Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed is a locking stylet for extracting elongate, body-implantable leads or catheters having a lumen disposed therewithin. A tubular member of the present invention has an outer diameter 'A' sufficiently small to permit its insertion in the lumen of a lead or catheter, and additionally has an aperture formed in the sidewall thereof at a point near the distal end thereof. A pull wire is affixed to the distal end of the tubular member through the lumen and extends slightly beyond the proximal end of the tubular member. A tractional force imparting mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the pull wire for exerting a tractional force on the pull wire. Tractional force is transferred by the pull wire to the distal end of the tubular member and causes the distal end of the tubular member to permanently deform, sharply bend or kink at a point located beneath the aperture. The kinking action of the tubular member increases its maximum cross-sectional diameter at the distal end and thereby causes the distal end thereof to forcefully engage the sidewall of the lead or catheter lumen.

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First Claim