Apparatus for reducing cross-contamination

A medical device comprising:

• an elongate reusable part defining a longitudinal axis;
• a disposable part for connection to the reusable part by engaging the disposable part with a longitudinal end of the reusable part and rotating the disposable part relative to the reusable part about the longitudinal axis;
• and
• a re-use prevention mechanism operable such that the disposable part is single-use connectable to the reusable part, the re-use prevention mechanism comprising:
• a blocking portion disposed, during the single use, between the connected disposable part and the reusable part, the blocking portion being adapted to engage a recess in the reusable part to rotationally lock the disposable part to the reusable part;
• and
• an actuating member operable between the blocking portion and one of the disposable part and the reusable part for moving the blocking portion into a blocking position upon disconnection of the disposable part from the reusable part;
• wherein, in the blocking position, the blocking portion engages an abutment surface on one of the disposable part and the reusable part if a user attempts to reconnect the disposable part to the reusable part and thereby prevents re-connection of the disposable part to the reusable part.

A disposable laryngoscope apparatus for use with a laryngoscope handle defining a longitudinal axis, said laryngoscope apparatus comprising:

• a laryngoscope blade for connection to the handle by engaging the blade with a longitudinal end of the handle and rotating the blade part relative to handle about the longitudinal axis;
• and
• first and second interengageable collars connectable with one of the blade and the handle, the collars being rotatably lockable to one another in first and second relative rotational positions;
• wherein
• the first collar comprises a blocking portion extending therefrom and disposed, in use, between the blade and the handle, wherein when the blade is engaged with the handle, the blocking portion is adapted to engage a recess in the handle to rotationally lock the blade to the handle and wherein in the first position if a user attempts to connect the blade to the handle, the blocking portion engages the recess;
• and
• the second collar comprises an actuating member extending therefrom and operable between the blocking portion and one of the blade and the handle for moving the blocking portion into a blocking position upon disconnection of the blade from the handle, wherein when in the blocking position, the blocking portion engages an abutment surface on one of the blade and the handle if a user attempts to reconnect the blade to the handle to thereby prevent re-connection of the blade to the handle, and wherein in the second position if a user attempts to connect the blade to the handle, the blocking portion engages the abutment surface.