| abstract |
A device for extracting an implanted elongated structure from biological tissue comprises a sheath having a plurality of lumens therein opening to the sheath distal end. First and second lumens are disposed along a wall of the sheath, and a third lumen is dimensioned to receive the elongated structure. The sheath wall having the first and second lumens disposed therein is alternately compressible and expandable responsive to a bend along a bending zone of the sheath. A first wire segment is positioned in the first lumen, and a second wire segment is positioned in the second lumen, wherein the respective proximal ends of the segments are affixed proximal to the bending zone. The respective wire segments extend distally in the respective first or second lumen a first distance beyond the distal end of the sheath when the bend compresses the wall surface generally adjacent the first and second lumens, and extend distally a second distance, less than the first distance, when the bend expands the wall surface. |