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.