Importance

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Abstract

A technique for removing an implanted lead from a body includes the steps of releasably attaching a stylet to both the distal end of the implanted lead and to the proximal end of the implanted lead. This results in a substantially unified stylet and implanted lead structure whereby withdrawal of the stylet and of the implanted lead as a unit facilitates the complete removal of the implanted lead from the body. A threaded tip end may be used for threaded engagement with a tapped bore at the distal end of the implanted lead and at the proximal end, attachment being provided by a threaded region on the stylet distant from the threaded tip end for threaded engagement with a tapped bore of a connector pin integral with the implanted lead. In this instance, the diameter of the proximal threaded region on the stylet is greater than that of the threaded tip end. In one embodiment, the implanted lead is resiliently extensible and the stylet is greater in length than the implanted lead in its relaxed condition and tension is applied to the proximal end of the implanted lead to thereby stretch it so that the proximal end of the implanted lead is generally coextensive with the proximal end of the stylet.

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First Claim