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.