A device for preparing an elongated implanted medical apparatus, such as a cardiac lead, for extraction from the body of a patient. The apparatus includes a male die, a female die, a presence sensing assembly, and a control assembly. The apparatus includes a seal assembly with a seal portion moved either inward or outward from the original seal location. At least one lock ring bears the shock absorber piston on the shock absorber body and prevents the friction element from getting displaced out of the body, with the inventive electromechanical friction shock absorber.