configured to provide a mechanically secure, frictional connection to the plug 108 that resists unintentional, undesired, and/or inadvertent disconnection. Although embodiments depicted herein show male pins attached to the sensor 104 and corresponding female sockets in the plug 108, in other embodiments female sockets are attached to the sensor 104 and male pins disposed in the plug 108, or a combination of male pins and female sockets are attached to the sensor 104 (and respective female sockets and male pins disposed in the plug 108). Many electrical connections will be apparent to one of ordinary skill. Further, although the embodiments described herein provide electrical coupling between electrical leads of a sensor 104 and an electrical plug 108 and cable 112, a person of ordinary skill will recognize that other embodiments of the connector 100 can provide optical, acoustic, and/or fluidic coupling to cables, tubes, and so forth. For example, in some embodiments, the connector receptacle 116 includes a fiber optic coupling device configured to mate with a corresponding coupling device at a plug end of a fiber optic cable.

[0035] Figure 2 is a top cross-section view showing electrical leads 200 housed within an embodiment of the receptacle 116. In this embodiment, the electrical leads 200 comprise electrically conductive male pins that are attached to the sensor 104 via crimps. The crimps may include staple-like prongs that pierce or otherwise provide electrical connection with a conductive portion of the sensor material so as to physically secure the leads to the sensor and to provide good electrical coupling to suitable sensing portions of the sensor. Further details of the electrical leads 200 are described with reference to Figures 7-10 below.

[0036] Figures 3 and 4 are top views schematically illustrating embodiments of a connector 100 and a cable plug 108 having four frictional surfaces (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface, and two lateral surfaces) that provide a positive frictional retention force when the plug 108 engages the connector 100. For example, in certain embodiments, some or all of the surfaces may comprise substantially matching angled tapers. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug 108 has tapered sides 308a and 308b that match tapered inner lateral surfaces 304a and 304b, respectively, of the receptacle 116. In this embodiment, the tapers form a taper angle θ that is substantially the same on both lateral sides 304a, 304b of the receptacle 116 and corresponding lateral sides 308a, 308b of the plug 108. In other embodiments, different taper angles may be used on different surfaces. A possible advantage of connector embodiments having different taper angles on different surfaces is that the plug 108 may be able to engage the receptacle 116 in only one orientation, thereby reducing the likelihood of incorrect electrical connection. In certain embodiments, the receptacle 100 and the plug 108 have matching tapered and/or curved top surfaces (see, e.g., Figs. 5 and 6). The bottom surfaces of the plug 108 and the receptacle 116 are flat in some embodiments (e.g., no taper is used). In other embodiments, the bottom surfaces may be tapered and/or curved.

[0037] In some embodiments, the taper angle θ is at least about 6 degrees on lateral surfaces and at least about 3 degrees on the top surface. In other embodiments, some or all of the taper angles may be, for example, in a range from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees, about 3 degrees to about 6 degrees, about 6 degrees to about 12 degrees, or greater than about 12 degrees. Other angular ranges are used in other embodiments. The angle θ and length of the tapers advantageously may be selected to provide positive, frictional retention of the cable plug 108 within the receptacle 116 and/or to permit engagement of the plug 108 within the receptacle 116 with a relatively low engagement force. In certain embodiments, one or more taper angles θ may be selected to provide frictional "self-locking" between the plug 108 and the connector 100. The taper angle θ for self- locking may depend on the coefficient of friction (μ) for the materials comprising the receptacle 116 and the plug 108. For example, in some embodiments, a taper angle θ is selected such that tan θ < μ, where μ is a coefficient of friction between surfaces of the receptacle 116 and plug 108. In some embodiments, a surface of the connector may comprise tapered portions that are tapered at different taper angles, for example, a first taper portion formed at an angle of about 3 degrees and a second taper portion formed at an angle of about 6 degrees. Many variations are possible.

[0038] As the cable plug 108 is inserted into the connector receptacle 116, the matched tapers assist alignment of the connector 100 and the plug 108. Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the plug 108 is inserted into the connector receptacle 116. The matching tapered surfaces 304a, 308a and 304b, 308b provide a frictional "taper lock" within the mated plug/connector assembly. This frictional lock supplies sufficient force to keep the connector 100 and cable 112 mechanically and electrically connected until intentionally disengaged. Another advantage of certain embodiments of the connector 100 is that the frictional taper lock resists the plug 108 accidentally becoming disconnected (electrically and/or mechanically) from the connector 100 in measurement situations where, for example, the cable 112 hangs vertically and the weight of the cable 112 tends to cause detachment (e.g., when the sensor 104 is attached to the chest of a patient sitting upright).

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the depth of the tapered portion of the connector receptacle 116 is slightly greater than the depth of the tapered portion of the plug 108. Consequently, when the plug 108 is fully inserted into the connector receptacle 116, there will be a slight gap 404 between the distal end of the plug 108 and the sensor end of the receptacle 116. In this example embodiment, the depth of the gap is about 40 mil (40 thousandths of an inch), although other gap depths, or no gap at all, are used in other embodiments. For example, the depth of the gap 404 may be in a range from about 5 mil to about 500 mil. The gap 404 provides a slight amount of clearance between the distal end of the plug 108 and the sensor end of the receptacle 116 (when in the inserted state), which advantageously provides a tolerance for slight manufacturing deviations in the size, shape, and/or taper of the plug 108 and/or the receptacle 116. In connector embodiments in which the receptacle 116 is formed from a material capable of flexing to some degree (e.g., an elastomer), the gap 404 may provide additional benefits. For example, as the plug 108 is inserted into the receptacle 116, sides of the plug 108 contact inner surfaces of the receptacle 116 and cause the inner surfaces to deform slightly, in direction(s) outwardly away from the plug surfaces. In response to this slight deformation, the receptacle surfaces will apply an elastic restoring force on the sides of the plug 108, which beneficially may increase the frictional taper lock on the mated plug/connector assembly. The amount of the deformation and the amount of the increased frictional taper lock force will depend on how far the plug 108 is pushed into the receptacle 116 and on the degree of flexibility of the materials involved. Accordingly, the depth of the gap 404 in the fully inserted state will depend on how far a user pushes the plug 108 into the receptacle 116. In general, the smaller the depth of the gap 404, the more securely the plug 108 will be held in place by taper lock frictional forces. By providing a gap 404 with a suitable depth, a user can selectively push the plug 108 into the receptacle 116 to achieve a desired "tightness of fit" between the plug 108 and the receptacle 116.

[0040] Figure 5 is a side view of a connector embodiment showing the plug 108 partially inserted into the connector receptacle 116. In this embodiment, upper surfaces 504a and 504b of the plug 108 and the receptacle 116, respectively, are tapered to provide a frictional retention force. Additionally, the upper surfaces 504a, 504b of the plug 108 and the receptacle 116, respectively, may be curved (see also Fig. 6). An advantage of the frictional taper lock of the embodiments described and shown herein is that a user can engage and disengage the plug 108 and the connector 100 without actuating (or deactuating) a locking mechanism (e.g., a spring lock, a clip, a pushbutton, etc.). In some embodiments, lower surfaces 508a, 508b of the plug 108 and the connector 100, respectively, may also be tapered and/or curved. In certain embodiments, the top surfaces 504a, 504b (and/or the bottom surfaces 508a, 508b) may have a taper angle at least about 3 degrees. In other embodiments, the upper (and/or lower) taper angles may be, for example, in a range from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees, about 3 degrees to about 6 degrees, about 6 degrees to about 12 degrees, or greater than about 12 degrees.

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective end view of an embodiment of the connector 100 and sensor 104, which shows the electrical leads 200 housed within the receptacle 116. Figure 6 also shows the curved upper surface 504b of the receptacle 116 (the plug 108 has a matching curved upper surface 504a in this embodiment). The receptacle 116 may be sized and/or shaped to substantially surround the electrical leads 200, which advantageously may prevent the leads 200 from being bent and/or broken. An advantage of providing a single curved (or otherwise shaped) surface (e.g., the upper surface 504b shown in Fig. 6) is that the plug 108 can be inserted into the receptacle 116 in only a single orientation, which ensures proper matching between the electrical leads 200 from the sensor 104 and their corresponding sockets in the plug 108. In some embodiments, the upper 504a, 504b and lower surfaces 508a, 508b are both curved, but with different radii of curvature to provide oriented engagement between the plug 108 and receptacle 116. Generally, in certain configurations, any asymmetry (e.g., left-right and/or top-bottom) can provide oriented engagement between the plug 108 and the connector 100. For example, in some embodiments, the receptacle 116 may have a ridge or groove on one surface that is configured to mate with a corresponding groove or tab on the plug 108.

[0042] In the embodiment schematically illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the connector 100 comprises an upper portion 102a and a lower portion 102b that are attached, for example, by a snap fit and/or adhesive bonding. For example, in some embodiments, the lower portion 102b comprises protrusions that snap into openings in the upper portion 102a (see, e.g., Figs. 12A and 13A). In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, a portion of the sensor 104 is positioned between or "sandwiched" between the upper and lower portions 102a, 102b of the connector 100, which advantageously secures the sensor 104 and the connector 100.

[0043] Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10 are isometric, top, bottom, and front views, respectively, schematically illustrating an embodiment of an electrical lead 200 comprising a male pin 704 and a crimp portion 708. The crimp portion 708 may be attached to the sensor 104 with one or more staple-like prongs 712 that pierce the sensor material to physically secure the electrical lead 200 to the sensor 104 and to provide good electrical coupling to suitable sensing portions of the sensor 104. In other embodiments, a portion of the electrical lead 200 is attached to an electrically conductive portion of the sensor 104 by wiring, soldering, welding, electrically conductive adhesives, etc.

[0044] The male pin 704 in the embodiment schematically illustrated in Figures 7- 10 comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical body. The electrical lead 200 may be fabricated, for example, by stamping from a piece of metal. In some embodiments, the stamped cylindrical pin 704 may have a hollow, crescent or "C"-shape (best seen in Fig. 10; see also Fig. 6). In other embodiments, the pin 704 may be turned on a lathe and attached to the crimp portion 708 by electrically conductive adhesives, solder, or welds. In such embodiments, the pin 704 may be a solid cylindrical structure (rather than a crescent).

[0045] The male pin 704 may be configured to be inserted into a female socket disposed within the plug 108 that is sized and shaped to accept the pin 704. As described above, in certain embodiments, the female socket comprises a Hypertac wire sleeve schematically illustrated in Figure 11. Hypertac sockets are available from Hypertonics, Inc. (Hudson, MA) and are further described in, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 6,471,555 to Creze, issued October 29, 2002, entitled "Female Electrical Connector Element," which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0046] Embodiments of the connector 100 may be used with many types of medical sensors 104. In some embodiments, embodiments of the connector 100 are used with an acoustic sensor such as, for example, one of the acoustic sensors described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/415,895, filed May 2, 2006, entitled "Acoustic Sensor," published February 22, 2007 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007-0041273; U.S. Patent Application No. 11/417,952, filed May 3, 2006, entitled "Acoustic Sensor," published February 22, 2007 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007-0041274; and U.S. Patent Application No. 11/472,501, filed June 21, 2006, entitled "Acoustic Sensor," published March 1, 2007 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007-0049837. All of the above-listed patent applications and patent application publications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0047] Some acoustic sensor embodiments comprise one or more acoustically sensitive elements. For example, an acoustically sensitive element may comprise one or more layers of a piezoelectric material such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). In some embodiments, the electrical lead 200 may be attached to one (or more) acoustically sensitive elements by, for example, attaching the crimp portion 708 of the electrical lead 200 to an electrically conductive portion of one (or more) piezoelectric layer(s) of the element. In certain embodiments, separate electrical leads 200 are attached to each of the acoustically sensitive elements. An electrically grounded lead 200 may also be provided. In certain such embodiments, the separate electrical leads 200 advantageously may be electrically shielded or insulated from each other to reduce electrical cross-talk among the leads 200. In some implementations, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more electrical leads 200 may be used. In the embodiments schematically shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the electrical leads 200 are positioned substantially in a plane. In other embodiments, the leads may have any suitable configuration such as, for example, in multiple planes, in a circular or rectangular array, etc.

[0048] Certain medical sensors 104 are configured to sense more than one type of body signal or body output, for example, acoustic signals and electrical signals. For example, the above-incorporated U.S. Patent Application No. 11/472,501 describes embodiments of a medical sensor 104 configured to include one or more acoustic sensing elements and one or more electrical sensing elements (e.g., an electrode for sensing an electrocardiogram signal). Embodiments of the connector 100 disclosed herein may be used with such sensor embodiments. For example, in certain such connector embodiments, one or more electrical leads 200 may be attached to the acoustic sensing elements as described above. An electrical lead 200, advantageously electrically shielded or insulated from some or all of any other electrical leads 200, may be attached to the electrical sensing element, for example, by electrically and mechanically connecting a crimp portion 708 of the lead 200 to an electrically conductive portion of an electrode.

[0049] In some embodiments, a medical diagnostic system may utilize electrical shielding to reduce interference by unwanted electromagnetic signals. For example, some medical diagnostic systems are configured such that some or all of the electrically sensitive system components are disposed in a Faraday cage to provide substantial shielding from static and/or dynamic electromagnetic fields. In some embodiments, the Faraday cage may comprise a shielding structure and/or a substantially continuous enclosure formed by an electrically conductive material that at least partially blocks external static electrical fields and/or electromagnetic radiation from effecting components in the interior of the enclosure. As used herein, the terms electrical (or electric) shielding and electromagnetic shielding are used interchangeably and include, without limitation, any device, structure, or component (such as, e.g., a Faraday cage) that reduces interference caused by external static electric fields, electromagnetic fields, and/or electromagnetic radiation.

[0050] In some implementations, the medical sensors 104 may include their own electrical shielding. For example, an acoustic sensor may include a Faraday cage to electrically isolate acoustic sensing layers (e.g., PVDF layers) that develop voltages (and/or currents) in response to acoustic waves received from a body. The electrical shielding of a sensor advantageously may enable smaller amplitude signals to be sensed, because the electrical shielding permits increased discrimination between desired electric signals (e.g., voltages in PVDF sensing layers) and undesired external electrical interference. [0051] It may be advantageous in some implementations to electrically connect the electromagnetic shielding of a medical sensor 104 to the electromagnetic shielding of a medical diagnostic system and/or to a cable connecting the sensor to the diagnostic system. In such embodiments, the combined electromagnetic shielding of the sensor 104 and the medical diagnostic system may beneficially provide a substantially continuous electromagnetic shield that substantially reduces interference by external electrical and/or electromagnetic signals. In certain such embodiments, the medical sensor connector 100 and/or the plug 108 of an electrical cable 112 connecting the sensor 104 to the diagnostic system may be configured to advantageously provide the substantially continuous electromagnetic shielding.

[0052] For example, in certain embodiments of the medical sensor connector 100 described herein, the connector 100 and/or a portion of the plug 108 may include features configured to electrically interconnect the electromagnetic shielding of the sensor 104 and the electromagnetic shielding of the diagnostic system.

[0053] Figure 12A schematically illustrates an embodiment of the medical sensor connector 100. In this embodiment, the receptacle 116 of the connector 100 comprises the upper portion 102a and the lower portion 102b which are attached by one or more protrusions 1204 in the lower portion 102b that engage one or more respective openings 1208 in the upper portion 102a (only one protrusion 1204 and one opening 1208 are shown in Fig. 12A). The sensor 104 (not shown in Fig. 12A) is mechanically secured to the connector 100 in a gap 1206 between the upper and lower portions 102a, 102b. The lower portion 102b comprises channels 1212 that support the male pins 704 of the electrical leads 200 (not shown in Fig. 12A) that electrically engage sockets 1216 of the plug 108. In some embodiments, the sockets 1216 comprise the wire sleeves shown in Figure 11.

[0054] The illustrated embodiment of the connector 100 also comprises an electrically conductive tab 1220 attached to an inside surface of the upper portion 102b of the receptacle 116. The upper portion 102b of the connector 100 is depicted in Figure 12A as transparent to show the conductive tab 1220. In this embodiment, the conductive tab 1220 comprises an elongated member formed from a resilient material such as, for example, a plastic, a metal, etc. The elongated member may be electrically conductive (e.g., a metal) or may have surface portions that are metalized (e.g., by deposition of an electrically conductive substance). In other embodiments, the conductive tab 1220 may have other shapes and/or sizes than illustrated. For example, the conductive tab 1220 may comprise a bump or protrusion formed on the inner surface of the upper portion 102b. The conductive tab 1220 may be in electrical contact with the electromagnetic shielding of the sensor. In some embodiments, the elongated member comprises a notch 1404 that will be described with reference to Figures 14-15B.

[0055] In some embodiments, some or all of the inside surfaces of the receptacle 116 may be electrically conductive (e.g., via metallization) so as to provide electrical contact with the conductive tab 1220. Advantageously, electrically conductive surfaces of the connector 100 may act as electrical shields for the connector receptacle 116 and/or for electrically sensitive elements in the receptacle 116 (e.g., electrical leads 200). For example, the electrically conductive surfaces of the receptacle 116 may act as a Faraday cage and substantially electrically shield the male pins 704 that extend through the channels 1212 into the receptacle 116. When the cable plug 108 is inserted into the connector 100, the male pins 704 electrically and mechanically engage respective female sockets 1216, and the electrically conductive portions of the connector 100 (and/or electrically conductive portions of the plug 108) may provide electrical shielding for the male pins 704 and female sockets 1216, thereby advantageously reducing (or eliminating) electrical interference to signals that are communicated from the sensor 104. In some embodiments, one or more of the male pins 704 may be a ground connection for the sensor 104. In some embodiments, a male ground may electrically engage a grounded female socket in the plug 108 to provide additional electrical shielding.

[0056] The conductive tab 1220 may be configured to provide an electrical connection with the plug 108, when the plug 108 is inserted into the connector 100. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the conductive tab 1220 has an arcuate shape that bends away from the upper surface of the upper portion 102a of the receptacle 116. The tab 1220 has an end 1230 that is not attached to the upper portion 102a. The upper portion of the plug 108 comprises an electrically conductive groove 1224 configured to engage the conductive tab 1220. In the embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the electrically conductive groove 1224 may be substantially rectangular in shape and may be metalized to provide electrical contact with the conductive tab 1220. In other embodiments, the groove 1224 may have other shapes, such as a circle, notch, depression, etc. The electrically conductive groove 1224 advantageously may be in electrical contact with electrical shielding of the cable 112 (which in turn advantageously may be in electrical contact with the shielding of the medical diagnostic system).

[0057] In some embodiments, as the plug 108 is inserted into the connector 100, the conductive tab 1220 is displaced upward (see, e.g., Figs. 12A and 12B). When the plug 108 is fully inserted into the connector receptacle 116, the conductive tab 1220 rebounds to a seated position within the groove 1224 of the plug 108. In the seated position, the conductive tab 1220 and the electrically conductive groove 1224 are in electrical contact, thereby providing substantially continuous electrical shielding between the cable 112 and the sensor 104.

[0058] Figures 13A and 13B schematically illustrate an embodiment of the connector 100 and the plug 108 in an electrically and mechanically engaged position (as noted above, the electrical leads 200 of the sensor 104 are not shown). As depicted in Figures 13A and 13B, the conductive tab 1220 is seated in the groove 1224, such that the end 1230 of the conductive tab 1220 is in physical and electrical contact with the electrically conductive groove 1224 of the plug 108. Such electrical contact between the tab 1220 and the groove 1224 may advantageously provide electrical shielding (e.g., a Faraday cage) for the connector receptacle 116 and/or electrical components within the receptacle 116 (e.g., male pins and/or female electrical sockets).

[0059] In some embodiments, as the plug 108 is removed from the connector 100, the unattached end of the conductive tab 1220 engages a ramp portion of the groove 1224 causing the conductive tab 1220 to be displaced upwards, thereby permitting the plug 108 to be withdrawn from the connector receptacle 116. After the plug 108 is removed, the conductive tab 1220 rebounds to the position shown in Figures 12A and 12B. If desired, in this configuration the sensor 104 is reusable and can be repeatedly attached and detached from the plug 108.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the conductive tab 1220 is shaped differently than shown in Figures 12A-13B. For example, the tab 1220 may have a more symmetrical, U- shape so that the displacement forces on the tab 1220 are approximately symmetrical as the plug 108 is inserted and removed. In other embodiments, the tab 1220 is formed on a different portion of the connector 100 (e.g., the bottom or a side) and the groove 1224 in the plug 108 is suitably configured to engage the tab 1220. In some embodiments, more than one tab 1220 is used to engage one or more grooves 1224 in the plug 108. Many variations are possible.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the connector 100 may be configured so that the sensor 104 can be used only a single time. Single-use sensors may be advantageous in that repetitive use, in some cases, may degrade the functionality of the sensor 104 and may be unsanitary or pose health-related concerns if the degraded functionality impairs diagnostic capabilities of the diagnostic system. Therefore, in some embodiments, the connector 100 is configured to prevent (or reduce the likelihood of) repetitive use of the sensor 104. For example, the connector 100 can be configured to make it difficult to insert the plug 108 more than one time. In certain embodiments, if the connector 100 is tampered with or an attempt is made to disable the single- use capability, the sensor 104 will not function. Such embodiments may provide advantages in implementations where repetitive use of the sensor 104 poses possible health risks. Embodiments of a single-use sensor connector may comprise any of the connectors described herein including, for example, the connectors 100 described with reference to Figures 1-13B and the embodiments described below.

[0062] Figures 14, 15 A, and 15B schematically illustrate an embodiment of the connector 100 that provides single- use functionality. The embodiment shown in Figures 14, 15A and 15B may be generally similar to embodiments of the connector 100 shown and described with reference to Figures 12A-13B. In this illustrated embodiment, the tab 1220 and the groove 1224 are electrically conductive and provide electrical shielding as well as single-use functionality. This is not a limitation to the connectors described herein, and in other embodiments, the tab 1220 and the grove 1224 provide single- use functionality but are not electrically conductive and do not provide electrical shielding.

[0063] Figure 14 schematically illustrates the plug 108 as it is being removed from an embodiment of the connector 100. In this embodiment, the tab 1220 comprises an arcuate, elongated member having a distal end 1230. The tab 1220 comprises a notch 1404 disposed medially along the elongated member. The notch 1404 is configured so that when the tab 1220 is placed under a sufficiently large longitudinal compressive force, the tab 1220 will have a tendency to buckle or move about the notch 1440 (e.g., to fold back on itself). Although one notch 1404 is shown in Figure 14, in other embodiments two or more notches 1404 are used. In another embodiment, one or more portions of the tab 1220 are structurally weakened (e.g., via scoring and/or perforations) to enable buckling or movement about the weakened portions. In another embodiment, one or more weakened portions of the tab 1220 are formed from material that is structurally weaker (and/or more resilient) than the other portions of the tab 1220 so that the tab 1220 has a tendency to buckle about the weakened portion(s). In some embodiments, under sufficient longitudinal compression, the tab 1220 may break at the notch 1404.

[0064] As the plug 108 is removed from the connector 100, the distal end 1230 of the tab 1220 contacts a distal wall portion 1408 of the groove 1224, which causes a longitudinal compressive force on the tab 1220. As removal of the plug 108 continues, the compressive force increases until the tab 1220 buckles and structurally deforms about the notch 1404. An example of the shape of the tab 1220 in a deformed state is schematically shown in Figures 15A and 15B. In the deformed state, the tab 1220 approximates a V-shape in which the distal end 1230 of the tab 1220 has been bent almost 180 degrees about the notch 1404.

[0065] Once the tab 1220 is in the deformed state (see, e.g., Figs. 15A and 15B), re- insertion of the plug 108 into the connector receptacle 116 is more difficult. Subsequent attempts to re- insert the plug 108 will be inhibited, and re-insertion may require significantly more force than when the tab 1220 is in an undeformed state (see, e.g., Figs. 12A- 14). Accordingly, a user will readily know if the sensor 104 has previously been used, because insertion of the plug 108 into the connector 100 will be difficult. Embodiments of a connector 100 having a deformable tab 1220 thereby provide single- use functionality for the sensor 104.

[0066] In embodiments of the single- use connector 100 in which the deformable tab 1220 is electrically conductive, if the plug 108 is forcibly re- inserted, the conductive tab 1220 may not seat properly within the conductive groove 1224 of the plug 108, and ability of the medical diagnostic system to provide substantially continuous electrical shielding may be reduced. Similarly, if the conductive tab 1220 is tampered with and/or removed, the amount of electrical shielding provided by the diagnostic system may be reduced. In some embodiments, the diagnostic system is configured to sense whether there is an electrical connection between the connector 100 (and/or the sensor 104) and the plug 108, and if the electrical connection is broken, the diagnostic system provides an alert to the user, stops performing diagnostic tests, or takes some other suitable action. Such embodiments advantageously may provide increased levels of patient safety by reducing the likelihood the medical diagnostic system can be used with sensors designed for single-use only.

[0067] Embodiments of the sensor connectors 100, electrical cable plugs 108, electrical leads 200, female electrical sockets described herein may be used with any suitable type of medical sensor including, but not limited to, an acoustic sensor, an ECG sensor, a combined acoustic and ECG sensor, and so forth. The sensors may be adapted to communicate electrical signals (e.g., via the electrical cable 112) to a medical device adapted to process the signals and/or to provide diagnostic information. For example, embodiments of the sensors 104, sensor connectors 100, and plugs 108 may be used with apparatus providing acoustic diagnosis including, but not limited to, devices for diagnosing cardiovascular problems (e.g., detecting and/or locating occlusions in coronary arteries). For example, the components described herein may be used with any of the systems described in, e.g., U.S. Patent Application No. 10/830,719, filed April 23, 2004, entitled "Apparatus And Method For Non-Invasive Diagnosing Of Coronary Artery Disease," issued November 6, 2007 as U.S. Patent No. 7,291,111; and U.S. Patent Application No. 11/333,791, filed January 17, 2006, entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Acoustic Diagnosis," published March 8, 2007 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007-0055151. All of the above-listed patent applications, patent application publications, and patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0068] Although Figures 1-15B depict example embodiments in which a male cable plug 108 is configured to engage a female receptacle 116 of the connector 100, in other embodiments the connector 100 may be configured to comprise a male portion that engages a female portion on the cable plug 108. Also, although certain embodiments are described herein in the illustrative context of a connector for an acoustic sensor, other embodiments may be used with other medical sensors. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components. For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

[0069] Reference throughout this specification to "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least some embodiments. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment and may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure. As used in this application, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0070] A number of patent applications, publications, and external documents have been incorporated by reference herein. Any conflict or contradiction between a statement in the body text of this specification and a statement in any of the incorporated documents is to be resolved in favor of the statement in the body text.

[0071] Additionally, although described in the illustrative context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosure extends beyond the specifically described embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the claims which follow should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A connector configured to electrically and mechanically connect a medical sensor to a cable, the medical sensor having one or more electrical leads for outputting a sensor signal, the cable configured to transmit the sensor signal and having a plug, the connector comprising: a receptacle comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an engagement surface, the distal end configured to be attached to the medical sensor and to mechanically support the one or more electrical leads, the proximal end configured to receive the plug, and the engagement surface configured to engage an outer surface of the plug, wherein the engagement surface of the receptacle comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and two lateral surfaces, at least one of which is tapered at a taper angle selected to provide a frictional retention force on the outer surface of the plug when the plug is received in the receptacle.

2. The connector of Claim 1 , wherein the medical sensor is an acoustic sensor configured to sense acoustic signals from a body.

3. The connector of Claim 1, wherein the taper angle is in a range from about 1 degree to about 12 degrees.

4. The connector of Claim 1, wherein the taper angle is in a range from about 3 degrees to about 6 degrees.

5. The connector of Claim 1, wherein the taper angle is selected to provide frictional self- locking between the engagement surface and the outer surface of the plug.

6. The connector of Claim 5, wherein the taper angle is selected based at least in part on a coefficient of friction between the engagement surface and the outer surface of the plug.

7. The connector of Claim 1, wherein both of the lateral surfaces are tapered at substantially the same taper angle.

8. The connector of Claim 7, wherein the taper angle is at least about 6 degrees.

9. The connector of Claim 7, wherein the upper surface is tapered at an upper taper angle that is less than the taper angle of the lateral surfaces.

10. The connector of Claim 9, wherein the upper taper angle is at least about 3 degrees.

11. The connector of Claim 1, wherein the engagement surface is shaped to provide an oriented engagement position for the plug.

12. The connector of Claim 11, wherein the upper surface is curved and the lower surface is substantially flat.

13. The connector of Claim 1, wherein the receptacle provides electrical shielding.

14. The connector of Claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the engagement surface is metalized to provide the electrical shielding.

15. The connector of Claim 1, wherein the upper surface comprises an electrically conductive tab configured to engage an electrical conductive portion of the outer surface of the plug.

16. The connector of Claim 1, wherein the upper surface comprises a tab that comprises a flex portion, the tab configured to permit a first insertion of the plug into the receptacle, the tab further configured to deform about the flex portion upon a first removal of the plug from the receptacle, wherein the deformed tab inhibits a second insertion of the plug into the receptacle.

17. A connector for a medical sensor having a plurality of electrical leads, the connector comprising: means for attachment to the medical sensor, the attachment means configured to mechanically support the electrical leads of the medical sensor; and means for receiving a plug of a cable configured for transmitting signals from the medical sensor, the receiving means configured to permit electrical connection between the electrical leads and plug; wherein the receiving means is configured to provide an oriented engagement for the plug, the receiving means further configured to provide a frictional retention force on the plug sufficient to secure the plug in the receiving means.

18. The connector of Claim 17, wherein the receiving means comprises means for electrically shielding the electrical leads of the medical sensor.

19. The connector of Claim 17, wherein the receiving means comprises means for inhibiting reinsertion of the plug after a first connection of the medical sensor and the plug.

20. A medical connection system comprising: a medical sensor having at least one electrical lead for outputting a sensor signal; a cable for transmitting the sensor signal from the medical sensor, the cable having a plug configured to electrically connect to the at least one electrical lead of the medical sensor; and a connector configured to attach the plug to the medical sensor, wherein the connector comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured to be attached to the medical sensor and to house the at least one electrical lead, the distal end configured to receive the plug, the housing comprising at least one tapered surface configured to mate with a complementary tapered surface of the plug, the tapered surfaces providing a frictional retention force between the housing and the plug.

21. The medical connection system of Claim 20, wherein the medical sensor comprises an acoustic sensor.

22. The medical connection system of Claim 20, wherein the electrical lead comprises a pin portion for electrical connection to the plug and a crimp portion for electrical connection to electrically conductive portions of the medical sensor.

23. The medical connection system of Claim 22, wherein the crimp portion comprises an electrically conductive staple.

24. The medical connection system of Claim 22, wherein the plug comprises a socket configured to electrically engage the pin portion.

25. The medical connection system of Claim 24, wherein the socket comprises a wire sleeve.

26. The medical connection system of Claim 20, wherein the at least one tapered surface of the housing has a taper angle in a range from about 1 degree to about 12 degrees.

27. The medical connection system of Claim 20, wherein the housing comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and two lateral surfaces, and the at least one tapered surface comprises the two lateral surfaces, wherein each lateral surface is tapered at substantially the same taper angle.

28. The medical connection system of Claim 20, wherein at least one of the upper surface, the lower surface, and the two lateral surfaces comprises a shape sufficient to provide an oriented engagement position for the plug.

29. The medical connection system of Claim 20, wherein the housing is configured to provide electrical shielding for the at least one electrical lead of the medical sensor.

30. The medical connection system of Claim 20, wherein the housing comprises an elongated tab configured to engage a groove on the plug.

31. The medical connection system of Claim 30, wherein the elongated tab is electrically conductive and at least a portion of the groove is electrically conductive, the engagement of the electrically conductive tab and the electrically conduction portion of the groove providing electrical shielding.

32. The medical connection system of Claim 30, wherein the elongated tab comprises a flex portion, the elongated tab configured to deform about the flex portion when the plug is removed from the housing, the deformed tab thereby inhibiting subsequent insertion of the plug into the housing.