Endocardial lead cutting apparatus

Abstract

In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention comprises an apparatus for cutting an endocardial lead within a patient. The apparatus comprises a generally flexible tubular member having a proximal end and distal end. At least one blade or cutting surface is affixed to the distal end of the tubular member. The apparatus optionally includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the blade or cutting surface between an extended position and a retracted position. The blade or cutting surface engages the endocardial lead to cut the lead. Various embodiments include a v-shaped groove defining the cutting surfaces. Other embodiments may comprise a rotatable blade of an inner shaft rotating within the tubular member and cutting the lead received within the v-shaped groove, and blades or cutting surfaces functioning like guillotines or scissors retracting into a distal end of the tubular member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An endocardial lead cutting apparatus for cutting a lead implanted within a patient, said apparatus comprising:
 a flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal tip;   a groove for relieving the lead positioned at said distal tip of said shaft, said groove being generally V-shaped and defining at least one cutting surface for cutting the lead,   wherein motion or other energy is applied through the shaft to cut the lead.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus  claim 1 , further including a shroud positioned about said shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said shroud is pliable. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said proximal end of said shaft includes a handle. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one cutting surface is comprised of a hardened material. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a laser generating device to cut the lead by applying radiation to the lead. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said shaft includes an optical fiber to transmit the radiation to said distal tip. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including an ultrasonic device to cut the lead by applying ultrasonic energy to the lead. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a vibration generating device to cut the lead by applying vibrations to the lead. 
     
     
         10 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . An endocardial lead cutting apparatus for cutting a lead implanted within a patient, said apparatus comprising:
 a flexible outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end;   a flexible inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, said inner shaft received within said outer tubular member;   a blade positioned at said distal end of said inner shaft;   a groove positioned at said distal end of said outer tubular member for receiving the lead; and   wherein said inner shaft rotates within said outer tubular member to cut the lead received in said positioning groove.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further including a positioning mechanism to bias said inner shaft and said outer tubular member to a home position. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said home position of said inner shaft and said outer tubular member is defined by said blade being offset from said groove. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said groove of said outer tubular member is generally V-shaped. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said blade of said inner shaft is comprised of a hardened material. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further including a shroud positioned about said outer tubular member. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the proximal end of said outer tubular member includes a handle. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the proximal end of the inner shaft includes a handle to rotate the inner shaft within the outer tubular member. 
     
     
         23 - 70 . (canceled)