Abstract: An extractor consisting essentially of a guide barrel, a clamping element and a pull wire. The bordering end faces of the guide barrel and clamping element feature each a bevel which is complementary in design to the other. The pull wire is joined to the clamping element. The clamping element is moved on the bevel in the direction of the proximal end of the extractor by application of traction force on the pull wire, thereby enlarging the greatest outside diameter of the guide barrel in the area of the bevel. The relatively long design of the bevels assures with low traction forces an anchoring of the extractor in an electrode spiral by frictional engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for extracting a pacemaker electrode whose electrode head has become embedded in the heart. An extractor including an elongated hollow shell, a wire which is located therein and which is movable relative to the shell, and an extractor head attached to the end of the wire. The extractor head includes spreadable barbs, the free ends of which can be spread out radially outwardly to hook into the wall of the lead of the embedded electrode. The extractor head is inserted into a lumen of a pacemaker electrode lead. When the wire is pulled the barbs will hook into the lumen wall. A handle is attached to the other end of the wire for exerting a pulling force on the electrode lead and the electrode when it has become firmly engaged with the umbrella head whereby the electrode will be dislodged from the heart.

Abstract: A dilation catheter for reopening blood vessels includes an electrical motor drive and is insertable through vessels leading to a constriction point and has a working head for widening the vessel constriction. Catheters rotating slowly with up to 500 rpms are known, which because of the geometry of their head crowd soft material blocking vessels towards the sides. The present dilation catheter with motor drive is distinguished by an electric, battery-powered motor with motor gear box, by a spindle supported in a front bearing package with seal and a rear bearing package with seal, a junction point for the dilation catheter is located one end of the spindle, force is transmitted from the motor to the spindle, and a metal housing holding the spindle, motor and battery is shaped for gripping, holding and handling by a half-closed hand of a surgeon between the row of fingers and the thumb. The housing is kept gas-tight up to 130.degree. C.

Abstract: An adapter arrangement for heart pacemakers includes an adapter member of an elastic, insulating material and a clamping bushing of a conductive material. The clamping bushing is surrounded by the adapter member and defines a longitudinal bore. The adapter member further defines a threaded bore which extends transversely of the longitudinal bore of the clamping bushing. A plug lead provided with a pacemaker plug is connected to the adapter member. A clamping screw can be screwed into the threaded bore. A stripping device includes a stripping holder with an lead guide shaft which is insertable in the adapter member. A stripping ring is slidingly mounted on the lead guide shaft.