Proprietary fiber connector and electronic security system

A proprietary connector and security system for coupling only a proprietary medical fiber optic laser delivery device for a laser source comprising:

• the medical fiber optic laser delivery device adapted to be connected to the laser source;
• electronic memory means attached to the fiber optic delivery device and adapted to communicate with a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the laser source, the electronic memory means comprising at least one interface and at least one data module, the at least one interface adapted for establishing communication between the data module and the CPU, the data module having mad/write memory for storage of at least one security code and data corresponding to usage of the proprietary connector, and storage of data accumulated during the medical procedure;
• a connector body having a length of approximately 1.2 inches, the connector body defining a fiber ferrule end and a strain relief end;
• the fiber ferrule end adapted for attachment to a fitting of the laser source and being approximately 0.46 inches long, 0.16 inches in diameter, and defining a lumen having a diameter of approximately 0.062 inches;
• the strain relief end adapted for attachment of the specific fiber optic laser delivery device and being approximately 0.70 inches in length and defining a lumen having a diameter of approximately 0.125 inches;
• keeper nut means for attachment to the connector body and adapted for attachment to the fitting of the laser source, the keeper nut means being approximately 0.9 inches long, 0.5 inches wide, and having approximately 40, 5/16 inch internal threads;
• and
• retainer means for attachment over the connector body for securing the connector body within the keeper nut means;
• whereby the laser source is enabled when the CPU processes and in accordance with the at least one security code and acceptable data corresponding to usage of the proprietary connector, thereby ensuring reliable and safe use of the medical fiber optic laser delivery device.

A method of ensuring reliable and safe use of a proprietary medical electromagnetic (EM) energy delivery device for a medical procedure with discrete components requiring connection comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a connector with an electronic security system for coupling only the proprietary medical EM energy delivery device to a EM energy source, wherein the EM energy source is adapted to be coupled to the medical EM energy delivery device and has a central processing unit (CPU), the connector is adaptable for attachment of a proximal end of the EM energy delivery device to the source of EM energy, and an electronic memory means for storing at least one security code and data corresponding to usage of the connector, the memory means forms part of the proprietary connector which communicates with the CPU;
• b) connecting the EM energy source to the medical EM energy delivery device;
• and
• c) processing the at least one security code and the data corresponding to usage of the EM energy delivery device stored in the electronic memory means by the CPU;
• and
• d) enabling the EM energy source by the CPU when the at least one security code and acceptable data corresponding to usage of the connector are in accordance with required data.