A cardiac lead extraction system is described that is styletless in nature. A cord is provided having at least one crimping bead or other deformable mass thereon. A wire associated with the lead, such as an inner wire thereof is exposed. The crimping bead on the cord is then brought adjacent the wire and crimped onto the wire. Preferably, multiple crimping beads are used for securing the cord at multiple places to the wire. The cord can also be looped and crimped back on itself. Tension is then applied to the cord and correspondingly to the lead. An extraction sheath can then be advanced over a cover of the lead to separate it from adjacent body tissues before lead removal. A traction handle allows a distal end of the cord to be readily held and tensioned by a medical practitioner, especially while advancing the extraction sheath over the lead.
