WO2024033669A1

WO2024033669A1 - System and method for locking a probe connector to a medical device

Info

Publication number: WO2024033669A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/000469
Authority: WO
Inventors: Allison PARO; Damien Majorel
Original assignee: Supersonic Imagine
Priority date: 2022-08-12
Filing date: 2022-08-12
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a system for locking a probe connector to a medical device, the system comprising: a locking device configured to lock the probe connector to a connection port of the medical device upon on a locking command, and an electronic control unit configured to detect a connected status of the probe connector and to automatically trigger the locking command as a function of the detected connected status.

Description

System and method for locking a probe connector to a medical device

BACKGROUND

[0001] Medical devices are generally electronic devices which have the function of obtaining data of a human body (or any other medium) and/or to apply a treatment or intervention to a patient. For such a purpose the medical device may be equipped with or connected to a probe. For example, the probe may be placed in contact with a surface of the observed medium. In other cases, the probe may be placed close to or inside the observed medium, during interventions on patient or animal for example.

[0002] The probe typically comprises a probe connector which can be connected to the medical device, in particular a connection port of the device, to enable the device to control the probe and/or to permit a data exchange. Typically, such connection ports are arranged at a lower portion and/or back side of the medical device. The probe may be further equipped with a cable arranged between the probe and the probe connector, such that a user can freely move the probe and for example access different areas of region of interest, for example on a patient body.

[0003] In order to ensure a reliable connection and data communication, the probe connector may be mechanically locked in its connected state. For example, the connecting port may have a mechanical locking mechanism which can be operated by a mechanical lever.

[0004] In many applications it is necessary to change the probe(s) during operation of the medical device, i.e. to replace one connected probe by another. For example, a workflow in an ultrasound application may require one or several replacements of probes, in order to acquire different types of data from a patient using the different probes, respectively.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0005] The system and method described herein are related to technologies for locking a probe connector to a medical device, which advantageously is faster and more comfortable to be operated by a user, and which is more intuitive for the user. This provides relief to the user from laborious and time-consuming operations when connecting a probe or unplugging a probe, and/or replacing a connected probe by another one. This also enhances the user's understanding of the current connection state of the probe.

[0006] Therefore, system for locking a probe connector to a medical device is provided. The system comprises a locking device configured to lock the probe connector to a connection port of the medical device upon on a locking command, and an electronic control unit configured to detect a connected status of the probe connector and to automatically trigger the locking command as a function of the detected connected status.

[0007] It is also possible that the medical device comprises or is equipped with a plurality of connection ports and each connection port is provided with a respective locking device.

[0008] By providing such a system, a probe can be reliably connected to a medical device in a user-friendly (i.e. fast and easy) manner. In particular, since the electronic control unit may automatically trigger the locking command, once the probe is connected, the user may be relieved from taking any further actions to secure the connected state. Accordingly, the probe may be automatically protected from being accidentally disconnected (i.e, without any further action to be taken by the user). Therefore, the user may be relieved from laborious and time-consuming operations when connecting a probe.

[0009] The system may further comprise a status signaling device configured to indicate a locking and/or connection status of the connector to a user. Accordingly, the user's understanding of the current connection state of the probe may be enhanced. For example, the user may directly be aware of, for example by seeing the connection status when looking to the status signaling device.

[0010] The status signaling device may in particular be advantageous, when the locking operation is done automatically, without any further action or contribution from the user (beside plugging the probe connector in the port). The user may anyway keep control over the system, as he/she can always remain aware of the current connection status.

[0011] The electronic control unit may further be configured to measure a (for example predefined) time duration of the connected status, and to automatically trigger the locking command further as a function of the measured time duration. For example, after the time duration has expired, the probe connector may automatically be locked. In this way, the user may have a "grace period", where the probe may still be pulled out of the port, for example, in case the user discovers a mistake (for example by plugging a wrong connector and/or a wrong probe).

[0012] The electronic control unit may be configured to automatically trigger the locking command, in case at least one of the following locking conditions is fulfilled: the connector has been connected to the medical device and remains connected for at least a predefined minimum duration, and an operation mode or workflow of the medical device and/or the probe has been initiated. For example, the workflow may be a predefined and/or customizable medical workflow.

[0013] Hence, it is further possible that locking of the probe connector requires additionally or alternatively that the user starts working with the probe, i.e. that an operation mode or a workflow of the medical device and/or the probe has been initiated. Alternatively, an Al (Artificial Intelligence) algorithm may be used to recognize any intended locking commands. This Al algorithm may be previously trained based on known medical workflows and/or acquisition data. Al algorithm may for example be a machine-learning algorithm, such as for instance a neural network.

[0014] The system may further comprise a user input device. Accordingly, the user may actively control the system. In particular, the user input device may be configured to receive a first and/or second user input from the user.

[0015] The electronic control unit may further be configured to: receive a first predefined user input from the user input device, and to automatically trigger the locking command further as a function of the first user input, and/or receive a second predefined user input from the user input device, and to automatically trigger the unlocking command further as a function of the second user input.

Accordingly, the user may also manually control and/or change the connection state. [0016] The system may further comprise or be associated with a sensor, or a group of sensors configured to detect a user approaching the locked connecter and to output a sensor signal in this case to the electronic control device.

[0017] The electronic control device may for example be further configured to automatically trigger an unlocking command as a function of a received sensor signal.

[0018] The locking device may further be configured to unlock the probe from the medical device upon on the unlocking command.

[0019] Hence, also unlocking a probe connector may be carried out automatically or at least semi-automatically by a respective sensor signal. Using a sensor can be particularly intuitive for a user which is used to manually operate a mechanical lever at the connection port. For example, the sensor may be configured to detect a user's hand approaching and/or moving in the area of the probe connector (in particular in the region where conventionally a manual lever would be arranged on a side of the connection port). As a consequence, a user who intuitively tries to reach the (nonexisting) manual lever, may be detected by the sensor and may trigger the unlocking command. Hence the user's behavior, i.e. specific gestures of the user, may be detected by the system and may trigger unlocking the probe connector.

[0020] Desirably, the probe connector may be locked again, in case the connector remains connected for at least a predefined minimum duration (i.e. without being pulled out of the port), and/or in case a predefined operation mode of the medical device and/or the probe has been initiated. Hence, any potentially accidental unlocking does not have any negative effect and the reliable connection can be secured again.

[0021] Unlocking may also imply an at least partial disconnection, for example the probe connector is automatically pushed out of the port for a limited extent, such that the connector does not fall. Hence, the user can easier understand which probe connector has to be pulled out (and maybe replaced), and the mechanical disconnection becomes easier.

[0022] The electronic control device may further be configured to automatically trigger an unlocking command as a function of a workflow of the medical device. For example, the workflow may be a predefined and/or customizable medical workflow. [0023] For example, when the user stops working with the probe, i.e. once the probe is not used anymore or an operation is terminated (as example a scan session), the probe connector may automatically be unlocked. Hence, during the workflow a reliable connection may be guaranteed and at the same time the user may pulled out the probe connector afterwards, without even realizing the connector was locked in the meantime.

[0024] For example, an unlocking command may be triggered by a user command stopping a current medical workflow or indicating that a current workflow is to be continued with another medical device, which is not yet connected and no free connection port is available (i.e. all connection ports are occupied by connected probes), and a command triggered by an algorithm indicating that a current workflow is to be continued with another medical device which is not yet connected and no free connection port is available. Hence, a workflow performed by the medical device may be detected by the system and may trigger unlocking the probe connector.

[0025] An unlocking command may also be triggered by a user via a pedal, touch screen, or remote control. Alternatively, an Al algorithm may be used to recognize any intended unlocking commands. This Al algorithm may be previously trained based on known medical workflows and/or acquisition data and/or video data as example.

[0026] The status signaling device may be configured to output at least one of: a predefined first signal (i.e. an unconnected status signal) as a function of an undetected connected status, a predefined second signal (i.e. a connected but unlocked status signal) as a function of the detected connected status and/or a triggered unlocking command, a predefined third signal (i.e. a locked status signal) as a function of a triggered locking command, a predefined fourth status signal (i.e. a failure status signal) as a function of a detected connection and/or operability failure of the probe, a predefined fifth status signal (i.e. an operation status signal) as a function of a predefined operation mode of the probe, a predefined sixth status signal (i.e. special signaling for a test operation) as a function of a predefined test mode of the probe. During the test mode the probe may not be useable but may be required to maintain a reliable connection.

For example, in case the status signaling device comprises a light source (for instance an LED), the different types of status may be signaled via different light colors and/or lighting patterns and/or displaying combinations.

[0027] The electronic control unit may be configured to detect the connected status as a function of a predefined electronic control process performed by the medical device. For example, as long as it is determined by the electronic control device (or any other element of the medical device) that the probe is used and/or operated, the probe connector may be considered as being in a connected status. In a further example, the connected status may be detected as a function of a detected signal exchange between the medical device and the probe, or a signal response of the probe. For example, an impendence at the port or other electrical signals may be measured. Alternatively, a sensor for sensing the connection may be used.

[0028] The connection and/or operability failure of the probe may be detected as a function of the predefined electronic control process. For example, in case the detected signal exchange does not fulfill a predefined signaling condition, a connection and/or operability failure of the probe may be detected.

[0029] The locking device may be an electronically controllable locking device, and/or the locking device may comprise a mechanic and/or electromagnetic actuator. For example, the mechanic actuator may use hook(s) to lock the probe connector.

[0030] The status signaling device may comprise at least one LED, for example arranged at the connection ports of the medical device. The status may additionally or alternatively be indicated on a display or in a separate user interface, for example adjacent to control panel, screen, or keyboard of the medical device. Such a separate user interface may have the advantage that a user can see the status when operating the medical device. Thus, the user does not need view the connection ports, for example arranged on the backside of the device,

[0031] The sensor may comprise at least one touch and/or motion sensor, optionally arranged at the connection port of the medical device. [0032] The system may be configured as a retrofit set configured to equip at least one of:

• a medical device,

• at least one connection port of a medical device,

• a probe, and

• a probe connector.

[0033] The system may thus be a retrofit set.

[0034] The present disclosure further relates to a medical device configured to collaborate with a probe, the medical device comprising: at least one connection port configured to receive and/or connect with a probe connecter, and a system according to the present disclosure.

[0035] The present disclosure further relates to a probe configured to collaborate with a medical device, the probe comprising: a probe connecter configured to be inserted in to and/or connected with a connection port of the medical device, and a system according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Hence, it is also possible that the system equips the probe and not (only) the examination device.

[0037] The present disclosure further relates to a method for locking a probe connector to a medical device, the method comprising:

• locking, by a locking device, the probe connector to a connection port of the medical device upon on a locking command, and

• detecting, by an electronic control unit, a connected status of the probe connector and to automatically trigger the locking command as a function of the detected connected status.

[0038] The method may further comprise any operations which correspond to the functions of the system according to the present disclosure.

[0039] The present disclosure further relates to a computer program comprising computer-readable instructions which when executed by a data processing system cause a system according to any one of preceding system claims to carry out the method according to any one of preceding method claims. [0040] It is intended that combinations of the above-described elements and those within the specification may be made, except where otherwise contradictory.

[0041] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, are provided for illustration purposes and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate examples of the disclosure and together with the description, and serve to support and illustrate the principles thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Fig. 1 schematically shows a medical device comprising a system according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig. 2a and 2b show exemplary embodiments of a medical device and a probe connector equipped with a system according to the present disclosure; and

[0045] Fig. 3a and 3b show exemplary embodiments of a connection port according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0047] The present disclosure relates in general to systems and methods for locking a probe connector to a medical device. For example, the system and method may be used in a medical device such as for instance an ultrasound system. More in particular, the probe may be an ultrasound probe connected to the ultrasound system via a cable and a probe connector.

[0048] The system and method of the present disclosure may allow a user to avoid uncomfortable and unnaturally stooped positions, when a probe needs to be changed, and thus also unwanted time delays and health problems. Moreover, no force is required for engaging or disengaging a mechanic locking mechanism.

[0049] Furthermore, in case the medical device associated to the system is used for imaging purposes and thus used in rooms with only few lights to facilitate analysis of the produced images, a locking mechanism of the system may anyway be reliably operated. In addition, the user may always be aware of the current state of the locking mechanism.

[0050] The above-mentioned advantages are described in the following in more detail with reference to figures.

[0051] Fig. 1 schematically shows a medical device comprising a system according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0052] The medical device 100 may be configured to perform a medical operation, comprising for example obtaining medical information from a medium (for example a patient) and/or applying a treatment or intervention to the medium. For this purpose, it may be connectable to a probe (not shown in fig. 1) which can be put by a user in a suitable position to carry out a respective operation.

[0053] The medical device 100 may be a medical imaging system (for example, for patient examination and/or veterinary use or any other imaging application), in particular an ultrasound system. Other examples include an optical imaging system or an X-ray system, and the like.

[0054] The medical device may be configured to receive data representing the medical information (for instance acquired using a probe, not shown in Fig. 1). The medical device may include at least one display device 10a, 10b that is configured to display an image based on the data acquired by the probe.

[0055] The system 100 may further include a main station 22 including, for example, electronic and/or computer means. Examples illustrated herein include a processing unit and/or one or more memories. Said computing means may be used to process the acquired data. However, it is also possible for these means to be remote (for example on a workstation, in the cloud, ....).

[0056] The system may further include a user interface and/or control panel 23 configured to allow the user to control the medical device. For example, the control panel may include one or more buttons, sliding controllers, and/or a touchpad. [0057] The medical device comprises at least one connection port la, lb configured to receive and/or connect with a probe connecter (not shown). The connection port la, lb may be configured according to the present disclosure, for example comprise a locking device configured to lock the probe connector to a connection port of the medical device upon on a locking command. For example, said connection port may be arranged at a lower portion 24 (for example a base 24) of the medical device, for example below the main station 22. The connection port may be arranged on a front side (cf. connection port la) and/or on a back side (cf. connection port lb). The device may also comprise a plurality of connections ports (for example two or four or more) which may be arranged side by side in a horizontal extension.

[0058] The medical device may further comprise or be connected to an electronic control unit configured to detect a connected status of the probe connector and to automatically trigger a locking command as a function of the detected connected status. For example, the control unit may be comprised by the main station 22, and for example correspond to the processing unit.

[0059] The electronic control unit may be configured to automatically trigger the locking command, in case at least one of the following locking conditions is fulfilled: the connector has been connected to the medical device and remains connected for at least a predefined minimum duration, and a predefined operation mode of the medical device and/or the probe has been initiated.

[0060] It is further possible, that the locking of the probe connector requires additionally or alternatively that the user starts working with the probe, i.e. that an operation mode or workflow of the medical device and/or the probe has been initiated, as explained above.

[0061] The system may further comprise an (for example optical) status signaling device 2a, 2b, 2c configured to indicate a locking and/or connection status of the connector to a user. Accordingly, the user's awareness of the current connection state of the probe may be enhanced. For example, the user may directly see the connection status when looking to the status signaling device.

[0062] The status signaling device may comprise at least one LED 2a, 2b, for example arranged adjacent to (for example above, below or on a left or right side) a connection port la, lb of the medical device. For example, each connection port may be provided with a status signaling device. The status signaling device is arranged desirably such that it can be easily attributed to a specific connection port by a user (for example being arrange above or below the connection port, in case the connection boards are arranged side by side in a horizontal extension).

[0063] The status may additionally or alternatively be indicated on a display 10a, 10b or in a separate user interface 2c (for example a touchscreen or display), for example adjacent to control panel or keyboard 23 of the medical device. Such a separate user interface may have the advantage that a user can see the status when operating the medical device. Thus, the user does not need to view the connection ports, which may be arranged in rather hidden area, for example in a lower region of the medical device and/or on the backside, usually used in a dark room.

[0064] The system may further comprise a user input device, for example in the form of the user interface 2c and/or the control panel 23. Accordingly, the user may actively control the system. In particular, the user input device may be configured to receive a first and/or second user input from the user,

[0065] The electronic control unit may further be configured to receive a first predefined user input from the user input device, and to automatically trigger the locking command further as a function of the first user input, and/or receive a second predefined user input from the user input device, and to automatically trigger the unlocking command further as a function of the second user input. Accordingly, the user may also manually control and/or change the connection state.

[0066] As shown in fig. 1, the medical device 100 may comprise the system of the present disclosure, or the system may be configured as a retrofit set configured to equip a conventional medical device 100.

[0067] Fig. 2a schematically shows a first example of a medical device and a probe connector equipped with a system according to the present disclosure.

[0068] In particular, fig. 2a shows a lower region 24 of the medical device. In the shown example two connection ports 1 are arranged side by side in a horizontal extension. However, also more or less connection ports may be provided.

[0069] Fig. 2a further shows an exemplary probe connector 3. Said probe connector may be configured to be plugged in (i.e. be connected to) a connection port 1. The probe connector may be connected to one end of a cable 4 which may be connected on its other end to a probe 5 (not shown).

[0070] The probe may be, for example, an ultrasound probe. However, the probe may also be configured to use technologies other than the ultrasound acquisition technique. For example, it may be or include other types of sensors or combined data acquisition techniques. In one example, the probe may include one or more optical and/or laser sensors and/or transducers. Alternatively, the probe may be configured for opto-acoustic data acquisition. Accordingly, the processing unit may be configured to also process other types of data than ultrasound data to generate information for display purposes. Furthermore, also other types of probes may be used, such as a sensor or an interventional device (for example, a device configured to remove material from the medium, such as a biopsy needle or any surgical instrument used in correlation with the device). Accordingly, the medical device 100 may be configured to include or be used with any combination of such probes.

[0071] The probe connector and/or the medical device may further be equipped with a status signaling device 2. In the example of Fig. 2a, the status signaling device 2 is arranged above the connection port 1. For example, in case the status signaling device 2 comprises a light source (for example an LED), the different types of status may be signaled via different light colors.

[0072] The status signaling device 2 may be configured to output at least one of: an unconnected status signal (for example a white light) as a function of an undetected connected status, a connected but unlocked status signal (for example a green light) as a function of the detected connected status and/or a triggered unlocking command, a locked status signal (for example a blue light) as a function of a triggered locking command, a failure status signal (for example a red light) as a function of a detected connection and/or operability failure of the probe, an operation status signal (for example a flashing/blinking blue light) as a function of a predefined operation mode of the probe, a special signaling for a test operation (for example a flashing/blinking yellow or orange light) as a function of a predefined test mode of the probe. During the test mode, the probe is usually required to maintain a reliable connection that can be guaranteed by the system of the present disclosure.

[0073] The probe connector and/or the medical device may further be equipped with a sensor (not shown) configured to detect a user approaching the locked connecter and to output a sensor signal in this case to the electronic control device. For example, the sensor may be configured to detect a hand approaching and/or moving in the area of the probe connector. For example, the sensor may be arranged above the connection port and close to or at the position of the signaling device 2.

[0074] The sensor may comprise at least one touch and/or motion sensor. The electronic control device may be further configured to automatically trigger an unlocking command as a function of a received sensor signal from the sensor.

[0075] As a consequence, the hand of a user who intuitively tries to reach the classical manual lever, may be detected by the sensor and may trigger the unlocking command.

[0076] Desirably, the probe connector may be locked again, in case the connector remains connected for at least a predefined minimum duration (i.e. without being pulled out of the port), and/or in case a predefined operation mode of the medical device and/or the probe has been initiated. Hence, any potentially accidental unlocking does not have any negative effect and the reliable connection can be secured again.

[0077] Unlocking may also imply an at least partial disconnection, for example the probe connector is automatically pushed out of the port for a limited extent, such that the connector does not fall down. Hence, the user can easier understand which probe connector has to be pulled out (and maybe replaced), and the mechanical disconnection becomes advantageously easier thanks to the disclosed system.

[0078] The electronic control device may further be configured to automatically trigger an unlocking command as a function of a predefined workflow of the medical device.

[0079] For example, when the user stops working with the probe, i.e. once the probe is not used anymore or an operation using it is terminated, the probe connector may automatically be unlocked. Hence, during the workflow a reliable connection may be guaranteed and at the same time the user may pulled out the probe connector afterwards, without even realizing the connector was locked in the meantime.

[0080] Fig. 2b schematically shows a second example of a medical device and a probe connector equipped with a system according to the present disclosure. Said second example may generally correspond to the first example of fig. 2a. However, instead of having the status signaling device 2 arranged above the connection port 1 (like in the first example of fig. 2a), the status signaling device 2 arranged maybe arranged to encase the connection port 1. Like in the first example of fig. 2a, in case the status signaling device 2 comprises a light source (for example an LED), the different types of status may be signaled via different light colors. Accordingly, instead of or in addition to a status signaling device 2 adjacent to the connection port 1, the status signaling device 2 may also be or comprise a rectangular outline around the connection port 1, for example to aid in illumination in a dark room.

[0081] Fig. 3a and 3b show exemplary embodiments of a connection port 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0082] The connection port 1 may comprise electric connectors 11 (for example a plurality of pins, or male or female connectors) which are configured to match with the connectors of a probe connector (not shown). The connection port 1 may further comprise a locking device 12 which is configured to engage with a structural part of the probe connector, in order to lock the probe connector.

[0083] In other words, locking the probe connector may mean that the probe connector cannot or only hardly be pulled out of the connection port. In this way any accidental disconnection by moving the probe (and thus pulling the probe cable) can advantageously be avoided.

[0084] The locking device 12 may be an electronically controllable locking device, and/or the locking device may comprise a mechanic and/or electromagnetic actuator. For example, the mechanic actuator may use hooks to lock the probe connector.

[0085] In the examples of fig. 3a and 3b a mechanic locking device 12 is shown which may be actuated by a mechanic and/or electromagnetic actuator (for example a servomotor). However, it is also possible that the locking device 12 is or comprises an electromagnetic locking device 12 (for example one or several electro-magnets), which for instance is electronically controllable (i.e. actuatable).

[0086] The connection port 1 may further comprise an actuation element 13 configured to actuate the locking device 12. In the example of fig. 3a, the actuation element 13 may be a rod which connects the mechanic locking device 12 with a servomotor (not shown). In another example, the actuation element 13 may be an electric wire configured to control an electromagnetic locking device 12 or a locking device 12 comprising an integrated servomotor.

[0087] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.

[0088] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

[0089] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

[0090] A reference herein to a patent document or any other matter identified as prior art, is not to be taken as an admission that the document or other matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for locking a probe connector to a medical device, the system comprising: a locking device configured to lock the probe connector to a connection port of the medical device upon on a locking command, and an electronic control unit configured to detect a connected status of the probe connector and to automatically trigger the locking command as a function of the detected connected status.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a status signaling device configured to indicate a locking and/or connection status of the connector.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic control unit is further configured to measure a time duration of the connected status, and to automatically trigger the locking command further as a function of the measured time duration.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to automatically trigger the locking command, in case at least one of the following locking conditions is fulfilled: the connector has been connected to the medical device and remains connected for at least a predefined minimum duration, and a predefined operation mode of the medical device and/or the probe has been initiated.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein further comprising a user input device, the electronic control unit being further configured to: receive a first predefined user input from the user input device, and to automatically trigger the locking command further as a function of the first user input, and/or receive a second predefined user input from the user input device, and to automatically trigger the unlocking command further as a function of the second user input. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising or being associated with a sensor configured to detect a user approaching the locked connecter and to output a sensor signal in this case to the electronic control device, wherein the electronic control device is further configured to automatically trigger an unlocking command as a function of a received sensor signal, and the locking device is further configured to unlock the probe from the medical device upon on the unlocking command. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control device is further configured to automatically trigger an unlocking command as a function of a predefined workflow of the medical device. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the status signaling device is configured to output at least one of: a predefined first signal as a function of an undetected connected status, a predefined second signal as a function of the detected connected status and/or a triggered unlocking command, a predefined third signal as a function of a triggered locking command, a predefined fourth status signal as a function of a detected connection and/or operability failure of the probe, a predefined fifth status signal as a function of a predefined operation mode of the probe, a predefined sixth status signal as a function of a predefined test mode of the probe. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to detect the connected status as a function of a predefined electronic control process performed by the medical device, wherein the connection and/or operability failure of the probe is optionally detected as a function of the predefined electronic control process. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device is an electronically controllable locking device, and/or the locking device comprises a mechanic and/or electromagnetic actuator. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the status signaling device comprises at least one LED, optionally arranged at the connection ports of the medical device, and/or the sensor comprises at least one touch and/or motion sensor, optionally arranged at the connection port of the medical device. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is configured as a retrofit set configured to equip at least one of: a medical device, at least one connection port of a medical device, a probe, and a probe connector. A medical device configured to collaborate with a probe, the medical device comprising: at least one connection port configured to receive and/or connect with a probe connecter, and a system according to any one of the preceding claims. A probe configured to collaborate with a medical device, the probe comprising: a probe connecter configured to be inserted in to and/or connected with a connection port of the medical device, and a system according to any one of the preceding claims. A method for locking a probe connector to a medical device, the method comprising: locking, by a locking device, the probe connector to a connection port of the medical device upon on a locking command, and detecting, by an electronic control unit, a connected status of the probe connector and to automatically trigger the locking command as a function of the detected connected status. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions which when executed by a data processing system cause a system according to any one of preceding system claims to carry out the method according to any one of preceding method claims.