Abstract: A device for removing from a patient a previously implanted elongated structure, such as a cardiac lead. The device includes a gripping member having a receiving portion and a capturing portion. The receiving portion defines an eyelet for receiving a length of the elongated structure. The capturing portion is movable relative to at least the eyelet of the receiving portion, and is dimensioned such that upon relative movement, the receiving portion is constrictable around a length of the elongated structure length. The receiving portion may comprise a wire and the capturing portion may comprise a collar, wherein at least a portion of the collar is movable over the eyelet to constrict the wire around the length of the elongated structure length received in the eyelet.

Abstract: An introducer apparatus (10) comprising a pair of co-extending splittable introducer sheaths (11), (12) is disclosed. The unique properties (pushability, torqueability, length, shape, etc.) of the individual introducer sheaths yields an introducer apparatus with the additional navigational flexibility to reach a remote target that whose access would be more difficult or impossible with a single introducer sheath. One embodiment include a coaxial pair of introducer sheaths made of made of molecularly oriented (non-isotropic) polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE which are used for placement of a pacemaker or defibrillator lead into the coronary sinus. In this embodiment, the first introducer sheath (11) is introduced over a wire guide into ostium of the coronary sinus, which represents the first target site. The outer introducer sheath includes preformed bends (20) to facilitate passage through the vasculature.

Abstract: A medical device (10) such as a radio frequency dilator sheath for separating an encapsulated elongated structure (11) such as an electrical cardiac lead implanted in biological tissue (12) such as a vessel leading to or from a patient's heart. The radio frequency dilator sheath includes inner and outer coaxial dilator sheaths (13 and 28) with respective beveled distal ends (18 and 36) for mechanically loosening and separating encapsulating tissue from an implanted electric cardiac lead. The beveled distal end of the inner sheath is truncated to form a transverse face or surface (89) that is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sheath. Electrical conductors (16 and 17) are positioned about the distal end (14) and passage (15) of the inner dilator sheath.

Abstract: Heart lead removal apparatus for removing an implanted cardiac pacemaker lead from the wall of a heart through a blood vessel leading to the heart. The lead removal apparatus comprises an outer tube sized for insertion into the coiled structure passageway of the pacemaker lead; an anchoring projection positioned proximate the distal end of the outer tube; and a stylet positioned through the passageway of the outer tube for urging the anchoring projection between relaxed and hooked positions. In the hooked position, the projection extends outwardly from the outer tube and when also positioned in the coiled structure passageway, hooks into the coiled structure for facilitating removal of the lead from the heart. In the relaxed position, the anchoring projection is insertable into the coiled structure passageway. The apparatus preferably includes a laterally flexible member constituted by a folded back portion of the stylet.