Apparatus for removing an elongated structure implanted in biological

Abstract

Heart lead removal apparatus and method are disclosed for removing a heart lead from the wall of a heart through a blood vessel leading to the heart. The apparatus comprises a flexible stylet wire with an expandable wire coil attached to the distal end for engaging the coiled structure of the heart lead. A lockable mechanism grasps the proximal end of the lead, and a wire guide is inserted in the passageway of the lead to determine its size and any blockage therein. The stylet wire is inserted in the longitudinal passageway of the coiled structure to the distal end of the heart lead where the tip is typically secured to the heart wall with a number of tines formed from the insulating material surrounding the coiled structure. A tie secures the insulating material to the coiled structure of the lead at the proximal end thereof to limit motion and apply uniform extraction force to the entire lead. When inserted, the stylet wire is rotated in a direction to unwind and expand the wire coil and engage the heart lead coiled structure, thereby securing the stylet wire to the heart lead. A separator tube is inserted over the proximal end of the stylet wire and the heart lead and moved along the entire length of the heart lead to separate the restricted heart lead from the blood vessel and the heart cavity wall. A number of alternative embodiments of the removal and separator apparatus are disclosed.