LASER EXTRACTOR FOR AN IMPLANTED OBJECT

摘要

A lead extraction device which utilizes laser (8) energy to separate an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead (2), from fibrous scar tissue and thereby permit the implanted object to be extracted from a body. The extraction device features a catheter (1) having a central lumen (31). The lumen is preferably dimensioned so a pacemaker lead will fit within. The catheter is thereby guided by the lead. The catheter has at least one optical fiber (23) to emit laser energy from the distal end and thereby separate the lead from fibrous scar tissue. Disclosed embodiments include catheters which emit light parallel as well as inwardly perpendicular to the catheter and the lead. Through such catheters the lead may be separated along its length, as well as separated at its distal end from fibrous scar tissue, thereby permitting the lead to be readily extracted from the body.