[Col. Kurtz]

Todd, the only thing I can think of is if you can find a piece of tubing smaller than the ID of the stem and slightly larger than the wire in the pipe cleaner. Slide the tube over the pipe cleaner to capture the bristles and loosen it. Perhaps? Maybe a tube with a stop in it to surround the cleaner and push it from the base? I'd probably try to wet it and blow it out with compressed air first though.

In any case, good luck!