Patent ID: 8019442

Claim:
A method of explanting a percutaneous lead from the epidural space of a patient, wherein electrodes of the percutaneous lead are maintained in the epidural space of the patient at fixed relative positions by a frame member and a spring member, the frame member comprising first and second arms with the spring member maintaining the first and second arms at a predetermined distance in the absence of an external force on the spring member, and the percutaneous lead is looped through first and second arms of a frame member such that distal and proximal ends of the percutaneous lead are exterior to the epidural space of the patient, wherein the percutaneous lead comprises an interior lumen that extends along a substantial length of the percutaneous lead, the method comprising: accessing the percutaneous lead within the patient; inserting, after performing the accessing, a strengthening wire member through the lumen of the percutaneous lead such that the strengthening wire member is looped through the frame member; placing a flexible surgical tool over the distal and proximal ends of the percutaneous lead and advancing the surgical tool until the surgical tool accesses the epidural space of the patient; and applying a pulling force to the percutaneous lead, wherein the pulling force causes the frame member to be brought into contact with the surgical tool, and the contact of the frame member with the interior wall of the surgical tool causes the frame member and spring member to collapse to assume a profile to allow the frame member and spring member to be withdrawn through the surgical tool.