Endocardial Lead Removing Apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus having a tubular member for receiving an endocardial lead implanted within a patient's body. Disposed generally at a distal end of the tubular member is at least one blade or cutting surface. An adjustment mechanism moves the blade between retracted and extended positions to engage the cutting surface with the endocardial lead to cut the lead. Once severed, the cut portion of the lead remains within an inner channel of the tubular member and the apparatus and cut portion of the lead are removed from within the patient. Various embodiments include the blade pivotally connected to the distal end of the tubular member and activated by a wire adjustment mechanism. Others include a metallic wire for slicing through the lead. Still others include a pneumatically actuated adjustment mechanism that inflates to move the blade and engage the cutting surface with the lead.

1 - 49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . An endocardial lead removing apparatus for removing a lead implanted within a patient, comprising:
 a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end;   at least one blade pivotally connected to said distal end and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; and   an adjustment mechanism for pivoting said at least one blade between said retracted and extended positions.   
     
     
         51 . The apparatus of  claim 50 , wherein said at least one blade is coupled to said distal end of said tubular member by at least one pin to pivot said at least one blade between said retracted and extended positions. 
     
     
         52 . The apparatus of  claim 50 , wherein said adjustment mechanism includes an outer sheath receiving said tubular member and moveable longitudinally along said tubular member. 
     
     
         53 . The apparatus of  claim 52 , wherein a distal end of said outer sheath engages said at least one blade to pivot from said retracted position to said extended position. 
     
     
         54 . The apparatus of  claim 50 , wherein said adjustment mechanism includes a wire attached to said at least one blade and disposed within said tubular member such that applying tension to said wire pivots said at least one blade from said retracted position to said extended position. 
     
     
         55 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , wherein a proximal end of said wire is joined to a handle. 
     
     
         56 . The apparatus of  claim 50 , wherein said tubular member is metallic. 
     
     
         57 . The apparatus of  claim 50 , wherein said at least one blade is generally arcuate to define an inner cutting surface. 
     
     
         58 . An endocardial lead removing apparatus for removing a lead implanted within a patient, comprising:
 a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end; and   a first and second blade pivotally connected to said distal end and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position.   
     
     
         59 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein said first and second blade are generally arcuate to define an inner cutting surface. 
     
     
         60 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein said first and second blade are operatively coupled to a pull wire and wherein said is pull wire is configured to pivot said first and second blade from said retracted position to said extended position upon application of tension force. 
     
     
         61 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , further comprising an adjustment mechanism for pivoting said first and second blade between said retracted and extended positions. 
     
     
         62 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , further comprising an adjustment mechanism for pivoting said first and second blade between said retracted and extended positions. 
     
     
         63 . The apparatus of  claim 60 , wherein the pull wire extends from an inner cavity of the tubular member. 
     
     
         64 . The apparatus of  claim 60 , further comprising a handled coupled to a proximal end of the pull wire. 
     
     
         65 . The apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein an inner portion of the tubular member is configured to receive a severed portion of the lead. 
     
     
         66 . An endocardial lead removing apparatus for removing a lead implanted within a patient, comprising:
 a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end;   at least one blade pivotally connected to said distal end and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the at least one blade is configured to sever the lead in the extended position.   
     
     
         67 . The apparatus of  claim 66 , wherein an inner portion of the tubular member is configured to receive a severed portion of the lead. 
     
     
         68 . The apparatus of  claim 66 , wherein said at least one blade is operatively coupled to a pull wire and wherein said is pull wire is configured to pivot said at least one blade said retracted position to said extended position upon application of tension force. 
     
     
         69 . The apparatus of  claim 66 , wherein said at least one blade is generally arcuate to define an inner cutting surface. 
     
     
         70 . The apparatus of  claim 68 , further comprising a handled coupled to a proximal end of the pull wire.