An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has multiple links that allow the creation of a deflection angle. A wire passes through the links and once the links are positioned with the desired deflection angle, tension is placed on the wire to lock the links into the current position. The clearing tool is inserted through a window into the epidural space, and once the tension is applied to the wire, the clearing tool becomes rigid to allow advancement of the clearing tool within the epidural space. The clearing tool is then removed from the epidural space, and the medical lead is inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site.
