Abstract: A device for explanting an electrode device, particularly an intravascular or intracardiac electrode device having an electrode cable and an electrode head arranged on the cable's distal end, is capable of simply and safely detaching fibrotic matter from the entire surface of the electrode cable and electrode head. The explanting device has a stiff first sleeve, relatively short in relation to the length of the electrode cable, and whose diameter is slightly larger than the external diameter of the electrode cable. One end of the sleeve forms a cutting edge. The first sleeve is connected at its end opposite the cutting edge to a first control body in the form of a stylet with which the first sleeve can be moved along the implanted electrode device. A second sleeve, operable with another stylet, amy additionally be employed, having resilient cutting elements.

Abstract: An implantable medical system, having an implanted therapy-generating apparatus which administers a medical therapy in vivo to a treatment site remote from the therapy-generating apparatus, includes at least one optical conductor connected between the therapy-generating apparatus and the tissue at the treatment site, or an additional implantable medical device. Energy and/or information can be transmitted by optical signals using the optical conductor, in a safe and noise-free manner. Each location at which the optical signals are to be transmitted or received is provided with an optoelectrical converter, or an electro-optical converter, as appropriate.