Abstract: A light-diverting catheter tip is provided according to embodiments disclosed herein. The light-diverting catheter tip may be coupled with the distal tip of a laser catheter and divert at least a portion of the light exiting the distal tip of the laser catheter such that the spot size of the laser beam on an object after exiting the catheter tip is larger than the spot size of the light entering the catheter without the catheter tip. The catheter tip may be removably coupled with the catheter or constructed as part of the catheter. In other embodiment, the catheter tip may conduct fluid and/or divert fluid at the tip of the laser catheter.

Abstract: Snaring systems and methods involve engaging objects such as pacemaker pacing leads within a patient. Physicians can use snaring systems having loops, tags, and roller mechanisms to remove a pacing leads from a patient. For example, snaring systems can be inserted through a jugular access site, engaged with a pacemaker pacing lead, and withdrawn through the jugular access site so as to remove a portion of the pacing lead. Lead extraction techniques can be employed to further dislodge the pacing lead from the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating an object such as a pacing lead from a patient tissue involve a flexible and torqueable shaft having an internal lumen sized to receive the object, and a hard separating mechanism for separating the object from the tissue. Typically the shaft and separating mechanism are advanced along or toward the object, and the separating mechanism is contacted with the tissue. The shaft is rotated to effect separation between the object and the tissue. The systems and methods are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

Abstract: A light-diverting catheter tip is provided according to embodiments disclosed herein. The light-diverting catheter tip may be coupled with the distal tip of a laser catheter and divert at least a portion of the light exiting the distal tip of the laser catheter such that the spot size of the laser beam on an object after exiting the catheter tip is larger than the spot size of the light entering the catheter without the catheter tip. The catheter tip may be removably coupled with the catheter or constructed as part of the catheter. In other embodiments, the catheter tip may conduct fluid and/or divert fluid at the tip of the laser catheter.

Abstract: A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near patient tissue that is attached to the object, the sheath is rotated to move the separator distal to the tip, and the separator is applied to the patient tissue that is attached to the object, so as to separate the tissue. A separating system includes a sheath, and a separator threadably coupled with a distal end of the sheath. The separator is adapted to switch between a first configuration where a separating means is deployed, and a second configuration where the separating means is undeployed.

Abstract: A retaining device configured for retaining at least one medical device adjacent to a supporting surface. The retaining device includes a plate shaped holding portion defining a peripheral edge, a slot extending from the peripheral edge defining a loading channel, and communicating with an internal holding area. The internal holding area is dimensioned to accept the largest medical device the retaining device is configured to be used with. An attachment mechanism is connected to the holding portion to secure the retaining device to a supporting surface. A section of medical device may be inserted into and along the loading channel to enter the holding area and be retained within.

Abstract: A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near patient tissue that is attached to the object, the sheath is rotated to move the separator distal to the tip, and the separator is applied to the patient tissue that is attached to the object, so as to separate the tissue. A separating system includes a sheath, and a separator threadably coupled with a distal end of the sheath. The separator is adapted to switch between a first configuration where a separating mechanism is deployed, and a second configuration where the separating mechanism is undeployed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating an object such as a pacing lead from a patient tissue involve a flexible and torqueable shaft having an internal lumen sized to receive the object, and a hard separating mechanism for separating the object from the tissue. Typically the shaft and separating mechanism are advanced along or toward the object, and the separating mechanism is contacted with the tissue. The shaft is rotated to effect separation between the object and the tissue. The systems and methods are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

Abstract: A retaining device configured for retaining at least one medical device adjacent to a supporting surface. The retaining device includes a plate shaped holding portion defining a peripheral edge, a slot extending from the peripheral edge defining a loading channel, and communicating with an internal holding area. The internal holding area is dimensioned to accept the largest medical device the retaining device is configured to be used with. An attachment mechanism is connected to the holding portion to secure the retaining device to a supporting surface. A section of medical device may be inserted into and along the loading channel to enter the holding area and be retained within.

Abstract: A light-diverting catheter tip is provided according to embodiments disclosed herein. The light-diverting catheter tip may be coupled with the distal tip of a laser catheter and divert at least a portion of the light exiting the distal tip of the laser catheter such that the spot size of the laser beam on an object after exiting the catheter tip is larger than the spot size of the light entering the catheter without the catheter tip. The catheter tip may be removably coupled with the catheter or constructed as part of the catheter. In other embodiments, the catheter tip may conduct fluid and/or divert fluid at the tip of the laser catheter.

Abstract: In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention comprises an apparatus for cutting an endocardial lead within a patient. The apparatus comprises a generally flexible tubular member having a proximal end and distal end. At least one blade or cutting surface is affixed to the distal end of the tubular member. The apparatus optionally includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the blade or cutting surface between an extended position and a retracted position. The blade or cutting surface engages the endocardial lead to cut the lead. Various embodiments include a v-shaped groove defining the cutting surfaces. Other embodiments may comprise a rotatable blade of an inner shaft rotating within the tubular member and cutting the lead received within the v-shaped groove, and blades or cutting surfaces functioning like guillotines or scissors retracting into a distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A light-diverting catheter tip is provided according to embodiments disclosed herein. The light-diverting catheter tip may be coupled with the distal tip of a laser catheter and divert at least a portion of the light exiting the distal tip of the laser catheter such that the spot size of the laser beam on an object after exiting the catheter tip is larger than the spot size of the light entering the catheter without the catheter tip. The catheter tip may be removably coupled with the catheter or constructed as part of the catheter. In other embodiments, the catheter tip may conduct fluid and/or divert fluid at the tip of the laser catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of a balloon biasing laser catheter are provided. In some embodiments, the laser catheter may include a distal tip that extends from the distal end of the catheter from a point near the light guide aperture. The distal tip may be disposed at the periphery of the catheter. In some embodiments, a balloon may be disposed between the light guide aperture and the distal tip, such that the a light guide extending from the aperture may be disposed proximate with the distal tip having the balloon in between. A retaining wire may be coupled with the distal tip and slidably coupled with the light guide. The retaining wire may keep the light guide biased relatively parallel with the distal tip and/or the catheter body when the balloon is inflated. The light guide may include a guidewire lumen the extends to the distal end of the distal tip.

Abstract: Snaring systems and methods involve engaging objects such as pacemaker pacing leads within a patient. Physicians can use snaring systems having loops, tags, and roller mechanisms to remove a pacing leads from a patient. For example, snaring systems can be inserted through a jugular access site, engaged with a pacemaker pacing lead, and withdrawn through the jugular access site so as to remove a portion of the pacing lead. Lead extraction techniques can be employed to further dislodge the pacing lead from the patient.

Abstract: A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near patient tissue that is attached to the object, the sheath is rotated to move the separator distal to the tip, and the separator is applied to the patient tissue that is attached to the object, so as to separate the tissue. A separating system includes a sheath, and a separator threadably coupled with a distal end of the sheath. The separator is adapted to switch between a first configuration where a separating mechanism is deployed, and a second configuration where the separating mechanism is undeployed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a balloon biasing laser catheter are provided. In some embodiments, the laser catheter may include a distal tip that extends from the distal end of the catheter from a point near the light guide aperture. The distal tip may be disposed at the periphery of the catheter. In some embodiments, a balloon may be disposed between the light guide aperture and the distal tip, such that the a light guide extending from the aperture may be disposed proximate with the distal tip having the balloon in between. A retaining wire may be coupled with the distal tip and slidably coupled with the light guide. The retaining wire may keep the light guide biased relatively parallel with the distal tip and/or the catheter body when the balloon is inflated. The light guide may include a guidewire lumen the extends to the distal end of the distal tip.

Abstract: A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near patient tissue that is attached to the object, the sheath is rotated to move the separator distal to the tip, and the separator is applied to the patient tissue that is attached to the object, so as to separate the tissue. A separating system includes a sheath, and a separator threadably coupled with a distal end of the sheath. The separator is adapted to switch between a first configuration where a separating mechanism is deployed, and a second configuration where the separating mechanism is undeployed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention comprises an apparatus for cutting an endocardial lead within a patient. The apparatus comprises a generally flexible tubular member having a proximal end and distal end. At least one blade or cutting surface is affixed to the distal end of the tubular member. The apparatus optionally includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the blade or cutting surface between an extended position and a retracted position. The blade or cutting surface engages the endocardial lead to cut the lead. Various embodiments include a v-shaped groove defining the cutting surfaces. Other embodiments may comprise a rotatable blade of an inner shaft rotating within the tubular member and cutting the lead received within the v-shaped groove, and blades or cutting surfaces functioning like guillotines or scissors retracting into a distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: Snaring systems and methods involve engaging objects such as pacemaker pacing leads within a patient. Physicians can use snaring systems having loops, tags, and roller mechanisms to remove a pacing leads from a patient. For example, snaring systems can be inserted through a jugular access site, engaged with a pacemaker pacing lead, and withdrawn through the jugular access site so as to remove a portion of the pacing lead. Lead extraction techniques can be employed to further dislodge the pacing lead from the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating an object such as a pacing lead from a patient tissue involve a flexible and torqueable shaft having an internal lumen sized to receive the object, and a hard separating mechanism for separating the object from the tissue. Typically the shaft and separating mechanism are advanced along or toward the object, and the separating mechanism is contacted with the tissue. The shaft is rotated to effect separation between the object and the tissue. The systems and methods are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.