Lead removal sleeve

Abstract

Methods and systems for removing an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a lead removal sleeve is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a dilation engagement point. The lead removal sleeve is configured to dilate the formed tissue around a lead, while providing an inner lumen with clearance for the lead to move within the sleeve. It is an object of the lead removal sleeve to support the formed tissue, and even forces of the formed tissue, with a structure of the sleeve as the lead is removed from a patient. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

1 . A lead removal apparatus comprising:
 a shaft, wherein the shaft is flexible, the shaft having at least one outer surface, a proximal and a distal end, and wherein the shaft includes an inner lumen running from the proximal to the distal end to receive at least one of an implanted object and a mechanical traction device; and   a tissue dilating tip disposed adjacent to the distal end of the shaft, wherein the tissue dilating tip is configured to passively wedge into an area between a tissue growth and the implanted object, and wherein the at least one outer surface of the lead removal apparatus is configured to dilate the tissue growth about an area of the implanted object.   
     
     
         2 - 29 . (canceled)