Patent ID: 8097012

Claim:
An endocardial lead removing apparatus for removing a lead implanted within a patient, said apparatus comprising: an outer tubular member having a distal end and an outer lateral surface; an inner tubular member received within said outer tubular member, the inner tubular member having a distal end and an outer lateral surface; and wherein each of said inner and outer tubular members defines a channel in their respective outer lateral surfaces for receiving the lead, said channel having at least one cutting surface formed in their respective outer lateral surfaces, wherein outer tubular member includes a lateral protrusion at its distal end, wherein the protrusion of the outer tubular member is part of and aligned with the outer lateral surface and is curved with the same curvature of the outer tubular member, wherein the lateral protrusion laterally protrudes relative to the cutting surface, and wherein the inner tubular member includes a lateral protrusion at its distal end, wherein the protrusion of the inner tubular member is part of and aligned with the outer lateral surface and is curved with the same curvature of the inner tubular member, wherein the lateral protrusion laterally protrudes relative to the cutting surface; wherein the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member are open distal of the lateral protrusions; wherein said tubular members are independently rotatable relative to each other, wherein when the protrusions of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member are adjacent each other, a closed window is formed proximal to the protrusions such that the lead may be captured within the inner tubular member and extend out the window, with the lead being entirely bounded by portions of the tubular members defining the closed window and being positioned between the cutting surfaces, such that rotation in opposite directions cuts the lead while the lead is captured.