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Abstract

Heart lead removal apparatus and method are disclosed for removing a heart lead from the wall of a heart through a blood vessel leading to the heart. The apparatus comprises a flexible stylet wire with an expandable wire coil attached to the distal end for engaging the coiled structure of the heart lead. The wire coil includes first, second, and third pluralities of turns. The first plurality of turns is positioned around and about the distal end of the stylet wire for radially expanding when in the passageway of the lead to secure the stylet wire to the lead. The second plurality of turns extends proximally from the first plurality of turns and laterally from the stylet wire for engaging the lead and radially expanding the first plurality of turns. The third plurality of turns extends distally from the first plurality of turns and is attached around and about the distal end of the stylet wire for cooperating in the radial expansion of the first plurality of turns when in the passageway of the lead. An enhancement to the lead removal apparatus includes a flat portion in the stylet wire between first and third pluralities of turns. The width of the flat portion approximates that of the passageway of the lead to further secure and lock the first plurality of turns to the pacemaker lead.

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First Claim