Isolation system with integrated slip and extrusion prevention mechanisms and methods of use

An apparatus, comprising:

• a rod;
• an uphole coupling through which the rod extends;
• an expansion ring positioned on the rod below the uphole coupling;
• an elastomer element positioned on the rod below, and in contact with, the expansion ring;
• a metal receptacle positioned on the rod below the elastomer element and configured to receive a portion of the elastomer element;
• a guardian ring positioned on the rod below the receptacle, and a portion of the receptacle is received in the guardian ring;
• a cap positioned on the rod and in contact with the guardian ring;
• a barrel to which the cap is connected, wherein the rod is partially received in the barrel, and the rod is movable with respect to the barrel to selectively impose, or cause imposition of, a compression load on the elastomer element and on the guardian ring;
• and
• a mechanism configured and arranged to move the rod, and the mechanism is located below the guardian ring.