Abstract: A composite assembly includes a first catheter having a lead grasping mechanism extending through a channel thereof, a second catheter concentrically disposed over the first catheter and having a smooth, tapered end and a third catheter concentrically disposed over the second catheter and is used to remove an inoperative endocardial lead from a patient's heart through a venous path. A free end of the lead is grasped and held securely to the first catheter by a grasping mechanism. The second and third catheters then are slid as a unit through the venous path over the grasped end of the lead as opposing tensile force is maintained on the first catheter to prevent movement of the lead. The second catheter is rotated to cause its smooth, tapered, leading edge with outward sharp serrations to separate scar tissue from the lead and dilate a path through the scar tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for separating scar tissue through a venous path to allow passage of an endocardial lead extracting apparatus into a patient's heart. A metal cannula having a smooth leading edge is manipulated in conjunction with a lead grasping device to slip the metal cannula over the lead to be removed, controlling advancement of the cannula with a cannula control catheter until the leading edge of the cannula is advanced a predetermined distance into the scar tissue. A metal shearing cylinder having a plurality of sharp teeth disposed on its leading end and controlled by a cylinder control catheter is advanced over the surface of the cannula, depressing a locking element thereof and to lock the cannula to the lead. Further advancement of the cylinder causes its teeth to separate a thin layer of the scar tissue. The cylinder is retracted to unlock the cannula, which is advanced. The shearing cylinder is advanced, relocking the cannula and separate a further portion of the scar tissue.

Abstract: A composite assembly includes a first catheter having a lead grasping mechanism extending through a channel thereof, a second catheter concentrically disposed over the first catheter and having a smooth, tapered end and a third catheter concentrically disposed over the second catheter and is used to remove an inoperative endocardial lead from a patient's heart through a venous path. A free end of the lead is grasped and held securely to the first catheter by a grasping mechanism. The second and third catheters then are slid as a unit through the venous path over the grasped end of the lead as opposing tensile force is maintained on the first catheter to prevent movement of the lead. The second catheter is rotated to cause its smooth, tapered, leading edge with outward sharp serrations to separate scar tissue from the lead and dilate a path through the scar tissue.

Abstract: An intravenous lead assembly for atrial ventricular (AV) sequential pacing includes a channel and a separable core lead. The channel lead and the core lead respectively include first and second helical coil conductors through which first and second wire stylets can be inserted. The first and second helical coil conductors are embedded in first and second elongated silicone rubber sleeves, respectively. The silicone rubber sleeve of the channel lead includes an elongated channel. In use, the core lead is passed through the channel of the channel lead either before or after the channel lead is passed through selected veins into a patient's heart. Handles are provided on the proximal ends of the stylets to enable a physician to manipulate the distal ends of the channel lead and core lead.

Abstract: An intravenous lead assembly for atriolventricular (AV) sequential pacing includes a channel and a separable core lead. The channel lead and the core lead respectively include first and second helical coil conductors through which first and second wire stylets can be inserted. The first and second helical coil conductors are embedded in first and second elongated silicone rubber sleeves, respectively. The silicone rubber sleeve of the channel lead includes an elongated channel. In use, the core lead is passed through the channel of the channel lead either before or after the channel lead is passed through selected veins into a patient's heart. Handles are provided on the proximal ends of the stylets to enable a physician to manipulate the distal ends of the channel lead and core lead.