摘要 |
A device for removing from a patient a previously implanted elongated structure, such as a pacemaker lead or a defibrillator lead, that may be encapsulated in biological tissue of the patient. In one form, the device comprises a sheath member having an inside dimension greater than the outside dimension of the elongated structure, and a gripping member positioned about the sheath member. The gripping member has a longitudinal passage extending substantially therethrough, which longitudinal passage is dimensioned to encircle at least a portion of the elongated structure. A proximal portion of the gripping member may extend outwardly beyond the proximal end of the elongated structure and outwardly of at least the vascular system of the patient. The gripping member may comprise a first configuration having a first diameter that is greater than the outside dimension of the elongated structure, and a second configuration having a second diameter that is substantially the same as the outside dimension of the elongated structure.
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