Importance

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Abstract

A system for interconnecting two medical devices with a flexible elongated interconnection member, such as a cord, a wire, or a tube, includes two separates lengths of the elongated member and a selectively releasable electric coupling therebetween. One or both lengths of the elongated member contain a cord dispenser which comprises a portion of that length of the cord wound into a tubular coil and a tubular casing coaxially encircling the coil and having openings at opposite ends thereof. Preferably, the inner surface of the casing is in gripping engagement with the outer surface of the coil. Depending on the manner in which the coil is wound, the cord and the coil can be controllably unwound from the coil in the casing by withdrawing an end of the cord from one or both exit openings in the casing. Preferably, however, one end of the cord passes longitudinally through the center of the coil from a winding at one end to an exit opening in the casing at the other end. Optionally the other end of the cord is disposed between the coil and casing. In one embodiment both ends of the cord pass through a single exit opening. The ends of each length of cord not coupled to each other may be provided with a cord stiffening interconnection handle to facilitate the coupling of that end to non-sterile medical equipment without compromising the sterile field in which the individual doing so is to operate.

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First Claim