Extractor for removing a lead from a patient

Abstract

An extractor for removing an implanted lead from a patient. The extractor includes a lumen dimensioned to receive the lead therein, a cutter at the distal portion for cutting tissue adjacent the lead, a distal clamping structure and a proximal clamping structure The proximal clamping structure and lead are relatively movable to extract the lead.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . The extractor of claim [ 1 ]  14 , further comprising a an elongated movement mechanism operatively connected to the carrier, the movement mechanism movable within the extractor between first and second positions to move the clamping structure between distal and proximal positions. 
     
     
         3 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The extractor of claim [ 1 ]  14 , further comprising a first plurality of springs, the first plurality of springs biasing the first plurality of clamping members in a direction toward a longitudinal axis of the extractor. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The extractor of claim [ 1 ]  14 , further comprising a cable operatively associated with the clamping structure, wherein proximal movement of the cable retracts the clamping structure proximally to the proximal position. 
     
     
         9 . The lead extractor of claim [ 9 ]  8 , wherein distal movement of the cable resets the clamping structure for subsequent proximal movement. 
     
     
         10 . The extractor of claim [ 1 ]  14 , wherein the cutter is rotatable concurrently with axial movement of the carrier. 
     
     
         11 . The extractor of claim [ 1 ]  14 , further comprising a flexible sheath, the flexible sheath rotatable with the extractor to unscrew a distal tip of the lead from tissue. 
     
     
         12 . The extractor of claim [ 1 ]  14 , further comprising an override mechanism to release the clamping structure to enable removal of the extractor from the lead. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . An extractor for removing an implanted lead from a patient, the extractor having a tubular portion defining a lumen to receive the lead therein, a proximal portion, a distal portion, a cutter at the distal portion for cutting tissue adjacent the implanted lead, and a carrier positioned within the tubular portion and movable with respect to the tubular portion, the extractor swallowing the lead as tissue is cut by the cutter adjacent the lead, the extractor including clamping structure carried by the carrier within the tubular portion, the clamping structure having a distal position and a proximal position and movable in a proximal direction from the distal position to the proximal position, and further movable in a distal direction to return the clamping structure to the distal position, the clamping structure including a first plurality of clamping members engageable with the lead, the first plurality of clamping members extending from the carrier and movable by the carrier upon movement of the carrier axially with respect to the tubular portion. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The extractor of claim [ 15 ]  14 , wherein the cutter automatically rotates to cut tissue as the position of the first plurality of clamping member changes. 
     
     
         17 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An extractor for removing an implanted lead from a patient, the extractor having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen to receive the lead therein and a cutter at the distal portion for cutting tissue adjacent the implanted lead, the extractor and lead incrementally relatively movable to swallow the lead as tissue is cut by the cutter adjacent the lead, the extractor including clamping structure having a distal position and a proximal position and movable in a proximal direction from the distal position, and further movable in a distal direction to return the clamping structure to the distal position, the cutter rotatable automatically relative to the clamping structure upon axial movement of the clamping structure. 
     
     
         22 . The extractor of  claim 21 , wherein the extractor includes a carrier positioned within the extractor, the clamping structure extending from the carrier within the extractor, and an actuating mechanism to move the carrier between proximal and distal positions. 
     
     
         23 . The extractor of  claim 21 , wherein the extractor includes a helical slot to effect rotation of the cutter. 
     
     
         24 . The extractor of  claim 14 , wherein the first plurality of clamping members include a plurality of jaws. 
     
     
         25 . The extractor of  claim 24 , wherein the plurality of jaws have teeth to engage the lead. 
     
     
         26 . The extractor of  claim 24 , wherein the plurality of jaws are mounted spaced apart circumferentially about the carrier. 
     
     
         27 . The extractor of  claim 23 , wherein the carrier has a rib extending therefrom to engage the helical slot. 
     
     
         28 . The extractor of  claim 21 , wherein the extractor has a housing with a slot engageable to effect rotation of the housing to effect rotation of the cutter. 
     
     
         29 . The extractor of  claim 21 , wherein the cutter is formed on a housing of the extractor, the housing restricted from axial movement and moves rotationally. 
     
     
         30 . The extractor of  claim 29 , further comprising an inner housing having a cutter portion, the inner housing positioned within the outer housing.