Delivery system with retractable proximal end

A medical device delivery system comprising:

• a medical device carrier portion comprising a proximal end and a first lumen extending longitudinally therein;
• a release mechanism cooperating with said medical device carrier portion and operable to release a medical device from said medical device carrier portion;
• a mechanical actuator comprising a first lumen extending longitudinally therein and disposed in said first lumen of said medical device carrier portion;
• and
• a single proximal tip comprising the proximal most end of the medical delivery system, a largest outside diameter, a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of longitudinal lengths as measured from said proximal end to said distal end of said proximal tip, said proximal tip further comprises and is operable between at least an extended longitudinal length and a retracted longitudinal length of said plurality of longitudinal lengths, wherein said extended longitudinal length is greater than said retracted longitudinal length, wherein the longitudinal length of said proximal end of said proximal tip varies between said extended longitudinal length and said retracted longitudinal length, wherein said proximal tip is disposed proximal to said medical device carrier portion in both the extended longitudinal length and the retracted longitudinal length, and wherein at least a portion of the proximal tip is collapsible within itself.

A method of delivering a medical device comprising:

• providing a medical device delivery system with a medical device carrier portion comprising a proximal end, and a proximal tip comprising the proximal most end of the delivery system, a largest outside diameter, a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of longitudinal lengths as measured from said proximal end to said distal end of said proximal tip, and wherein said proximal tip is disposed proximal to said medical device carrier portion in both the extended longitudinal length and the retracted longitudinal length;
• locating the proximal tip in a patient, proximate a treatment site, the proximal tip in its extended longitudinal length;
• and
• operating the proximal tip from its extended longitudinal length to its retracted longitudinal length;
• wherein at least a portion of the proximal tip is collapsible within itself.