Lead extraction methods and apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus configured to control a lead extraction tool for assisting in removal of an implanted lead. The apparatus comprises at least one valve configured to control fluid flow to the lead extraction tool. When the at least one valve is open, the at least one valve is configured to allow fluid stored in the apparatus to flow thereby applying, when the apparatus is fluidly coupled to the lead extraction tool, fluid pressure to at least one component of the lead extraction tool. The apparatus further comprises at least one controller configured to control opening and/or closing of the at least one valve.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus configured to control a lead extraction tool for assisting in removal of an implanted lead, the apparatus comprising:
 at least one valve configured to control fluid flow to the lead extraction tool, wherein when the at least one valve is open, the at least one valve is configured to allow fluid stored in the apparatus to flow thereby applying, when the apparatus is fluidly coupled to the lead extraction tool, fluid pressure to at least one component of the lead extraction tool; and   at least one controller configured to control opening and/or closing of the at least one valve.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve comprises a first valve configured such that, when the first valve is open, the first valve is configured to allow fluid stored in the apparatus to flow thereby applying, when the apparatus is fluidly coupled to the lead extraction tool, fluid pressure to a first anchoring component of the lead extraction tool adapted to anchor at least a first portion of the lead extraction tool to the lead in response to application of fluid pressure. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one valve further comprises a second valve configured such that, when the second valve is open, the second valve is configured to allow fluid stored in the apparatus to flow thereby applying, when the apparatus is fluidly coupled to the lead extraction tool, fluid pressure to a first elongation component of the lead extraction tool adapted to advance at least a portion of the lead extraction tool to the lead in response to application of fluid pressure. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one valve further comprises a third valve configured such that, when the third valve is open, the third valve is configured to allow fluid stored in the apparatus to flow thereby applying, when the apparatus is fluidly coupled to the lead extraction tool, fluid pressure to a second anchoring component of the lead extraction tool adapted to anchor at least a second portion of the lead extraction tool to the lead in response to application of fluid pressure. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to control the opening and closing of the first, second and third valve to, when the apparatus is in operation, advance the lead extraction tool along the lead. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a pump configured to, when the apparatus is fluidly coupled to the lead extraction tool, draw fluid from the lead extraction tool.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a drain tank configured to hold fluid,   wherein the pump is configured to draw a volume of fluid from the lead extraction tool via the at least one valve to deposit the volume of fluid into the drain tank.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the pump is a positive displacement vacuum pump. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one controller is configured to sequence an operation of opening and closing a plurality of openings of the at least one valve and the operation of the pump such that, when the apparatus is connected to the lead extraction tool, fluid is applied to and removed from the at least one component of the lead extraction tool to facilitate advancing the lead extraction tool along the lead. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one controller is configured to:
 control the at least one valve to close, and   in response to the closing of the at least one valve, control the pump to draw an volume of fluid away from the lead extraction tool, wherein the volume of fluid drawn from the lead extraction tool flows through a drain opening of the at least one closed valve.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an accumulator configured to store fluid,   wherein, when the at least one valve is open, the at least one valve is configured to allow fluid stored in the accumulator to flow through the at least one valve.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 at least one pressure regulator fluidly coupled between the accumulator and the at least one valve, the at least one pressure regulator configured to change the pressure of fluid flowing from the accumulator to the at least one valve.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one valve includes a plurality of valves, each configured to allow fluid to flow from the accumulator to a respective one of a plurality of components of the lead extraction tool when connected and in operation, the apparatus further comprising:
 a plurality of pressure regulators fluidly coupled between the accumulator and respective ones of the plurality of valves, the plurality of pressure regulators configured to change the pressure of fluid flowing from the accumulator to the respective one of the plurality of valves.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the accumulator is a compressed-gas accumulator configured to store at least 400 cubic centimeters of fluid. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the accumulator is a compressed-gas accumulator configured to store fluid under at least 50 atmospheres of pressure. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the accumulator is a spring-based accumulator. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve comprises a solenoid valve configured to open and to close in response to electric current. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is a handheld unit. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is a tabletop unit.