Apparatus for removing a coiled structure implanted in biological tissue, having expandable means including a laterally deflectable member

Lead removal apparatus for removing a lead with a coiled structure which lead has been implanted in biological tissue, said apparatus comprising:

• a stylet configured to be inserted into a longitudinal passageway within the coiled structure;
• a control tube with a passageway through which the stylet extends and is movable;
• and
• an outwardly expandable unit separate from said tube and configured to be located within the coiled structure for exerting lateral forces on the coil structure when the stylet is moved relative to the control tube, wherein said outwardly expandable unit includes a laterally flexible member extending longitudinally from a distal end of said stylet and a sleeve positioned around said laterally flexible member and said stylet, whereby the stylet is secured to the coiled structure to facilitate removal.

An extraction device for removing an implanted lead including a coiled structure having a passageway extending longitudinally therein, comprising:

• a tube;
• a control section for moving said coiled structure when said coiled structure is secured to the control section;
• said control section comprising a stylet being slidable arranged in said tube, said control section having a distal end that is configured for inserting into said passageway of said coiled structure;
• and
• an expandable unit, which is not an integral part of said tube, positioned proximate said distal end of said control section, wherein said expandable unit includes a laterally deflectable member extending longitudinally and proximally from said distal end of said control section, and when said expandable unit is in said passageway of said coiled structure, for being deflected to an expanded position and securing said control section to said coiled structure.

A lead removal apparatus for removing an implanted, cardiac lead including a coiled structure having a passageway extending longitudinal therein, comprising:

• a tube;
• a control section for moving said coiled structure when secured to said coiled structure, said control section slidably arranged in said tube, said control section having a distal end that is configured for insertion into said passageway of said coiled structure;
• and
• an expandable section other than and separate from said tube and positioned proximate said distal end of said control section and having an expanded position in said passageway of said coiled structure for securing said control section to said coiled structure, wherein said expandable section includes a laterally flexible member extending longitudinally and proximally from said distal end of said control section , said laterally flexible member having a proximal end for assuming said expanded position and a distal end engageable with said control section, wherein said expandable section further includes a sleeve positioned around said laterally flexible member and said control section.

A lead removal apparatus for removing an implanted, cardiac lead including a coiled structure having a passageway extending longitudinal therein, comprising:

• a tube;
• a control section for moving said coiled structure when secured to said coiled structure, said control section comprising a stylet slidably arranged in said tube, said control section having a distal end that is configured for insertion into said passageway of said coiled structure;
• and
• an expandable section other than and separate from said tube and positioned proximate said distal end of said control section and having an expanded position in said passageway of said coiled structure for securing said control section to said coiled structure, wherein said expandable section includes a laterally flexible member comprising a folded back portion of said stylet and extending longitudinally and proximally from said distal end of said control section, said laterally flexible member having a proximal end for assuming said expanded position and a distal end engageable with said control section.