Method and apparatus for replacing lead extension without tunneling

A tether comprising:

• a receptacle configured to receive and secure, but not electrically couple to, a free end portion of a first lead extension, the receptacle having a tapered front portion and a generally opposing back portion such that the free end portion of the first lead extension is configured to be received into a front face of the receptacle;
• an elongate body comprising a first end at the back portion of the receptacle and a free end opposing the first end, wherein the elongate body extends from the first end at the back portion of the receptacle to the free end,
• wherein the free end is configured to be received and secured in another receptacle of a second lead extension;
• and
• a tapered element disposed about the elongate body at a distance from the receptacle when the first end of the elongate body is at the back portion of the receptacle, the tapered element having a receptacle-facing end and a free end-facing end, the receptacle-facing end having a smaller diametric dimension than the free end-facing end.