Apparatus for removing an elongated structure implanted in biological tissue

A lead removal apparatus for removing an implanted lead from a patient, comprising:

• an elongated proximal portion capable of having both a first configuration and a second configuration;
• and
• a distal portion, connected to said proximal portion, including an expandable portion adapted to engage said implanted lead;
• wherein the first configuration includes one or more coiled loops having a shape memory, said proximal portion having a shape memory being constrainable into the second configuration, the second configuration being sufficiently straight in shape to permit passage thereover by a medical device having a passageway extending therethrough.

A lead removal apparatus for removing an implanted lead from a patient, comprising:

• an elongated proximal portion comprising a length of intertwined wire measuring at least 40 cm, said elongated proximal portion capable of having both a first configuration and a second;
• and
• a distal portion, connecting to said proximal portion, including an expandable portion adapted to engage said implanted lead;
• wherein the first configuration includes a plurality of coiled loops having a shape memory, said plurality of coiled loops having a shape memory being constrainable into the second configuration, the second configuration being sufficiently straight in shape to permit passage thereover by a medical device having a passageway extending therethrough;
• and
• wherein said elongated proximal portion has a tendency to resiliently reassume the first configuration once the proximal portion is no longer being constrained into the second configuration.

A lead removal apparatus for removing an implanted lead from a patient, comprising:

• an elongated proximal portion capable of having both a first configuration and a second configuration;
• a distal portion, connected to said proximal portion, including expandable means for engaging said implanted lead;
• and
• actuator means for activating the expandable means for effecting the engaging of said implanted lead;
• wherein the first configuration includes a compacted, pre-formed shape, said compacted, pre-formed shape being constrainable into the second configuration, the second configuration being sufficiently straight in shape to permit passage thereover by a medical device having a passageway extending therethrough.