Patent ID: 7993359
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. An endocardial lead removing apparatus for cutting a lead implanted within a patient, said apparatus comprising: a tubular member defining a tubular wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a longitudinal axis and having an increased diameter portion at its distal end, wherein the distal end of the tubular member defines an opening that is sized to permit the lead to pass through the opening; an inner cavity disposed within the tubular member for receiving the lead after passing through the opening in the distal end of the tubular member; a cutting blade having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the cutting blade is both entirely housed and movably disposed within the inner cavity of the increased diameter portion, the cutting blade having a lumen configured to receive the lead, wherein the cutting blade defines a through hole proximal to the distal end that is sized to permit the lead to pass through the through hole; a pull wire fixedly attached to the cutting blade and extending longitudinally to at least the proximal end of the tubular member, an opening disposed within the tubular wall of the increased diameter portion, said opening configured to receive the lead after passing through the through hole of the cutting blade, wherein the cutting blade is positioned adjacent the inner surface and completely moves across and covers the opening when the pull wire is activated, and wherein at least one of the proximal end of the cutting blade and a proximal edge of the opening of the tubular wall comprises a cutting edge that cuts the lead disposed within the inner cavity and the opening when the pull wire is activated.