Method of removing an elongated structure implanted in biological tissue
First Claim
1. A method of removing an implanted lead from a vessel in the body of a patient, comprising:
- providing a lead removal apparatus comprising an elongated proximal portion capable of having first and second configurations, the first configuration having a compacted, pre-formed shape being constrainable into the second configuration, the second configuration being sufficiently straight in shape to permit passage thereover by a sheath sized for insertion in said vessel and having a passageway extending therethrough, the first configuration having a diameter that exceeds a diameter of said sheath passageway and exceeds a diameter of said configuration;
a distal portion including an expandable portion adapted to engage said implanted lead; and
an actuator portion adapted to expand the expandable portion to effect engaging of said implanted lead;
introducing the distal portion of said lead removal apparatus into the vessel;
inserting the distal portion of said lead removal apparatus into said implanted lead;
activating the actuator portion such that expandable portion expands and engages said implanted lead;
grasping the elongated proximal portion; and
applying traction to the proximal portion and retracting said implanted lead from said body.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a lead removal apparatus for removing an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator lead from the heart. The lead removal apparatus includes a proximal handle that further includes a proximal portion, such as an elongate section of intertwined wire, having a compact, pre-formed first configuration, such as one or more coiled loops. The compact shape permits the operator to utilize the proximal portion without requiring the assistance of a second person to help keep it within the sterile field during a procedure. The operator is thus able to constrain or uncoil the proximal portion into a second configuration that is sufficiently straight such that a medical device, such as a dilator sheath, can be advanced thereover to help separate the lead from scar tissue along the vein path. The proximal portion may include sufficient resiliency to substantially return to the first configuration once the sheath has been advanced.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of removing an implanted lead from a vessel in the body of a patient, comprising:
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providing a lead removal apparatus comprising an elongated proximal portion capable of having first and second configurations, the first configuration having a compacted, pre-formed shape being constrainable into the second configuration, the second configuration being sufficiently straight in shape to permit passage thereover by a sheath sized for insertion in said vessel and having a passageway extending therethrough, the first configuration having a diameter that exceeds a diameter of said sheath passageway and exceeds a diameter of said configuration;
a distal portion including an expandable portion adapted to engage said implanted lead; and
an actuator portion adapted to expand the expandable portion to effect engaging of said implanted lead;introducing the distal portion of said lead removal apparatus into the vessel; inserting the distal portion of said lead removal apparatus into said implanted lead; activating the actuator portion such that expandable portion expands and engages said implanted lead; grasping the elongated proximal portion; and applying traction to the proximal portion and retracting said implanted lead from said body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification