Snaring systems and methods

Abstract

Snaring systems and methods involve engaging objects such as pacemaker pacing leads within a patient. Physicians can use snaring systems having loops, tags, and roller mechanisms to remove a pacing leads from a patient. For example, snaring systems can he inserted through a jugular access site, engaged with a pacemaker pacing lead, and withdrawn through the jugular access site so as to remove a portion of the pacing lead. Lead extraction techniques can be employed to further dislodge the pacing lead from the patient.

1 . A snaring system, comprising:
 a tube comprising a distal end, a wall, and a first lumen formed within the wall, wherein the first lumen comprises a first cross-sectional shape; and   a snare wire comprising a distal section configured to extend distal of the distal end of the tube and a proximal section configured to extend within the first lumen of the tube,   wherein the distal section is configured to engage an object within a patient body,   wherein the distal section comprises the first cross-sectional shape such that the distal section is configured to be fitted into the first lumen, and   wherein the proximal section comprises a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape.   
     
     
         2 . The snaring system of  claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises a central longitudinal axis, wherein the first lumen is laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The snaring system of  claim 1 , wherein the tube further comprises a second lumen. 
     
     
         4 . The snaring system of  claim 3 , wherein the first lumen and the second lumen are parallel. 
     
     
         5 . The snaring system of  claim 3 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the second lumen is larger than the cross-sectional area than the first lumen. 
     
     
         6 . The snaring system of  claim 3 , wherein the tube comprises a central longitudinal axis, wherein the second lumen is aligned with the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . The snaring system of  claim 3 , wherein the distal section comprises a first portion and a second portion proximal of the first portion, wherein the first portion comprises an open loop, and wherein the second portion comprises the first cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         8 . The snaring system of  claim 7 , wherein the snare wire is configured to translate relative to the tube, and wherein the open loop is configured to extend into the second lumen when the snare wire is translated proximally. 
     
     
         9 . The snaring system of  claim 8 , wherein the first cross-sectional shape of the distal section is configured to be received within the first lumen when the snare wire is translated proximally. 
     
     
         10 . The snaring system of  claim 1 , wherein the second cross-sectional shape is configured to allow rotation of the snare wire relative to the tube. 
     
     
         11 . The snaring system of  claim 1 , wherein the object comprises a lead such that the distal section is configured to engage the lead for removal of the lead from the patient body. 
     
     
         12 . The snaring system of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal section of the snare wire further comprises a handle configured to rotate and/or translate the snare wire relative to the tube. 
     
     
         13 . The snaring system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lumen is open at the distal end of the tube.