Delivery and retrieval system for a medical device

Abstract

A medical system including a device receptacle configured to hold a medical device. The medical system is configured to alter one or more dimensions of the device receptacle following an egress of the medical device from a receptacle volume to, for example, limit and / or mitigate interactions with the medical device and / or anatomical structures within an anatomical volume as the device receptacle is withdrawn from the medical device. In examples, the device receptacle is configured to establish a first configuration defining a first volume and a second configuration defining a second volume different from the first volume. The device receptacle is configured to hold the medical device in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

Description

Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001DELIVERY AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 753,220, filed February 3, 2025, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to medical devices, and, more particularly, to systems for delivering medical devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various types of implantable medical devices have been implanted for treating or monitoring one or more conditions of a patient. Such implantable medical devices may be adapted to allow medical devices to monitor and / or treat conditions or functions relating to heart, muscle, nerve, brain, stomach, endocrine organs or other organs and their related functions. The implantable medical devices may be implanted at target locations selected to detect a physiological condition of the patient and / or deliver one or more therapies. For example, implantable medical devices may be delivered to locations within an atrium or ventricle of a heart to sense intrinsic cardiac signals and deliver pacing or antitachyarrhythmia shock therapy.

[0004] Some implantable medical devices are sized to be completely implanted within one of the chambers of the heart and / or another anatomical volume of the patient to detect a physiological condition and / or deliver one or more therapies. Such implantable medical devices may utilize delivery and / or retrieval systems to allow a clinician to navigate the implantable medical device (e.g., through vasculature of the patient) to the target location, and / or to retrieve the implantable medical device from the patient. In some examples, the implantable medical device may include one or more anchoring components intended to engage tissues at the target location (e.g., for implantation) and / or disengage from tissue at the target location (e.g., for retrieval).SUMMARY

[0005] In an example, a delivery system comprises: a catheter body defining a deliveryAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001lumen extending from a catheter proximal portion of the catheter body to a catheter distal portion of the catheter body; a device receptacle defining a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is supported by the catheter distal portion, wherein the device receptacle is configured to establish a first configuration defining a first volume from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the first configuration to a second configuration defining a second volume from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the second volume is one of less than or greater than the first volume,wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, and wherein the device receptacle is configured to hold an implantable medical device in at least the first configuration and the delivery lumen is configured to open into at least one of the first volume or the second volume.

[0006] In an example, a delivery system comprises: a catheter body defining a delivery lumen extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion, the catheter distal portion defining a catheter opening which opens into the delivery lumen; a device receptacle defining a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is supported by the catheter distal portion, wherein the device receptacle is configured to establish a first configuration defining a first volume from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the first configuration to a second configuration defining a second volume from the distal end to the proximal end, the device receptacle configured to hold an implantable medical device in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration, and the second volume being one of less than or greater than the first volume, and wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration; an elongate member extending through one of a member lumen defined by the catheter body or the delivery lumen, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert a force to the device receptacle to cause the device receptacle to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration; and a handle supporting the catheter proximal portion, wherein the handle includes an operator configured to cause the elongate member to exert the force.

[0007] In an example, a method comprises: defining, using a device receptacle defining a receptacle volume, a first volume of the receptacle volume in a first configuration of the device receptacle, wherein a catheter body defines a delivery lumenAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001extending from a catheter proximal portion of the catheter body to a catheter distal portion of the catheter body and opening into the receptacle volume, wherein the device receptacle defines a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end supported by the catheter distal portion, wherein the device receptacle defines the first volume from the distal end to the proximal end, and wherein the device receptacle is configured to hold the implantable medical device in the receptacle volume in the first configuration; and transitioning the device receptacle from the first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the receptacle volume defines a second volume from the distal end to the proximal end in the second configuration, wherein the second volume is one of less than or greater than the first volume, and wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0008] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. l is a conceptual drawing illustrating portions of patient anatomy including potential implant sites for an implantable medical device (IMD).

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration depicting an example medical device delivery system for delivering an IMD to a location within a heart.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a device receptacle and an IMD in a first position within an anatomical volume, with the device receptacle in a first configuration,.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the device receptacle and an IMD in a second position within the anatomical volume, with the device receptacle in the first configuration.

[0013] FIG. 5A is a schematic illustration of the device receptacle in a second configuration within the anatomical volume.

[0014] FIG. 5B is a schematic illustration of the device receptacle in another second configuration within the anatomical volume.

[0015] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0016] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 6A in theAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001first configuration.

[0017] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional plan view of the device receptacle of FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B in a second configuration.

[0018] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 6A, FIG.6B, and FIG. 7A in the second configuration.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an example elongate member.

[0020] FIG. 9A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0021] FIG. 9B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 9A in the first configuration.

[0022] FIG. 10A is a schematic plan view of the device receptacle of FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B in a second configuration.

[0023] FIG. 10B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10A in the second configuration.

[0024] FIG. 11 A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0025] FIG. 1 IB is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 11 A in the first configuration.

[0026] FIG. 12A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0027] FIG. 12B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 12A in the first configuration.

[0028] FIG. 13A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0029] FIG. 13B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 13A in the first configuration.

[0030] FIG. 14A is a schematic plan view of the device receptacle of FIG. 13 A and FIG. 13B in a second configuration.

[0031] FIG. 14B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 13 A, FIG.13B, and FIG. 14A in the second configuration.

[0032] FIG. 15 A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0033] FIG. 15B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 15A in theAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001first configuration.

[0034] FIG. 16A is a schematic plan view of the device receptacle of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B in a second configuration.

[0035] FIG. 16B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 15A, FIG.15B, and FIG. 16A in the second configuration.

[0036] FIG. 17A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0037] FIG. 17B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 17A in the first configuration.

[0038] FIG. 18A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0039] FIG. 18B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 18A in the first configuration.

[0040] FIG. 19A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle in a first configuration.

[0041] FIG. 19B is a schematic end view of the device receptacle of FIG. 19A in the first configuration.

[0042] FIG. 20 illustrates an example technique for operating a handle assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] This disclosure describes a medical system configured to deliver, position, and / or retrieve an medical device (e.g., an implantable medical device) within an anatomical volume (e.g., a chamber of a heart) within a patient. In general, this disclosure is directed to examples of medical systems using a device receptacle to house the medical device during the delivery, positioning, and / or retrieval. The device receptacle is configured to hold the medical device within a receptacle volume as for example, the medical system delivers the medical device through vasculature to the anatomical chamber, positions the medical device and / or conducts mapping within the anatomical chamber, fixates the medical device to tissue within the anatomical chamber, and / or performs other functions.

[0044] The device receptacle defines a distal opening configured to allow the medical device to pass out of and / or in to the receptacle volume. The medical system is configuredAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001such that the device receptacle may displace from the medical device (e.g., following an implantation of the medical device) to withdraw the device receptacle from the patient (e.g., as the medical device remains implanted therein). The medical device is configured such that the device receptacle may alter its shape (e.g., alter a length and / or a width) following the egress of the medical device from the receptacle volume to, for example, limit and / or mitigate interactions with the medical device and / or anatomical structures within the anatomical volume as the device receptacle is withdrawn. Limiting and / or mitigating interactions between the medical device and the device receptacle following an implantation may assist in preserving an anatomical placement of electrodes of the medical device within tissues of the anatomical volume (e.g., within a heart wall), and / or assist in preserving the fixation of the medical device in other ways.

[0045] In examples, the device receptacle is configured to establish a first configuration defining a first volume and a second configuration defining a second volume different from the first volume. The device receptacle is configured to hold the medical device in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration. The medical device receptacle is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration to alter (e.g., change) one or more dimensions of the device receptacle (e.g., a length and / or a width) to, for example, limit and / or mitigate interactions between the device receptacle and an implanted medical device.

[0046] For example, the device receptacle may be configured to hold the medical device in the first configuration during implantation of the medical device to tissue (e.g., using an attachment member of the medical device). Subsequent to the implantation, the device receptacle may alter one or more of its dimensions by transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration. The altered dimensions may limit and / or mitigate interactions between the device receptacle and the implanted medical device as the device receptacle is withdrawn (e.g., by a clinician) from the patient. The limited and / or mitigated interactions may reduce and / or eliminate forces imparted from the device receptacle to the implanted medical device during the withdrawal, reducing potential disturbance to the anatomical placement of electrodes of the medical device during the implantation and / or otherwise assisting in maintaining the integrity of the implantation. Further, the device receptacle is configured to transition from the second configuration and return to the first configuration should the medical device need to be relocated withinAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001and / or retrieved from the anatomical volume.

[0047] In examples, the device receptacle includes a receptacle wall configured to reduce and / or otherwise alter at least one of a length or a width of the device receptacle when the device receptacle transitions between the first configuration and the second configuration. The reduced and / or altered length and / or width may minimize a potential for interactions (e.g., contact) between the device receptacle and the implanted medical device as the device receptacle is moved away from and maneuvered out of the anatomical volume (e.g., by a clinician). For example, the reduced and / or altered length and / or width may increase an available clearance between the device receptacle and the implanted medical device, such that the device receptacle is less likely to contact and impart forces to the medical device as the device receptacle is moved and / or maneuvered within the anatomical volume. Further, the reduced and / or altered length and / or width may mitigate and / or limit contact between the device receptacle and other anatomical structures (e.g., portions of a heart wall) as the device receptacle is moved and / or maneuvered within the anatomical volume.

[0048] In examples, the receptacle wall includes a distal portion (“distal wall portion”) and a proximal portion (“proximal wall portion”). The distal wall portion may be translate in a proximal direction relative to the proximal portion (e.g., when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration) to reduce a length of the device receptacle. In some examples, the receptacle wall may be configured to displace away from a longitudinal axis of the device receptacle (e.g., when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration) to increase the width of the device receptacle. In some examples, the receptacle wall may be configured to displace toward the longitudinal axis of the device receptacle (e.g., when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration) to decrease the width of the device receptacle. The altered length and / or width may reduce and / or mitigate contact between the device receptacle and the implanted medical device by increasing the available clearance therebetween.

[0049] In some examples, the device receptacle may be configured to reduce a stiffness of the receptacle wall when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, such that an ability of the device receptacle to impart a force to the medical device is limited. For example, the device receptacle may beAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001configured such that a reduced stiffness of the receptacle wall in the second configuration causes the receptacle wall to flex and or bend (e.g., to give) when the receptacle wall contacts the medical device, rather than imparting substantial forces to the medical device.

[0050] The medical system includes a catheter body including a proximal portion (“catheter proximal portion”) and a distal portion (“catheter distal portion”). The catheter distal portion may support the device receptacle. In examples, the medical system includes an elongate member extending through a lumen of the catheter body and configured to cause the device receptacle to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration. In examples, the elongate member is configured to exert a first force to the device receptacle (e.g., the receptacle wall) to cause the device receptacle to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. The elongate member may be configured to exert a second force different from the first force to the device receptacle (e.g., the receptacle wall) to cause the device receptacle to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some examples, the medical system includes a handle supporting the catheter proximal portion. The handle may be configured to cause the elongate member to exert the first force or the second force.

[0051] Hence, the device receptacle may be configured to hold a medical device during delivery, positioning, and / or implantation of the medical device within an anatomical chamber (e.g., a heart chamber). In examples, the device receptacle establishes a first configuration to hold the medical device during the delivery, positioning, and / or implantation. Subsequent to the implantation, a clinician (e.g., using the handle) may cause the device receptacle to transition from the first configuration to a second configuration to alter a dimension of the device receptacle, potentially increasing an available clearance between the device receptacle and the medical device. The increase in the available clearance may reduce a potential for interaction as the device receptacle is withdrawn from the anatomical volume (e.g., as the device receptacle maneuvers or is maneuvered to allow for the withdrawal). The thus limited interaction may assist in preserving the placement of the medical device (e.g., the placement of electrodes of the medical device within tissue). The device receptacle is further configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, such that the clinician may utilize the device receptacle to relocate and / or retrieve the medical device.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0052] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example medical system 100 within a right atrium (“RA”) of a heart 101. Medical system 100 is configured to deliver and / or retrieve an implantable medical device 102 (“IMD 102”) to and / or from the vicinity of a target site 104 of heart 101. Although described herein in the context of delivering IMD 102 into the vasculature, e.g., heart 101, the devices, systems, and techniques of this disclosure may be used to deliver an IMD or other medical device to any anatomical location.

[0053] In some examples, medical system 100 includes a delivery catheter 106 supporting a device receptacle 108. Device receptacle 108 is configured to hold IMD 102 during delivery, deployment, and / or retrieval of IMD 102. Device receptacle 108 includes a receptacle wall 110 defining a receptacle volume 112 configured to hold and / or support IMD 102 during the delivery, deployment, and / or retrieval of IMD 102. In examples, device receptacle 108 defines a distal opening 109 (“receptacle opening 109”) which opens into receptacle volume 112. Receptacle opening 109 may be configured to allow at least IMD 102 to pass therethrough. In examples, medical system 100 is configured to deploy IMD 102 from device receptacle 108 (e.g., from a position within receptacle volume 112) and through receptacle opening 109 to cause IMD 102 to engage tissues within target site 104. In examples, medical system 100 is configured to cause IMD 102 to disengage from tissues within target site 104 to, for example, retrieve IMD 102 from and / or reposition IMD 102 within heart 101.

[0054] Delivery catheter 106 is configured to deliver device receptacle 108 and / or IMD 102 to an anatomical volume of the patient (e.g., the RA). Optionally, such delivery can be performed with IMD 102 “preloaded” or present within device receptacle 108 during advancement of delivery catheter 106 to the anatomical volume, or IMD 102 can be advanced to device receptacle 108 after delivery catheter 106 including device receptacle 108 has been advanced to the anatomical volume. Optionally, delivery catheter 106 may be advanced to the anatomical volume of the patient through a surrounding tubular member (e.g., introducer 140 (FIG. 2)), such as a sheath or guide catheter, which may be placed with its distal end in the anatomical volume before delivery catheter 106 is advanced through the surrounding tubular member. In examples, delivery catheter 106 is configured to retrieve device receptacle 108 and / or IMD 102 from the anatomical volume of the patient. Delivery catheter 106 may include a distal portion 114 (“delivery catheterAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001distal portion 114”) configured to be intracorporeal to the patient and a proximal portion 116 (“delivery catheter proximal portion 116”) which may be extracorporeal to the patient when delivery catheter distal portion 114 is intracorporeal. Delivery catheter distal portion 114 may support (e.g., be attached to and / or be a substantially unitary component with) device receptacle 108. In examples, delivery catheter 106 is configured to deliver and / or retrieve device receptacle 108 and / or IMD 102 using vasculature of a patient, such as an inferior vena cava (IVC), superior vena cava (SVC) or other vasculature leading to the anatomical volume. Delivery catheter 106 may define a lumen 118 (“delivery lumen 118”) which opens to receptacle volume 112.

[0055] In examples, medical system 100 includes a tether system 120 configured to engage IMD 102 when, for example, IMD 102 is positioned within receptacle volume 112. Tether system 120 can be used to, e.g., advance IMD 102 distally from device receptacle 108, through receptacle opening 109, to deploy IMD 102 into the anatomical volume. Tether system 120 can also be used to, e.g., extract and / or retract IMD 102 from the anatomical volume, through receptacle opening 109, into device receptacle 108. Tether system 120 includes a tether body 122 which defines a distal portion 124 (“tether distal portion 124”) configured to be intracorporeal to the patient and a proximal portion 126 (“tether proximal portion 126”) which may be extracorporeal to the patient when tether distal portion 124 is intracorporeal. Tether system 120 and / or component(s) thereof, such as tether distal portion 124 and / or tether proximal portion 126, can comprise any suitable catheter, elongate member, and / or inner member (e.g., relative to delivery catheter 106). Tether system 120 and / or tether body 122 can possess sufficient column strength or ’’pushability” to advance IMD 102 distally from device receptacle 108, e.g., in the process of deployment, and / or, in some embodiments, to advance IMD 102, or tether system 120 itself without IMD 102 attached thereto, along the length of delivery catheter 106 including proximal portion 116 and distal portion 114 thereof. Tether system 120 and / or tether body 122 may possess sufficient tensile strength to extract and / or retract IMD 102 from the anatomical volume, through receptacle opening 109, into device receptacle 108, and / or, in some embodiments, through the length of delivery catheter 106 including proximal portion 116 and distal portion 114 thereof. Tether system 120 and / or tether body 122 may possess sufficient torque transmission capability to screw and / or unscrew IMD 102 into target tissue in the anatomical volume. Where IMD 102 is attached to targetAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001tissue without need for screwing or rotating (e.g. where IMD 102 is fixated via one or more tines), or where other component(s) perform the screwing / unscrewing function, tether system 120 and / or tether body 122 need not possess this capability.

[0056] Tether distal portion 124 may support and / or be attached to a tether head 128. Tether head 128 may be configured to engage IMD 102. At least tether body 122 may be configured to translate (e.g., slidably translate) and / or rotate within delivery lumen 118 (e.g., translate and / or rotate relative to delivery catheter 106). Tether system 120 may be configured such that the translation and / or rotation of tether body 122 causes tether body 122 and / or tether head 128 to impart translational and / or rotational forces on IMD 102 (e.g., when tether head 128 is engaged with IMD 102), such that IMD 102 translates and / or rotates relative to receptacle wall 110. For example, tether system 120 may be configured to translate within delivery lumen 118 to impart (e.g., via tether head 128) a translational force on IMD 102 causing IMD 102 to translate (e.g., within receptacle volume 112) in the proximal direction P or the distal direction D relative to receptacle wall 110. Tether system 120 may be configured to rotate within delivery lumen 118 to impart (e.g., via tether head 128) a rotational force on IMD 102 causing IMD 102 to rotate (e.g., within receptacle volume 112) about a device axis LD defined by IMD 102. In some examples, tether head 128 and tether body 122 may be substantially separate components. In some examples, tether head 128 may be substantially contiguous with tether body 122, such that tether head 128 and tether body 122 define a unified component. In FIG. 1, portions of tether body 122, tether head 128, and IMD 102 positioned within delivery lumen 118 and / or receptacle volume 112 are depicted with dashed lines.

[0057] Although IMD 102 is depicted in FIG. 1 as partially within receptacle volume 112, in some examples, IMD 102 and / or device receptacle 108 may be configured such that IMD 102 may position wholly within receptacle volume 112. For example, IMD 102 and / or device receptacle 108 may be configured such that one or more of a distal end 113 defined by a housing of IMD 102 (“IMD distal end 113”), a first distal electrode 103, a second distal electrode 105 (e.g., an atrial electrode), and / or an attachment member 132 may be proximal to receptacle opening 109, distal to receptacle opening 109, and / or substantially even with receptacle opening 109. Tether system 120 is configured to cause IMD 102 to translate in the proximal direction P or the distal direction D within receptacle volume 112 to position IMD distal end 113, second distal electrode 105, first distalAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001electrode 103, and / or attachment member 132 proximal to receptacle opening 109, distal to receptacle opening 109, and / or substantially even with receptacle opening 109.

[0058] In examples, IMD 102 includes processing circuitry 133 (“IMD processing circuitry 133”). Medical system 100 may be configured to use IMD processing circuitry 133 to sense an intrinsic electrical signal generated by heart 101 to, for example, assess electrical activity in proximity of IMD 102 (e.g., in proximity to attachment member 132), conduct pace mapping to determine a suitable placement of IMD 102, evaluate a suitability of pacing delivered by IMD 102 at a particular location, evaluate a position of IMD 102 during an implantation, evaluate a placement of a device electrode relative to a vessel wall, and / or for other reasons. In examples, IMD processing circuitry 1 3 is mechanically supported by a housing of IMD 102, such that IMD processing circuitry 133 is intracorporeal to the patient when, for example, tether distal portion 124, tether head 128, device receptacle 108 and / or IMD 102 are intracorporeal to the patient.

[0059] Medical system 100 is configured to position IMD 102 in proximity to target site 104 such that IMD 102 may be anchored to tissues within target site 104. In examples, attachment member 132 is configured to engage tissues within target site 104. For example, delivery catheter 106 may be configured to (e.g., under the influence of a clinician) traverse vasculature of the patient to position device receptacle 108 and IMD 102 in proximity to target site 104. Medical system 100 (e.g., tether body 122 and / or tether head 128) is configured to (e.g., when attachment member 132 is a helical member) impart a torque to IMD 102 to cause attachment member 132 to engage tissues (e.g., tissue within target site 104) when attachment member 132 is within or in proximity to target site 104. In examples, medical system 100 (e.g., tether body 122 and / or tether head 128) is configured to impart a force in the distal direction D to IMD 102 to cause attachment member 132 to engage tissues and / or impart a force in the proximal direction P to IMD 102 to cause attachment member 132 to disengage from tissues (e.g., when attachment member 132 includes one or more tines). Medical system 100 is configured such that tether body 122 and / or tether head 128 may be disengaged from IMD 102 as IMD 102 remains anchored to tissues within or in proximity to target site 104. Delivery catheter 106, device receptacle 108, and tether system 120 may subsequently be withdrawn from the patient (e.g., via vasculature of the patient).

[0060] Device receptacle 108 is configured to establish a first configuration whereinAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001receptacle volume 112 prescribes a first volume and configured to establish a second configuration wherein receptacle volume 112 prescribes a second volume different from the first volume. Device receptacle 108 is configured to hold IMD 102 in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration. In examples, device receptacle 108 is configured to alter one or more of its dimensions (e.g., a length and / or a width) when device receptacle 108 transitions between the first configuration and the second configuration. Device receptacle 108 may be configured to alter the one or more dimensions to, for example, limit and / or mitigate interactions between device receptacle 108 and IMD 102 when, for example, IMD 102 has been implanted at target site 104. Further, device receptacle 108 is configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration (e.g., for retrieval, relocations, and / or repositioning of IMD 102 within the anatomical volume.

[0061] For example, as depicted in FIG. 1, device receptacle 108 may be configured to hold IMD 102 in the first configuration during implantation of IMD 102 (e.g., implantation using attachment member 132). Subsequent to the implantation, device receptacle 108 may alter one or more of its dimensions by transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration to limit and / or mitigate interactions between device receptacle 108 and IMD 102 as delivery catheter distal portion 114 and device receptacle 108 are withdrawn (e.g., by a clinician) from the anatomical volume. In examples, receptacle wall 110 is configured to reduce and / or otherwise alter at least one of a length or a width of device receptacle 108 when device receptacle 108 transitions between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0062] The reduced and / or altered length and / or width may increase an available clearance between device receptacle 108 and the implanted IMD 102, such that device receptacle 108 is less likely to contact and impart forces to IMD 102 as device receptacle 108 (and, e.g., delivery catheter distal portion 114) is moved and / or maneuvered within the anatomical volume (e.g., by a clinician). Further, the reduced and / or altered length and / or width may mitigate and / or limit contact between device receptacle 108 and another anatomical structure 134 (e.g., another portion of a heart wall defining the RA) as device receptacle 108 is moved and / or maneuvered within the anatomical volume. Device receptacle 108 is further configured to transition from the second configuration wherein receptacle volume 112 defines the second volume back to the first configuration whereinAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001receptacle volume 112 defines the first volume, such that device receptacle 108 may capture IMD 102 within the first volume to allow for retrieval, relocation, and / or repositioning of IMD 102 within the anatomical volume.

[0063] IMD processing circuitry 133 may be configured to sense the intrinsic electrical signal using electrodes supported by IMD 102 and / or medical system 100, such as first distal electrode 103, second distal electrode 105, a proximal electrode 107 (e.g., a return electrode), and / or other electrodes of IMD 102 and / or medical system 100. IMD processing circuitry 133 may be configured to process and / or condition a signal sensed by electrodes 103, 105, 107 and / or other electrodes within medical system 100. In examples, one or more electrode (e.g., proximal electrode 107) may be configured to be positioned with receptacle volume 112 when IMD 102 resides at least partially within receptacle volume 112.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a plan drawing illustrating a portion of an example medical system 100 for delivering an IMD 102 within a receptacle volume 112 to a location within heart 101. Medical system 100 may include an introducer 140, delivery catheter 106, and tether system 120. In examples, introducer 140 is an elongate member defining an interior lumen. Introducer 140 is configured to be inserted (e.g., by a clinician), into vasculature of a patient to provide a channel, via the interior lumen, through which to insert a medical instrument, a device, or other therapy.

[0065] Delivery catheter 106 is configured to be inserted through the interior lumen of introducer 140 to deliver IMD 102 within the vasculature. In examples, delivery catheter 106 includes a handle assembly 142. Handle assembly 142 may be disposed substantially at a proximal end of delivery catheter proximal portion 116. In examples, handle assembly 142 includes one or more elements (such as buttons, switches, etc.) configured to control a motion of (e.g., steer) delivery catheter 106 (e.g., delivery catheter distal portion 114) and / or device receptacle 108. In some examples, handle assembly 142 includes a one or more operators such as operator 143 configured to cause device receptacle 108 to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration (e.g., when operated by a clinician). Operator 143 may be, for example, a button, a switch, a dial, or another operator configured to be operable by a clinician.

[0066] Device receptacle 108 is supported by delivery catheter distal portion 114. In examples, device receptacle 108 is disposed substantially at a distal end 154 of deliveryAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001catheter distal portion 114 (“delivery catheter distal end 154”). In some examples, delivery catheter distal portion 114 (e.g., delivery catheter distal end 154) is coupled to a proximal end 155 of device receptacle 108 (“device proximal end 155”). Device receptacle 108 (e.g., receptacle wall 110) may be configured to define receptacle opening 109 at device distal end 111. In some examples, in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration, receptacle wall 110 defines a hollow, substantially cylindrical body defining receptacle volume 112.

[0067] Device receptacle 108 is configured to house and support IMD 102 within receptacle volume 112 as IMD 102 is being transported to and / or implanted within a vasculature of a patient. For example, a clinician may insert device receptacle 108 and delivery catheter distal portion 114 through the interior lumen of introducer 140 when introducer is disposed within a vasculature of a patient. Once device receptacle 108 has extended through introducer 140, the clinician may navigate delivery catheter 106 (e.g., using handle assembly 142) through the vasculature to an implant site (e.g., in proximity to target site 104 (FIG. 1)) within heart 101 of the patient. The clinician may cause IMD 102 to extend from and / or distal to receptacle opening 109 using tether system 120. The clinician may cause tether head 128 to disengage from IMD 102 (e.g., using handle assembly 142) and proximally withdraw delivery catheter 106 and tether system 120 through introducer 140.

[0068] Tether system 120 (e.g., at least tether distal portion 124 and some portion of tether proximal portion 126) extends through delivery lumen 118 of delivery catheter 106. In examples, tether distal portion 124 is configured to extend through at least delivery catheter distal portion 114 and / or tether proximal portion 126 is configured to extend through at least delivery catheter proximal portion 116. A portion of tether distal portion 124 within delivery lumen 118 is shown with a dashed line in FIG. 2. In examples, tether proximal portion 126 extends through handle assembly 142. Tether head 128 may be supported by tether distal portion 124. In examples, tether head 128 is disposed (attached to and / or affixed to) substantially at a distal end of tether distal portion 124. In some examples, a body of tether head 128 is contiguous with and / or a substantially unitary body with tether distal portion 124. In some examples, tether head 128 and tether distal portion 124 define substantially separate bodies affixed to (e.g., attached to) each other (e.g. at tether distal end 125). In examples, tether system 120 includes a tether handle 145. TetherAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001handle 145 may be disposed substantially at a proximal end of tether proximal portion 126. In examples, tether handle 145 may be configured to cause tether head 128 to engage with and / or disengage from IMD 102.

[0069] In examples, tether system 120 is configured to impart a torque and / or an axial force to IMD 102. For example, tether system 120 may be configured to impart a torque around a device axis LD (FIG. 3) of IMD 102 to cause attachment member 132 to engage with or disengage from tissues. Tether system 120 may be configured to impart an axial force in proximal direction P or distal direction D to IMD 102 to cause attachment member 132 to engage with and / or disengage from tissues, and / or to cause IMD 102 to ingress into or egress from receptacle volume 112 (e.g., via receptacle opening 109). The clinician may cause tether head 128 to disengage from IMD 102 (e.g., using handle assembly 142 and / or tether handle 145) and proximally withdraw delivery catheter 106 and tether system 120 through introducer 140.

[0070] Device receptacle 108 may be configured to hold IMD 102 in the first configuration during implantation of IMD 102 (e.g., implantation using attachment member 132). Device receptacle 108 may be configured (e.g., subsequent to an implantation of IMD 102) to alter one or more of its dimensions by transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration to limit and / or mitigate interactions between device receptacle 108 and IMD 102. In some examples, device receptacle 108 is configured to reduce a stiffness of receptacle wall 110 when device receptacle 108 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, such that receptacle wall 108 tends to flex and or bend (e.g., to give) when receptacle wall 110 contacts IMD 102 (e.g., rather than imparting substantial forces to IMD 102). The altered dimension and / or reduced stiffness may limit and / or mitigated interactions between device receptacle 108 and IMD 102 to, for example, reduce potential disturbance to the anatomical placement of one or more of first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105, mitigate and / or limit contact between device receptacle 108 and other anatomical structures (e.g., portions of a heart wall), and / or otherwise assist in maintaining the integrity of the implantation.

[0071] For example, FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a device receptacle 108 in a first configuration (e.g., prior to fixation using attachment member 132). In FIG. 3, device receptacle 108 is positioned within an anatomical volume AV (e.g., a chamber of heart 101Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001(FIG. 1)) to implant IMD 102 into a tissue wall 156 (e.g., in proximity to target site 104) defining at least some portion of anatomical volume AV. IMD 102 is positioned within receptacle volume 112 defined at least in part by receptacle wall 110. Tissue wall 156 defines tissue surface 158. FIG. 3 further depicts an anatomical structure 160 within and / or defining anatomical volume AV. Structure 160 may be another portion of tissue wall 156, a tissue wall substantially different from tissue wall 156, any other another anatomical structure at least partially within and / or defining anatomical volume AV, and / or structure of medical system 100 at least partially within anatomical volume AV. In FIG. 3, device distal end 111 substantially contacts tissue surface 158, although this is not required. In examples, receptacle wall 110 includes a body 115 (“wall body 115”) defining at least a portion of receptacle volume 112. Wall body 115 may define one or more of device distal end 111, device proximal end 155, receptacle opening 109, and / or a lumen opening 162. Lumen opening 162 may be an opening defined by delivery catheter distal portion 114 and / or device proximal end 155 which opens from delivery lumen 118 to receptacle volume 112.

[0072] Delivery catheter distal portion 114 is coupled to device receptacle 108 (e.g., at device proximal end 155). In FIG. 3, tether distal portion 124 extends through delivery lumen 118 and is illustrated with dashed line. Tether head 128 is coupled to tether distal portion 124 and engaged with (e.g., coupled to) IMD 102, such that tether head 128 may transfer a torque (e.g., around a device axis LD) and / or transfer an axial force (e.g., substantially parallel to and in the direction of distal direction D and / or proximal direction P). In examples, device receptacle 108 is configured to define a longitudinal axis L at least in the first configuration. In examples, longitudinal axis L extends through lumen opening 162 and / or receptacle opening 109. In examples, device receptacle 108 is configured such that, at least in the first configuration, IMD 102 may translate in a direction substantially parallel to longitudinal axis L and relative to receptacle wall 110 and / or rotate in a rotational direction about longitudinal axis L and relative to receptacle wall 110 when IMD 102 is positioned at least partially within receptacle volume 112.

[0073] In some examples, IMD 102 includes a device housing 164 defining a distal portion 166 (“housing distal portion 166) and a proximal portion 168 (“housing proximal portion 168”) opposite housing distal portion 166. In examples, attachment member 132 is coupled to housing distal portion 166. In examples, attachment member 132 is configuredAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001to extend distal to housing distal portion 166. In some examples, housing proximal portion 168 includes a retrieval structure 170 configured to receive a torque and / or an axial force (e.g., from tether head 128) to cause a rotation and / or axial translation of device housing 164 and / or attachment member 132 within receptacle volume 112 and / or relative to receptacle wall 110. Tether head 128 may be configured to engage to retrieval structure 170.

[0074] Device receptacle 108 is configured such that receptacle volume 112 defines a first volume VI substantially between device distal end 111 and device proximal end 155 in the first configuration. In examples, receptacle volume 112 defines first volume VI between receptacle opening 109 and an lumen opening 162. In examples, longitudinal axis L extends through first volume VI. Device receptacle 108 is configured to hold at least some portion of IMD 102 within receptacle volume 112 when receptacle volume 112 defines first volume VI (e.g., when device receptacle 108 is in the first configuration). For example, device receptacle 108 may be configured to hold housing distal portion 166 and / or housing proximal portion 168 within receptacle volume 112 (e.g., in first volume VI) in the first configuration. In examples, device receptacle 108 is configured to hold and / or position attachment member 132 within receptacle volume 112 (e.g., in first volume VI) in the first configuration. As used herein, first volume VI may refer to a volumetric magnitude defined by and / or enclosed within receptacle volume 112 (e.g., a volumetric magnitude bounded by at least some portion of receptacle wall 110, receptacle opening 109, and / or lumen opening 162).

[0075] Device receptacle 108 may be configured such that, in at least the first configuration, receptacle wall 110 exhibits a holding stiffness sufficient to support IMD 102 within receptacle volume 112. For example, the holding stiffness may be sufficient such that movement and / or repositioning of device receptacle 108 (e.g., by a clinician) within anatomical volume AV causes a corresponding movement and / or repositioning of IMD 102 within anatomical volume AV. In examples, the holding stiffness may be such that when device receptacle 108 experiences a force causing movement of receptacle wall 110 (e.g., due to movement of device receptacle 108 by a clinician, blood flow within anatomical volume AV, and / or another cause), receptacle wall 110 transfers a majority of the force (e.g., substantially all) to IMD 102. In examples, the holding stiffness is sufficient to such that medical system 100 (e.g., tether system 120 and / or a portion ofAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001device receptacle 108) holds IMD 102 substantially stationary relative to receptacle wall 110. In examples, the holding stiffness is sufficient to at least support a weight of IMD 102 (e.g., to hold IMD 102 substantially stationary when a gravity vector acts on IMD 102). Hence, in some examples, device receptacle 108 may be configured such that the holding stiffness is sufficient to allow transport and / or positioning of IMD 102 (e.g., within anatomical volume AV or through vasculature of a patient) by transporting and / or positioning device receptacle 108 (e.g., by a clinician). For example, the holding stiffness may be sufficient such that movement of device receptacle 108 and / or receptacle opening 109 toward tissue surface 158 causes movement of IMD 102 toward tissue surface 158.

[0076] Device receptacle 108 is configured such that, in at least the first configuration, a clinician may cause movement of device receptacle 108 to position IMD 102 in proximity to target site 104. In the first configuration, device receptacle 108 is configured to support IMD 102 when the clinician causes IMD 102 (e.g., attachment member 132) to implant within tissue wall 156 (e.g., to penetrate tissue surface 158). Device receptacle 108 (e.g., in the first configuration) may support IMD 102 as the clinician causes an implantation of attachment member 132 to position first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105 within and / or in contact with tissue wall 156. For example, device receptacle 108 may support IMD 102 as the clinician causes movement of IMD 102 in the proximal direction P and / or in the distal direction D to place first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105 at a desired and / or advantageous position within target site 104 (e.g., based on signals received from processing circuitry 133 (FIG. 1)). Device receptacle 108 (e.g., in the first configuration) is configured to support IMD 102 such that the clinician may utilize device receptacle 108 to cause movement and / or positioning of IMD 102 while, for example, seeking the desired and / or advantageous positions of first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105 within target site 104 (e.g., while pace mapping using first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105).

[0077] An as example, FIG. 4 illustrates attachment member 132 implanted within tissue wall 156 (e.g., subsequent to tether head 128 transferring a torque and / or axial force to device housing 164). Device receptacle 108 (e.g., in at least the first configuration) may be configured to substantially maintain an alignment of IMD 102 (e.g., at least attachment member 132 and / or housing distal portion 166) with receptacle opening 109 when IMD 102 (e.g., device housing 164) receives a torque and / or axial force. In examples, deviceAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001receptacle 108 is configured such that the hold stiffness (e.g., of the first configuration) is sufficient to substantially maintain the alignment of IMD 102 with receptacle opening 109 when IMD 102 moves (e.g., axially translates and / or rotates) relative to receptacle wall 110. In FIG. 4, first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105 are implanted within and / or in contact with target site 104. For example, first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105 may be implanted within and / or in contact with target site 104 at a desired and / or advantageous position relative to tissue wall 156, such that it might be desirable to mitigate and / or limit potential movement of first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105 relative to tissue wall 156.

[0078] Medical system 100 is configured to transition device receptacle 108 from the first configuration defining first volume VI to a second configuration defining a second volume different from first volume VI. The transition of device receptacle 108 from the first configuration to the second configuration may at least one of alter a length of device receptacle 108, alter a width of device receptacle 108, and / or reduce a stiffness of device receptacle 108 to mitigate and / or limit interactions between device receptacle 108 and IMD 102 when device receptacle 108 is displaced from IMD 102 (e.g., following implantation of IMD 102). For example, in the first configuration, device receptacle 108 may define one of a first length LI and / or a first width W 1 when receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI in the first configuration. Device receptacle 108 may be configured to define a second length less than first length LI and / or a second width different from first width W 1 when device receptacle 108 is in the second configuration. Device receptacle 108 may be configured such that the second length and / or the second width causes the second volume of the second configuration to be less than the first length of the first configuration.

[0079] As an example, FIG. 5 illustrates medical system 100 with device receptacle 108 in a second configuration. Device receptacle 108 (e.g., receptacle wall 110) defines receptacle volume 112 to have a second volume V2 in the second configuration. Device receptacle 108 (e.g., receptacle wall 110) defines a second length L2 and / or a second width W2 when device receptacle 108 is in the second configuration (e.g., when device receptacle 108 defines second volume V2).

[0080] Device receptacle 108 is configured such that at least one of second length L2 and / or second width W2 causes receptacle volume 112 to have a second volume V2.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001Device receptacle 108 is configured such that second length L2 is less than first length LI and second width W2 is different from first width Wl. Although FIG. 5 depicts device receptacle 108 as defining both second length L2 and second width W2 in the second configuration for clarity, this is not required. For example, device receptacle 108 may define one of second length L2 or second width W2 to cause device receptacle 108 to cause device receptacle 108 to define second volume V2 in some examples. Device receptacle 108 may define both of second length L2 and second width W2 to cause device receptacle 108 to define second volume V2 in other examples. Further although second width W2 may appear greater than first width Wl in FIG. 5, this is not required. Width W2 may be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to first width Wl. FIG. 5 further shows a depiction of device receptacle 108 (“device receptacle 108A’) as it might appear if in the first configuration (in dashed lines) for comparison.

[0081] Device receptacle 108 may be configured to transition from the first configuration (e.g., used to implant IMD 102) to the second configuration to mitigate and / or limit a transfer of forces from device receptacle 108 to IMD 102 as device receptacle 108 displaces from IMD 102 (e.g., as a clinician maneuvers device receptacle 108 to displace from IMD 102). For example, device receptacle 108 may transition from the first configuration to the second configuration to mitigate and / or limit a transfer of force from wall body 115 to IMD 102 (e.g., device housing 164) as device receptacle 108 displaces from IMD 102.

[0082] In examples, device receptacle 108 is configured to transition to the second configuration such that second length L2 and / or second width W2 acts to establish and / or increase a clearance CL between device receptacle 108. Device receptacle 108 may establish and / or increase clearance CL to mitigate and / or reduce a likelihood and / or duration of contact between wall body 115 and IMD 102 as device receptacle 108 displaces from IMD 102. Mitigating and / or reducing the likelihood and / or duration of contact between wall body 115 and IMD 102 may mitigate and / or reduce a transfer of forces from wall body 115 to device housing 164, which could act to disturb the positions of first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105 within target site 104.Further, establishing the second length L2 and / or second width W2 may decrease a likelihood of interactions (e.g., contact) between device receptacle 108 and structure 160 (e.g., as device receptacle 108 displaces from and / or is maneuvered relative to IMD 102).Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0083] For example, FIG. 5 illustrates an illustrative device receptacle 108Ain dashed lines and an illustrative IMD 102Ain dashed lines. Device receptacle 108Ais intended to represent device receptacle 108 in the first configuration and IMD 102A is intended to represent IMD 102 when implanted and as device receptacle 108Ais displaced from IMD 102A. As illustrated, in some anatomical volumes, the dimensions (e.g., a length and / or a width) of device receptacle 108Amay result in contact between device receptacle 108A and IMD 102A as device receptacle 108A displaces from IMD 102A and / or is maneuvered (e.g., by a clinician) to exit the anatomical volume. The contact may result in a transfer of forces from device receptacle 108Ato IMD 102A. In some examples, the transfer of forces from device receptacle 108Amay cause movement of IMD 102A relative to tissue wall 156 and / or tissue surface 158, potentially impacting or otherwise disturbing the positions of first distal electrode 103 and / or second distal electrode 105 within target site 104, disturbing an integrity of the fixation provided by attachment member 132, and / or impacting the implanted IMD 102 A in other ways. Further, in some anatomical volumes, the dimensions of device receptacle 108Amay cause interactions (e.g., contact) between device receptacle 108Aand structure 160 as device receptacle 108A displaces from IMD 102A and / or is maneuvered (e.g., by a clinician) to exit the anatomical volume.

[0084] Device receptacle 108 may be configured such that receptacle volume 112 has second volume V2 substantially between device distal end 111 and device proximal end 155 in the second configuration. In examples, receptacle volume 112 has second volume V2 between receptacle opening 109 and lumen opening 162. In examples, first length LI (e.g., when device receptacle 108 is in the first configuration) extends from device distal end 111 to device proximal end 155 and / or from receptacle opening 109 to lumen opening 162. In examples, second length L2 (e.g., when device receptacle 108 is in the second configuration) extends from device distal end 111 to device proximal end 155 and / or from receptacle opening 109 to lumen opening 162. First length LI and / or second length L2 may be substantially parallel to longitudinal axis L. In examples, second length L2 is substantially parallel to first length LI.

[0085] In examples, first width W1 is a first cross-sectional dimension defined by device receptacle 108 (e.g., receptacle wall 110). Second width W2 may be second cross-sectional dimension defined by device receptacle 108 (e.g., receptacle wall 110). In examples, an outer surface 172 of receptacle wall 110 (“wall outer surface 172”) definesAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001first width W1 in the first configuration and / or defines second width W2 in the second configuration. In examples, first width W1 and / or second width W2 extend from a first portion 174 of wall outer surface 172 to a second portion 176 of wall outer surface 172. In examples, longitudinal axis L extends between first portion 174 and second portion 176. In some examples, second portion 176 is substantially opposite first portion 174. First width W1 and / or second width W2 may be substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L. In examples, second width W2 is substantially parallel to first width Wl.

[0086] Wall body 115 may define wall outer surface 172. In examples, wall body 115 is configured such that wall outer surface 172 faces in a direction away from longitudinal axis L when wall body 115 at least partially surrounds longitudinal axis L and / or when longitudinal axis L extends through receptacle volume 112. In examples, wall outer surface 172 faces in the direction away from longitudinal axis L when longitudinal axis L extends through lumen opening 162 and receptacle opening 109. Wall body 115 may define an inner surface 173 (“wall inner surface 173”) substantially opposite wall outer surface 172. In examples, wall inner surface 173 defines at least some portion of a boundary of receptacle volume 112. For example, in some examples, receptacle volume 112 may defined by a boundary comprising at least wall inner surface 173, lumen opening 162, and receptacle opening 109. In examples, wall body 115 is configured such that wall inner surface 173 faces in a direction toward longitudinal axis L when wall body 115 at least partially surrounds longitudinal axis L and / or when longitudinal axis L extends through receptacle volume 112. In examples, wall inner surface 173 faces in the direction toward longitudinal axis L when longitudinal axis L extends through lumen opening 162 and receptacle opening 109.

[0087] In some examples, medical system 100 is configured to reduce a stiffness of device receptacle 108 (e.g., receptacle wall 110) when device receptacle 108 transitions from the first configuration defining first volume VI to the second configuration defining second volume V2. Medical system 100 may reduce the stiffness of device receptacle 108 such that an ability of device receptacle 108 to impart a force to IMD 102 is limited. For example, medical system 100 may be configured such that receptacle wall 110 tends to flex and or bend (e.g., to give) when receptacle wall 110 contacts IMD 102, rather than imparting substantial forces to IMD 102. The tendency to flex and / or bend may mitigate and / or limit a transfer of forces from device receptacle 108 to IMD 102 as deviceAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001receptacle 108 displaces from IMD 102 (e.g., as a clinician maneuvers device receptacle 108 to displace from IMD 102).

[0088] As an example, FIG. 5B illustrates medical system 100 with device receptacle 108 in another second configuration. FIG. 5B further illustrates illustrative device receptacle 108A and illustrative IMD 102Ain dashed lines. Device receptacle 108 may be configured such that, in the second configuration, receptacle wall 110 tends to flex and or bend (e.g., to give) when receptacle wall 110 contacts IMD 102 and / or structure 160, and / or when device receptacle 108 is maneuvered (e.g., by a clinician) to exit anatomical volume AV. In examples, medical system 100 is configured such that device receptacle 108 (e.g., receptacle wall 110) defines the holding stiffness in the first configuration and defines a flexing stiffness in the second configuration, wherein the flexing stiffness is less than the holding stiffness.

[0089] For example, medical system 100 may be configured such that receptacle wall 110 includes an elongate member (e.g., elongate member 198 (FIG. 6A)) which causes receptacle wall 110 to have the holding stiffness in the first configuration (e.g., while device receptacle 108 is transporting or implanting IMD 102). Medical system 100 may be configured to allow at least a partial withdrawal of the elongate member from receptacle wall 110, such that receptacle wall 110 defines the flexing stiffness less than the holding stiffness. In examples, when receptacle wall 110 has the flexing stiffness in the second configuration (e.g., FIG. 6), device receptacle 108 defines receptacle volume 112 to have second volume V2. Medical device 100 may be configured such that, instead of or in addition to establishing or increasing clearance CL, establishing second length L2, and / or establishing second width W2, receptacle wall 110 defines the flexing stiffness in the second configuration.

[0090] The flexing stiffness exhibited by device receptacle 108 in the second configuration may tend to cause receptacle wall 110 to flex and or bend (e.g., to give) when receptacle wall 110 contacts IMD 102, rather than imparting substantial forces to IMD 102. The tendency to flex and / or bend may mitigate and / or limit a transfer of forces from device receptacle 108 to IMD 102 as device receptacle 108 displaces from IMD 102 (e.g., as a clinician maneuvers device receptacle 108 to displace from IMD 102). Further, in some anatomical volumes, the tendency to flex and / or bend may reduce and / or mitigate interactions (e.g., contact or the transfer of force) between device receptacle 108 andAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001structure 160 as device receptacle 108 displaces from IMD 102 and / or is maneuvered (e.g., by a clinician) to exit the anatomical volume.

[0091] As used here, a holding stiffness and / or a flexing stiffness may refer to an ability of receptacle wall 110 to resist a deformation in response to a force imparted to receptacle wall 110. In some examples, the holding stiffness and / or a flexing stiffness is an axial stiffness and at least some component of the force imparted to receptacle wall 110 acts in a direction from device distal end 111 to device proximal end 155 (e.g., substantially parallel to longitudinal axis L). In some examples, the holding stiffness and / or a flexing stiffness is a bending stiffness and at least some component of the force imparted to receptacle wall 110 acts in a direction substantially perpendicular to wall outer surface 172 and / or substantially perpendicular to the direction from device distal end 111 to device proximal end 155 (e.g., substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L).

[0092] In some examples, device receptacle 108 may define second length L2 less than, greater than, or substantially equal to first length LI. In some examples, device receptacle 108 may define width length W2 less than, greater than, or substantially equal to first length W 1. For example, when receptacle wall 110 defines a flexing stiffness, device receptacle 108 may define second length L2 less than, greater than, or substantially equal to first length LI and / or define second width W2 less than, greater than, or substantially equal to first width Wl. In some examples, first length LI and / or second length L2 may be a length defined over a surface defined by receptacle wall 110 (e.g., wall outer surface 172 or wall inner surface 173). For example, in some examples, first length LI and / or second length L2 may be a geodesic length defined over wall outer surface 172 or wall inner surface 173.

[0093] Hence, device receptacle 108 may be configured to hold IMD 102 in the first configuration, such that IMD 102 may be transported through vasculature, positioned within anatomical volume AV, and / or implanted within tissue wall 156. Device receptacle 108 may be configured to transition from the first configuration to a second configuration to limit and / or mitigate interactions between device receptacle 108, IMD 102, and / or structure 160 as device receptacle 108 is withdrawn (e.g., by a clinician) from anatomical volume AV. The limited and / or mitigated interactions may reduce and / or eliminate forces imparted from device receptacle 108 to IMD 102 during the withdrawal, reducing potential disturbance to the anatomical placement of first distal electrode 103 and / orAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001second distal electrode 105, and / or otherwise assisting in maintaining the integrity of the implantation of IMD 102. Further, device receptacle 108 is configured to transition from the second configuration and return to the first configuration should IMD 102 need to be relocated within and / or retrieved from anatomical volume AV. In some examples, device receptacle 108 is configured to alter one or more dimensions (e.g., transition from first length LI to second length L2 and / or transition from first width W1 to second width W2) when device receptacle 108 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. In some examples, instead of or in addition to altering one or more dimensions, device receptacle 108 is configured to alter a stiffness of receptacle wall 110 (e.g., transition from the holding stiffness to the flexing stiffness) when device receptacle 108 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0094] FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of a device receptacle 178 in a first configuration defining first length LI, depicted with reference to an X-Y-Z axes, with the Z axis proceeding out of the page. FIG. 6B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 178 in the first configuration, depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axis proceeding out of the page. Device receptacle 178 includes receptacle wall 110, with receptacle wall 110 including a distal portion 182 (“distal wall portion 182”) and a proximal portion 184 (“proximal wall portion 184”). In examples, distal wall portion 182 defines device distal end 111 and / or receptacle opening 109. Proximal wall portion 184 may define device proximal end 155 and / or lumen opening 109. FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of a device receptacle 178 in a second configuration defining second length L2, depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the Z axis proceeding out of the page. FIG. 7B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 178 in the second configuration, depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axis proceeding out of the page.

[0095] In FIGS. 6A-7B, the X-Y-Z axes defines a right-hand coordinate system with the X axis substantially parallel to the proximal direction P and / or the distal direction D. In FIG. 6A and FIG. 7A, the cross-section is taken through a plane including longitudinal axis L and parallel to the X-Y plane. Device receptacle 178 is an example of device receptacle 108. Distal wall portion 182 may be an example of a distal portion of receptacle wall 110 and / or proximal wall portion 184 may be an example of a proximal portion of receptacle wall 110. In examples, distal wall portion 182 includes a body 186 (“distal wallAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001body 186”) and / or proximal wall portion 184 includes a body 188 (“proximal wall body 188”). Distal wall body 186 may be an example of a distal portion of wall body 115 and / or proximal wall body 188 may be an example of a proximal portion of wall body 115. In some examples, distal wall body 186 defines an outer surface 190 (“distal outer surface 190”) and an inner surface 192 (“distal inner surface 192”) opposite distal outer surface 190. Proximal wall body 188 may define an outer surface 194 (“proximal outer surface 194”) and an inner surface 196 (“proximal inner surface 196”) opposite proximal outer surface 194. Distal outer surface 190 and / or proximal outer surface 194 may be examples of wall outer surface 172. Distal inner surface 192 and / or proximal inner surface 196 may be examples of wall inner surface 173.

[0096] Device receptacle 178 is configured such that receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI in the first configuration. Distal wall portion 182 is configured to move relative to proximal wall portion 184 cause device receptacle 178 to transition from the first configuration (e.g., defining first length LI and / or first volume VI) to the second configuration (e.g., defining second length L2 and / or second volume V2). In examples, distal wall portion 182 is configured to move substantially in proximal direction P relative to proximal wall portion 184 when device receptacle 178 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. Distal wall portion 182 may be configured to move relative to proximal wall portion 184 cause device receptacle 178 to transition from the second configuration (e.g., defining second length L2 and / or second volume V2) to the first configuration (e.g., defining first length LI and / or first volume VI). In examples, distal wall portion 182 is configured to move substantially in distal direction D relative to proximal wall portion 184 when device receptacle 178 transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0097] Hence, device receptacle 178 is configured to establish the first configuration defining first volume VI and the second configuration defining volume V2, with second volume V2 less than first volume VI. Further, device receptacle 178 is configured to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration (e.g., following implantation of IMD 102 (FIG. 1, FIGS. 3-6)) and transition from the second configuration to the first configuration (e.g., to reposition and / or retrieve IMD 102).

[0098] In examples, device receptacle 178 includes an elongate member 198 configured to cause device receptacle 178 to transition from the first configuration (e.g., ofAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001FIGS. 6A, 6B) to the second configuration (e.g., of FIGS. 7A, 7B) and / or cause device receptacle 178 to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration.Elongate member 198 is depicted with a dashed line in FIG. 6 A and FIG. 7 A. In examples, elongate member 198 is configured to impart a first force Fl to distal wall portion 182 to cause device receptacle 178 to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. Elongate member 198 may be configured to impart a second force F2 to distal wall portion 182 to cause device receptacle 178 to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some examples, first force Fl is a force in proximal direction P. Second force F2 may be a force in distal direction D. In some example, a distal portion 202 of elongate member 198 (“member distal portion 202”) is coupled to and / or otherwise attached to distal wall portion 182 (e.g., distal wall body 186). Elongate member 198 may be configured to impart first force Fl and / or second force F2 to distal wall portion 182 (e.g., distal wall body 186) via member distal portion 202.

[0099] In examples, elongate member 198 extends through one of delivery lumen 118 or a second lumen 204 defined by a body of delivery catheter 106. In some examples, elongate member 198 extends from distal wall portion 182 to handle assembly 142 (FIG.2). Second lumen 204 may extend substantially from proximal wall portion 184 (e.g., proximal wall body 188) to handle assembly 142. In examples, operator 143 is configured to cause elongate member 198 to exert at least of first force Fl and / or first force F2 on distal wall portion 182 (e.g., when operated by a clinician). In some examples, elongate member 198 extends through receptacle volume 112 or a device lumen 206 defined by wall body 115 (e.g., defined by at least one of proximal wall body 188 and / or distal wall body 186). Elongate member 198 may be configured to translate (e.g., slidably translate) relative to the body of delivery catheter 106 and / or proximal wall body 186 when elongate member 198 exerts first force Fl and / or first force F2 on distal wall portion 182.

[0100] Although elongate member 198 is depicted in FIGS. 6A-7B as a single member defining a single distal end (e.g., member distal portion 202), this is not required. In some examples, as depicted in FIG. 8, elongate member 198 may comprise a proximal portion 208 (“member proximal portion 208”) and a plurality of distal portions 210 (“member distal portions 210”) including, for example, two or more of distal portion 211, distal portion 212, and / or distal portion 213. Proximal portion 208 may be coupled to (e.g., mechanically coupled to and / or a substantially unitary with) member distal portions 210.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001Each of member distal portions 210 may define a distal end coupled to and / or otherwise attached to distal wall portion 182 (e.g., in a manner similar to member distal portion 202). Elongate member 198 may be configured such that, when a force (e.g., force Fl and / or forceF2) is imparted to member proximal portion 208 (e.g., by handle assembly 142), member proximal portion 208 transfers at least some portion of the force to distal portions 210 (e.g., to two or more of distal portion 211, distal portion 212, and / or distal portion 213). In some examples, at least some portion of member proximal portion 208 extends through one of delivery lumen 118 or second lumen 204. Two or more of distal portion 211, distal portion 212, and / or distal portion 213 may each extend through receptacle volume 112 or a device lumen similar to device lumen 206. In some examples, device receptacle 178 includes a plurality of elongate members configured similarly to elongate member 198.

[0101] In some examples, distal wall portion 182 is a distal tubular portion substantially surrounding longitudinal axis L and proximal wall portion 184 is a proximal tubular portion surround longitudinal axis L. In some examples, the distal tubular portion and the proximal tubular portion are concentric tubular portions (e.g., concentric around longitudinal axis L). wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the distal tubular portion and the proximal tubular portion, and wherein the distal tubular portion and the proximal tubular portion are substantially concentric. In examples, distal wall portion 182 (e.g., distal inner surface 192) defines a distal inner volume VID and proximal wall portion 184 (e.g., proximal inner surface 196) defines a proximal inner volume VIP.Longitudinal axis L may extend through distal inner volume VID and proximal inner volume VIP. In some examples (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B), proximal wall portion 184 is configured to position at least partially within distal inner volume VID when the device receptacle 178 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. In other examples, distal wall portion 182 may be configured to position at least partially within proximal inner volume VIP when the device receptacle 178 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0102] Although FIGS. 6A-7B depict device receptacle 178 with distal wall portion 182 coupled to and / or engaged with proximal wall portion 184, this is not strictly required. Device receptacle 178 may be configured such that receptacle wall 110 further comprises one or more medial portions between distal wall portion 182 and proximal wall portionAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001184. In some examples, one or more the medial portions are configured to move relative to at least one of proximal wall portion 184 or distal wall portion 182 when device receptacle 178 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration and / or transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0103] FIG. 9A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle 214 in a first configuration defining a first length LI. FIG. 9B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 214 in the first configuration. Device receptacle 214 includes receptacle wall 216, which is an example of receptacle wall 110. FIG. 10A is a schematic plan view of device receptacle 214 in a second configuration defining a second length L2. FIG. 10B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 214 in the second configuration. In FIG. 9A-10B, wall inner surface 173 defining at least some portion of receptacle volume 112 is depicted with dashed lines. FIGS. 9A-10B are depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 9A and 10A, and the Z axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 9B and 10B.

[0104] Device receptacle 214 is configured such that receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI in the first configuration and second volume V2 in the second configuration. Receptacle wall 216 is configured such that device distal end 111 moves relative to device proximal end 155 when device receptacle 214 transitions from the first configuration (e.g., defining first length LI and / or first volume VI) to the second configuration (e.g., defining second length L2 and / or second volume V2). In examples, receptacle wall 216 is configured such that device distal end 111 moves substantially in proximal direction P relative to device proximal end 155 when device receptacle 214 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. Receptacle wall 216 may be configured such that device distal end 111 moves substantially in distal direction D relative to device proximal end 155 when device receptacle 214 transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration. Thus, device receptacle 214 is configured to establish the first configuration defining first volume VI and the second configuration defining volume V2, with second volume V2 less than first volume VI. Device receptacle 214 is configured to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration (e.g., following implantation of IMD 102 (FIG. 1, FIGS. 3-6)) and transition from the second configuration to the first configuration (e.g., to reposition and / or retrieve IMD 102).

[0105] Device receptacle 214 may include elongate member 198 (depicted withAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001dashed line) configured to cause device receptacle 214 to transition from the first configuration (e.g., of FIGS. 9A, 9B) to the second configuration (e.g., of FIGS. 10A, 10B) and / or cause device receptacle 214 to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration. In examples, elongate member 198 is configured to impart first force Fl to wall body 115 to cause device receptacle 214 to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. Elongate member 198 may be configured to impart second force F2 to wall body 115 to cause device receptacle 214 to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some examples, receptacle wall 216 may define device lumen 206 (FIG. 6A, FIG. 7A). In some examples, elongate member 198 is configured such that, when a force (e.g., force Fl and / or force F2) is imparted to member proximal portion 208 (e.g., FIG. 8), member proximal portion 208 transfers at least some portion of the force to distal portions 210 (e.g., to two or more of distal portion 211, distal portion 212, and / or distal portion 213). Elongate member 198 may be configured such that two or more of distal portion 211, distal portion 212, and / or distal portion 213 transfer the at least some portion of the force to wall body 115.

[0106] In examples, receptacle wall 216 includes at least one expansion portion such as expansion portion 218. Receptacle wall 216 may be configured such that expansion portion 218 defines a first portion length LD1 in the first configuration (e.g., when receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI) and a second portion length LD2 less than first portion length LD1 in the second configuration (e.g., when receptacle volume 112 has second volume V2). In examples, expansion portion 218 extends from a distal end 220 (expansion portion distal end 220”) to a proximal end 222 (“expansion portion proximal end 222”). Expansion portion 218 may be configured to define first portion length LD1 and second portion length LD2 from expansion portion distal end 220 to expansion portion proximal end 222. In examples, first portion length LD1 and second portion length LD2 are substantially parallel to longitudinal axis L.

[0107] In examples, expansion portion 218 may substantially define an expansion joint. For example, expansion portion 218 may be configured to define first width W1 (FIG. 9B) in the first configuration and define a second width W2 (FIG. 10B) in the second configuration. In examples, expansion portion 218 is configured such that a portion 224 of wall outer surface 172 (“expansion wall portion 224”) that comprises expansion portion 218 defines first width W 1 and / or second width W2. Expansion wall portion 224Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001may be configured to move relative to device distal end 111 and / or device proximal end 155 when expansion portion 218 transitions from defining first width W1 to defining second width W2 (and, e.g., vice-versa). In some examples (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 9B and FIG. 10B), expansion portion 218 is configured such that second width W2 is greater than first width Wl. In other examples, expansion portion 218 may be configured such that second width W2 is less than first width W 1.

[0108] Device receptacle 214 may be configured to establish the first configuration when expansion portion 218 defines first portion length LD1. Device receptacle 214 may be configured to establish the second configuration when expansion portion 218 defines second portion length LD2. In examples, device receptacle 214 is configured to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration when expansion portion 218 transitions from defining first portion length LD1 to defining second portion length LD2. Device receptacle 214 may be configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration when expansion portion 218 transitions from defining second portion length LD2 to defining first portion length LD1.

[0109] In some examples, expansion portion 218 is resiliently biased to define first portion length LD1. For example, expansion portion 218 may be configured such that, when expansion portion 218 defines second portion length LD2, expansion portion 218 generates internal forces (e.g., due to internal stresses within expansion portion 218) which tend to drive expansion portion 218 toward defining first portion length LD1. Expansion portion 218 may be configured such that, in the absence of external forces imparted to expansion portion 218, expansion portion 218 substantially defines first portion length LD1. In some examples, expansion portion 218 is configured to transition from defining first portion length LD1 to defining second portion length LD2 when elongate member 198 imparts first force Fl to wall body 115. Expansion portion 218 may be configured to transition from defining second portion length LD2 to defining first portion length LD1 when elongate member 198 imparts second force F2 to wall body 115. In some examples (e.g., when expansion portion 218 is resiliently biased), second force F2 may be force in proximal direction P and having a magnitude less than first force Fl. In some examples, device receptacle 214 may be configured such that elongate member 198 acts as a substantially zero-force member relative to receptacle wall 216 when expansion portion 218 transitions from defining second portion length LD2 to defining first portion lengthAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001LD1 (e.g., when second force F2 is substantially absent).

[0110] Device receptacle 214 (e.g., receptacle wall 216) may be configured to include a plurality of expansion portions such as expansion portion 218. For example, device receptacle 214 may include an expansion portion 225 and / or an expansion portion 226 in addition to expansion portion 218. In examples, expansion portion 218 is coupled to (e.g., mechanically coupled to and / or unitary with) at least one of expansion portion 224 and / or expansion portion 226. Receptacle wall 216 may be such that, when expansion portion 218 defines first portion length LD1, at least one of expansion portion 225 and / or expansion portion 226 defines a corresponding first portion length. Receptacle wall 216 may be such that, when expansion portion 218 defines second portion length LD2, the at least one of expansion portion 225 and / or expansion portion 226 defines a corresponding second portion length less than the first portion length.[oni] FIG. 11 A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle 228 in a first configuration defining a first length LI. FIG. 1 IB is a schematic end view of device receptacle 228 in the first configuration. Device receptacle 228 includes a receptacle wall 230, which is an example of receptacle wall 110. FIG. 12A is a plan view of device receptacle 228 in a second configuration defining a second length L2. FIG. 12B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 228 in the second configuration. In FIGS. 11 A and 12 A, wall inner surface 173 defining at least some portion of receptacle volume 112 is depicted with dashed lines. FIGS. 11 A-12B are depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 11 A and 12A, and the Z axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 1 IB and 12B.

[0112] Device receptacle 228 is configured such that receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI in the first configuration and second volume V2 in the second configuration. Receptacle wall 216 is configured such that device distal end 111 moves relative to device proximal end 155 when device receptacle 214 transitions from the first configuration (e.g., defining first length LI and / or first volume VI) to the second configuration (e.g., defining second length L2 and / or second volume V2). In examples, receptacle wall 216 is configured such that device distal end 111 moves substantially in proximal direction P relative to device proximal end 155 when device receptacle 214 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, and / or such that device distal end 111 moves substantially in distal direction D relative to device proximal end 155 when deviceAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001receptacle 214 transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration. Thus, device receptacle 228 is configured to establish the first configuration defining first volume VI and the second configuration defining volume V2, with second volume V2 less than first volume VI. Device receptacle 228 is configured to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration (e.g., following implantation of IMD 102 (FIG.1, FIGS. 3-6)) and transition from the second configuration to the first configuration (e.g., to reposition and / or retrieve IMD 102).

[0113] In examples, receptacle wall 230 is resiliently biased to define the first configuration (e.g., to define first length LI). For example, receptacle wall 230 may include an expansion member 232 (e.g., a spring) resiliently biased to cause wall body 115 to define first length LI. In examples, expansion member 232 is coupled to (e.g., mechanically coupled to) wall body 115 (e.g., coupled to one or more of wall outer surface 172, wall inner surface 173, and / or an inner surface defined by wall body 115 (e.g., inner surface 173 (FIG. 5 A)). For example, in some examples, expansion member 232 may be coupled to one or more of wall outer surface 172 and / or the inner surface defined by wall body 115 to mitigate and / or eliminate any interference which could occur between expansion member 232 and IMD 102 when IMD 102 axially translates (e.g., in distal direction D or proximal direction P) within receptacle volume 112.

[0114] In examples, expansion member 232 may extend from a proximal end 234 (“expansion member proximal end 234”) to a distal end 236 (“expansion member distal end 234”). Expansion member 232 be coupled to wall body 115 at one or more points between and including expansion member proximal end 234 and / or expansion member distal end 236. In examples, expansion member 232 is a substantially elongate body extending from expansion member proximal end 234 to expansion member distal end 236. In some examples, expansion member 232 surrounds longitudinal axis L (e.g., expansion member 232 may be a helical member surrounding longitudinal axis L). Further, although FIG. 11 A and FIG. 11B depict expansion member proximal end 234 as located proximate to and / or coupled to wall body 115, expansion member proximal end 234 may be located proximate to and / or coupled to delivery catheter 106 or another portion of medical system 100.

[0115] In examples, expansion member 232 is configured to impart a FS on wall body 115 to cause wall body 115 to define first length LI. For example, expansion member 232Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001may be configured such that, when wall body 115 defines second length L2, expansion member 232 generates internal forces (e.g., due to internal stresses within expansion member 232) which tend to cause expansion member 232 to generate force FS. Expansion member 232 may transfer force FS to wall body 115 to cause wall body 115 to substantially define first length LI. In examples, expansion member 232 is configured to generate force FS when expansion member distal end 236 moves toward expansion member proximal end 234 (e.g., when expansion member 232 is compressed). Wall body 115 may be configured (e.g., due to the coupling of expansion member 232 and wall body 115) such that device distal end 111 moves toward device proximal end 155 when expansion member distal end 236 moves toward expansion member proximal end 234 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 12Aand 12B).

[0116] Device receptacle 228 may include elongate member 198 (depicted with dashed line) configured to cause device receptacle 228 to transition from the first configuration (e.g., of FIGS. 11 A, 1 IB) to the second configuration (e.g., of FIGS. 12A, 12B) and / or cause device receptacle 228 to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration. For example, elongate member 198 may be configured to impart first force Fl to at least one of wall body 115 and / or expansion member 232 to cause device receptacle 228 to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. In examples, elongate member 198 may be configured such that two or more of distal portion 211, distal portion 212, and / or distal portion 213 (FIG. 8) transfer force Fl to at least one of wall body 115 and / or expansion member 232.

[0117] Device receptacle 228 (e.g., receptacle wall 230) may be configured to transition from the second configuration (e.g., defining second length L2) to the first configuration (e.g., defining second length LI) when elongate member 198 imparts second force F2 to at least one of wall body 115 and / or expansion member 232. In examples, second force F2 is a force in proximal direction P and having a magnitude less than first force FL In some examples, device receptacle 228 may be configured such that elongate member 198 acts as a substantially zero-force member relative to the at least one of wall body 115 and / or expansion member 232 when expansion member 232 causes device receptacle 228 to transition from the second configuration (e.g., defining second length L2) to the first configuration (e.g., defining second length LI). In examples, receptacle wall 230 includes expansion portion 218 configured to define first portion length LD1 inAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001the first configuration and second portion length LD2 in the second configuration. Device receptacle 228 may be configured to establish the first configuration when expansion portion 218 defines first portion length LD1 and / or configured to establish the second configuration when expansion portion 218 defines second portion length LD2.

[0118] In some examples, device receptacle 108 (e.g., receptacle wall 110) includes a plurality of portions including at least a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion configured to contact the second portion in the first configuration and the first portion configured to displace from the second portion in the second configuration. In some examples, the first portion and / or the second portion may be configured to substantially pivot away from each other (e.g., to open like a set of jaws) when the first portion displaces from the second portion (e.g., to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration). The first portion and / or the second portion may be configured to substantially pivot toward each other (e.g., to close like a set of jaws) when the first portion contacts the second portion (e.g., to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration). The plurality of portions may include any number of portions. For example, the plurality of portions may include a third portion in addition to the first portion and the second portion, a fourth portion in addition to the first portion, second portion, and third portion, a fifth portion in addition to the first portion, second portion, third portion, and fourth portion, and so on.

[0119] For example, FIG. 13A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle 282 in a first configuration defining at least one of first length LI and / or first width W 1. FIG. 13B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 282 in the first configuration. Device receptacle 282 includes a receptacle wall 284 and an elongate member 286. Receptacle wall 284 includes a plurality of wall portions 287 (“wall portion plurality 287”) including at least a first portion 288 (“first wall portion 288”) and a second portion 290 (“second wall portion 290”). Receptacle wall 284 may be an example of receptacle wall 110 and elongate member 286 may be an example of elongate member 198. FIG. 14A is a plan view of device receptacle 282 in a second configuration defining at least one of second length L2 and / or second width W2. FIG. 14B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 282 in the second configuration. FIGS. 13A-14B are depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 13A and 14A, and the Z axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 13B and 14B.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0120] Although FIGS. 13A-14B and the discussion thereof discuss device receptacle 108 having first wall portion 288 and second wall portion 290 for illustration, wall portion plurality 287 may have any number of wall portions. For example, as will be discussed, and with reference to FIGS 15A-16B, wall portion plurality 287 may include a third wall portion 404, a fourth wall portion 404, and / or other wall portions in additions to first wall portion 288 and second wall portion 290.

[0121] With reference primarily to FIGS 13A-14B, device receptacle 284 is configured such that receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI in the first configuration and second volume V2 in the second configuration. Device receptacle 282 is configured to define at least one of first length LI and / or first width W1 in the first configuration (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 13 A). Device receptacle 282 is configured to define at least one of second length L2 and / or second width W2 in the second configuration (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 14A), where second length L2 is different than first length LI and / or second width W2 is different from first width W1. In some examples, second length L2 is less than first length LI and second width W2 is greater than first width W 1. Device receptacle 282 may be configured such that altering its length and / or width causes second volume V2 to differ from first volume V 1.

[0122] In examples, in the first configuration, first wall portion 288 and second wall portion 290 are in contact with each other such that first wall portion 288, second wall portion 290, receptacle opening 109, and lumen opening 162 define a boundary around receptacle volume 112 (e.g., when receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI). In examples, in the first configuration, first wall portion 288 and second wall portion 290 define receptacle opening 109. In some examples, first wall portion 288 substantially defines a first half-round channel and second wall portion 290 substantially defines a second half-round channel. The first half-round channel may be configured to contact the second half-round channel in the first configuration.

[0123] For example, first wall portion 288 may include a body 292 (“first wall body 292”) defining an outer surface 294 (“first outer surface 294”) and an inner surface 296 (“first inner surface 296”) opposite first outer surface 294. First wall body 292 may define a distal end 298 (“first distal end 298”). Second wall portion 288 may include a body 302 (“second wall body 302”) defining an outer surface 304 (“second outer surface 304”) and an inner surface 306 (“second inner surface 306”) opposite second outer surface 304.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001Second wall body 302 may define a distal end 308 (“second distal end 308”). First wall body 292 and second wall body 302 may be portions of wall body 115, first outer surface 294 and second outer surface 304 may be portions of wall outer surface 172, first inner surface 296 and second inner surface 306 may be portions of wall inner surface 173, and / or first distal end 298 and second distal end 308 may define portions of device distal end 111 (e.g., at least when device receptacle 282 is in the first configuration).

[0124] In examples, first wall body 292 and second wall body 302 are configured such that first inner surface 296 and second inner surface 306 define a substantially continuous surface around longitudinal axis L when device receptacle 282 is in the first configuration. First wall body 292 and second wall body 302 may be configured such that first outer surface 294 and second outer surface 304 define a substantially continuous surface around longitudinal axis L when device receptacle 282 is in the first configuration. First wall body 292 and second wall body 302 may be configured such that first distal end 298 and second distal end 308 define (e.g., define a closed boundary around) receptacle opening 109 in the first configuration.

[0125] In some examples, elongate member 286 may be configured to hold device receptacle 282 in the first configuration. For example, elongate member 286 may be configured to exert a force FS1 on first wall body 292 to hold first wall body 292 in contact with second wall body 302. In examples, instead of or in addition to force FS1, elongate member 286 may be configured to exert a force FS2 on second wall body 302 to hold first wall body 292 in contact with second wall body 302. In examples, force FS1 is a force acting in a direction from first wall body 292 toward longitudinal axis L and / or force FS2 is a force acting in a direction from second wall body 302 toward longitudinal axis L. In some examples, elongate member 286 is configured such that a force (e.g., in proximal direction P) on elongate member 286 (e.g., imparted to elongate member using handle assembly 142 (FIG. 2)) causes elongate member 286 to impart force FS1 to first wall body 292 and / or impart force FS2 to second wall body 302.

[0126] Member distal portion 202 may be coupled to and / or otherwise attached to at least one of first wall body 292 and / or second wall body 302. Elongate member 286 may be configured such that the coupling and / or attachment to first wall body 292 and / or second wall body 302 causes member distal portion 202 to exert force FS1 and / or force FS2 when the force (e.g., in proximal direction P) is imparted to elongate member 286. InAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001some examples, elongate member 286 (e.g., member distal portion 202) substantially surrounds longitudinal axis L. Elongate member 286 may be configured to impart a circumferential inward force toward longitudinal axis L on wall body 115 (e.g., on first wall body 292 and second wall body 302) when the force is imparted to elongate member 286. First force FS1 and / or second force FS2 may comprise the circumferential inward force.

[0127] Although elongate member 286 is depicted in FIGS. 13A-14B as imparting force FS1 to first outer surface 294 and / or imparting force FS-2 to second outer surface 304, this is not required. Elongate member 286 may be configured to impart force FS1 to any portion of first wall body 292, including to first inner surface 296 and / or a portion of first wall body 292 between first outer surface 294 and first inner surface 296. Elongate member 286 may be configured to impart force FS2 to any portion of second wall body 302, including to second inner surface 306 and / or a portion of second wall body 302 between second outer surface 304 and second inner surface 306.

[0128] In examples, device receptacle 282 (e.g., receptacle wall 284) includes a base portion 310 configured to allow first wall portion 288 to contact second wall portion 290 (e.g., in the first configuration) and allow first wall portion 288 to displace from second wall portion 290 (e.g., in the second configuration). In some examples, base portion 310 includes and / or defines device proximal end 155. Base portion 310 may be configured to support first wall portion 288 and / or second wall portion 240. In examples, base portion 310 is configured such that at least one of first wall portion 288 or second wall portion 290 may displace away from the other of first wall portion 288 or second wall portion 290 when device receptacle 282 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. In some examples, base portion 310 is configured such that first wall portion 288 and second wall portion 290 displace (e.g., in a direction away from longitudinal axis L) when device receptacle 282 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0129] For example, as depicted in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, base portion 310 may be configured such that at least one of first wall portion 288 and / or second wall portion 290 substantially pivots (e.g., around a pivot point defined by base portion 310) when device receptacle 282 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. In examples, first distal end 298 displaces (e.g., away from second distal end 308) in aAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001direction away from longitudinal axis L when first wall portion 288 pivots (e.g., around a first pivot point Pl). Second distal end 308 may displace (e.g., away from first distal end 298) in a direction away from longitudinal axis L when second wall portion 290 pivots (e.g., around a second pivot point P2).

[0130] In some examples, base portion 310 is configured such both of first wall portion 288 and second wall portion 290 substantially pivot when device receptacle 282 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration (e.g., first wall portion 288 and second wall portion pivot away from each other). In examples (e.g., when member distal portion 202 is coupled and / or attached to one of first wall body 292 or second wall body 302), device receptacle 282 may be configured such that elongate member 286 moves (e.g., slides) relative to first wall body 292 and / or second wall body 302 when device receptacle 282 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. Medical system 100 may be configured such that elongate member 286 moves (e.g., within second lumen 204) relative to delivery catheter 106 when device receptacle 282 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0131] In examples, receptacle wall 284 (e.g., base portion 310) is resiliently biased to cause device receptacle 282 to define one of the first configuration or the second configuration. For example, base portion 310 (e.g., a section of base portion 310 defining first pivot point Pl) may be resiliently biased to cause first wall portion 288 to pivot away from longitudinal axis L and second wall portion 290 (e.g., in the absence of force FS1 and / or force FS2). Base portion 310 (e.g., a section of base portion 310 defining a second pivot point P2) may be resiliently biased to cause second wall portion 290 to pivot away from longitudinal axis L and first wall portion 288 (e.g., in the absence of force FS1 and / or force FS2). Hence, device receptacle 282 may be resiliently biased to define (e.g., establish) the second configuration. Elongate member 286 may be configured to exert force FS1 and / or force FS2 to hold device receptacle 282 in the first configuration and / or cause device receptacle 282 to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration. In examples, device receptacle 282 is configured to establish the second configuration when elongate member 286 acts as a substantially zero-force member.

[0132] In some examples, rather than the resilient biasing causing device receptacle to define the second configuration, device receptacle 282 may be resiliently biased to define (e.g., establish) the first configuration. For example, base portion 310 (e.g., the section ofAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001base portion 310 defining first pivot point Pl) may be resiliently biased to cause first wall portion 288 to pivot toward and / or substantially maintain contact with second wall portion 290 (e.g., in the absence of a force FS3 acting on first wall body 292 and / or a force FS4 acting on second wall body 302), and / or be resiliently biased to cause second wall portion 290 to pivot toward and / or substantially maintain contact with first wall portion 288 (e.g., in the absence of force FS3 and / or force FS4). Elongate member 286 may be configured to exert at least one of force FS3 and / or force FS4 to hold device receptacle 282 in the second configuration and / or cause device receptacle 282 to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. In some examples, elongate member 286 is a first elongate member coupled and / or otherwise attached to first wall portion 288 and configured to impart force FS3 on first wall portion 288 (e.g., when a force in proximal direction P is exerted on elongate member 286). Device receptacle 282 may include a second elongate member 312 coupled and / or otherwise attached to second wall portion 290 and configured to impart force FS4 on second wall portion 290 (e.g., when a force in proximal direction P is exerted on second elongate member 312 by. for example, handle assembly 142).

[0133] In examples, first volume VI (e.g., FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B) is bounded by lumen opening 162, first inner surface 296, second inner surface 306, and receptacle opening 109 when device receptacle 282 is in the first configuration. In some examples, second volume V2 (e.g., FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B) is bounded by lumen opening 162, first inner surface 296, second inner surface 306, a first geometric plane (e.g., parallel to the Y-Z plane) extending from first wall body 292 to second wall body 302, a second geometric plane (e.g., parallel to the Y-X plane) extending from first distal end 298 to second distal end 308, and a third geometric plane (e.g., parallel to the Y-Z plane) extending from first wall body 292 to second wall body 302. In examples, the second geometric plane extends between the first geometric plane and the second geometric plane.

[0134] As discussed, wall portion plurality 287 may include any number of wall portions. For example, FIG. 15A is a schematic plan view of a device receptacle 402 wherein wall portion plurality 287 includes first wall portion 288, second wall portion 290, a third wall portion 404, and a fourth wall portion 406. FIG. 15A depicts device receptacle 402 in a first configuration defining at least one of first length LI and / or first width Wl. FIG. 15B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 402 in the firstAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001configuration. FIG. 16A is a plan view of device receptacle 402 in a second configuration defining at least one of second length L2 and / or second width W2. FIG. 16B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 404 in the second configuration. FIGS. 15A-16B are depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 15A and 16A, and the Z axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 15B and 16B. Device receptacle 402 is an example of device receptacle 108.

[0135] As depicted in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, in the first configuration, each wall portion of wall portion plurality 287 may be in contact with other wall portions of wall portion plurality 287 such that wall portion plurality 287, receptacle opening 109, and lumen opening 162 define a boundary around receptacle volume 112 (e.g., when receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI). In examples, in the first configuration, wall portion plurality 287 defines receptacle opening 109. In some examples, each wall portion of wall portion plurality 287 substantially defines a channel described by some portion of a perimeter surrounding longitudinal axis L (e.g., circular or elliptical perimeter). In examples, wall portion 404, wall portion 406, and / or other wall portions of wall portion plurality 287 may include a body configured similarly to first wall body 292, an outer surface similar to first outer surface 294, and an inner surface similar to inner surface 296. Each of wall portion 404, wall portion 406, and / or other wall portions of wall portion plurality 287 may define a distal end configured similarly to first distal end 298. In examples, each distal end defined by wall portion plurality 287 defines portions of device distal end 111 (e.g., at least when device receptacle 282 is in the first configuration). In examples, the inner surfaces of wall portion plurality 287 are configured to define a substantially continuous surface around longitudinal axis L when device receptacle 402 is in the first configuration. The outer surfaces of wall portion plurality 287 may be configured to define a substantially continuous surface around longitudinal axis L when device receptacle 402 is in the first configuration. In examples, the distal ends defined by wall portion plurality 287 may be configured to define (e.g., define a closed boundary around) receptacle opening 109 in the first configuration.

[0136] Elongate member 286 may be configured to hold device receptacle 402 in the first configuration in substantially the same manner elongate member 286 holds device receptacle 282 in the first configuration (e.g., using force FS1, force FS2, and / or other forces directed toward longitudinal axis L). Base portion 310 may be configured such thatAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001at least one of first wall portion 288, second wall portion 290, third wall portion 404, fourth wall portion 406, and / or other wall portions of wall portion plurality 287 may displace away (e.g., in a direction away from longitudinal axis L) from another wall portion of wall portion plurality 287 when device receptacle 402 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0137] For example, as depicted in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, base portion 310 may be configured such that first wall portion 288, second wall portion 290, third wall portion 404, fourth wall portion 406, and / or other wall portions of wall portion plurality 287 substantially pivot (e.g., around a pivot point defined by base portion 310) when device receptacle 282 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. In examples, one or more distal ends (e.g., substantially all distal ends) defined by wall portion plurality 287 displaces in a direction away from longitudinal axis L when first wall portion 288, second wall portion 290, third wall portion 404, fourth wall portion 406, and / or other wall portions of wall portion plurality 287 pivot.

[0138] In some examples, device receptacle 402 (e.g., base portion 310) is resiliently biased to cause device receptacle 402 to define one of the first configuration or the second configuration. For example, base portion 310 may be resiliently biased to cause one or more wall portions of wall portion plurality 287 to pivot away from longitudinal axis L (e.g., in the absence of force FS1 and / or force FS2), such that device receptacle 402 defines the second configuration. In other examples, device receptacle 402 may be resiliently biased to define (e.g., establish) the first configuration. For example, base portion 310 may be resiliently biased to cause one or more wall portions of wall portion plurality 287 to pivot toward longitudinal axis L (e.g., in the absence of force FS3 and / or force FS4).

[0139] In some examples, device receptacle 108 defines an inflation volume configured to cause device receptacle 108 to define the first configuration and / or transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. For example, FIG. 17A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device receptacle 238 in a first configuration defining a first length LI. FIG. 17B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 238 in the first configuration. Device receptacle 238 is an example of device receptacle 108. Device receptacle 238 includes a receptacle wall 240, which is an example of receptacle wall 110. FIGS. 17A-17B are depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axisAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001proceeding out of the page in FIG. 17A and the Z axis proceeding out of the page in FIG.17B. In FIG. 17A, the cross-section is taken through a plane including longitudinal axis L and parallel to the X-Y plane.

[0140] Device receptacle 238 (e.g., receptacle wall 240) defines an inflation volume 242 configured to receive and / or hold a fluid (e.g., saline and / or another fluid). Receptacle wall 240 is configured to define at least one first length LI and / or first width W1 when inflation volume 242 holds the fluid (e.g., when receptacle wall 240 is inflated by the fluid). In examples, device receptacle 238 is configured to exhibit (e.g., to define) the holding stiffness when inflation volume 242 holds the fluid. For example, device receptacle 238 such that inflation volume 242 holds the fluid to define the holding stiffness as device receptacle 238 transports IMD 102 to anatomical volume AV (FIG. 3, FIG. 4), positions IMD 102 within anatomical volume AV, and / or retrieves IMD 102 from anatomical volume AV.

[0141] In examples, device receptacle 238 is configured to define the first configuration when a fluid within inflation volume 242 has at least a holding pressure within inflation volume 242. In examples, device receptacle 238 is configured to define at least one of first length LI, first width W 1, and / or the holding stiffness when the fluid within inflation volume 242 has at least the holding pressure. In some examples, device receptacle 238 (e.g., receptacle wall 240 and / or wall body 115) includes and / or defines a ballon portion 244 configured to define at least one of first length LI, first width W 1, and / or the holding stiffness when the fluid within inflation volume 242 has at least the holding pressure. Balloon portion 244 may be configured to substantially expand to cause device receptacle 238 (e.g., receptacle wall 240 and / or wall body 115) to define first length LI, first width Wl, and / or the holding stiffness when inflation volume 242 receives the fluid.

[0142] In examples, device receptacle 238 is configured to define first length LI, first width Wl, and / or the holding stiffness when the fluid within inflation volume 242 has a pressure greater than the holding pressure. For example, receptacle wall 240 and / or wall body 115 (e.g., balloon portion 244) may comprises a non-compliant material configured to expand when the to define first length LI, first width Wl, and / or the holding stiffness as the pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242 increases toward the holding pressure from a pressure less than the holding pressure. The non-compliant material may beAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001configured such that device receptacle 238 defines first length LI, first width Wl, and / or the holding stiffness when the pressure of the fluid reaches the holding pressure and when the pressure of the fluid exceeds the holding pressure. For example, the non-compliant material may be configured such that device receptacle 238 defines first length LI, first width Wl, and / or the holding stiffness when the pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242 exceeds the holding pressure by a least 50% of the holding pressure in some examples, at least twice the holding pressure in some examples, and / or at least 5 times the holding pressure in some examples.

[0143] Device receptacle 238 (e.g., receptacle body 115 and / or receptacle wall 240) may be configured to define the second configuration (e.g., the second configuration of FIG 4) when the pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242 is less than the holding pressure (e.g., when inflation volume 242 is deflated). In examples, device receptacle 238 (e.g., receptacle body 115 and / or receptacle wall 240) is configured to define at least one of second length L2, second width W2, and / or the flexing stiffness when the pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242 is less than the holding pressure (e.g., when inflation volume 242 is deflated). In some examples, device receptacle 238 is configured to define the second configuration when the fluid within inflation volume 242 is less than or equal to a flexing pressure less than the holding pressure.

[0144] In examples, device receptacle 238 (e.g., receptacle wall 240) defines a proximal end 250 of inflation volume 242 (“inflation volume proximal end 250”) and a distal end 252 of inflation volume 242 (“inflation volume distal end 252”). In examples, inflation volume proximal end 250 is between device proximal end 155 and inflation volume distal end 252 (e.g., at least in the first configuration). Inflation volume distal end 252 may be between device distal end 111 and inflation volume proximal end 250 (e.g., at least in the first configuration), device receptacle 238 (e.g., receptacle wall 240) may be configured such that inflation volume 242 extends from inflation volume proximal end 250 to inflation volume distal end 252 at least when device receptacle 238 is in the first configuration. In some examples, device receptacle 238 (e.g., receptacle wall 240) is configured such that inflation volume 242 at least partially surrounds longitudinal axis L. In some examples, inflation volume 242 is configured to define an annular volume around longitudinal axis L when device receptacle 138 is in the first configuration.

[0145] Hence, device receptacle 238 may be configured to establish the firstAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001configuration when the fluid within inflation volume 242 is greater than or equal to the holding pressure. Device receptacle 238 may be configured to establish the second configuration when the fluid within inflation volume 242 is less than or equal to the flexing pressure. Device receptacle 238 may be configured to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration as the pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242 is reduced (e.g., due to the egress of fluid from inflation volume 242). Device receptacle 238 may be configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration as the pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242 is increased (e.g., due to the ingress of fluid from inflation volume 242).

[0146] In examples, medical system 100 is configured to cause the egress and / or ingress of fluid to inflation volume 242. For example, delivery catheter 106 (e.g., a body of delivery catheter 106 may define an inflation lumen 246 fluidically coupled to inflation volume 242. In examples, delivery catheter 106 or wall body 115 defines a fluid entry 248 which opens from inflation lumen 246 into inflation volume 242. In examples, inflation lumen 246 extends through delivery catheter distal portion 114 and at least into delivery catheter proximal portion 116. Medical system 100 may be configured to increase and / or decrease a pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242 using inflation lumen 246. In examples, medical system 100 (e.g., handle assembly 142 (FIG. 2)) is configured to cause the fluid to egress from inflation volume 242 (e.g., using inflation lumen 246 and / or fluid entry 248) to decrease a pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242 and / or configured to cause the fluid to ingress into inflation volume 242 (e.g., using inflation lumen 246 and / or fluid entry 248) to increase the pressure of the fluid within inflation volume 242.

[0147] In some examples, device receptacle 108 is configured such that elongate member 198 may move (e.g., by moved by a clinician) in proximal direction P and / or distal direction D relative to wall body 115 to cause device receptacle 108 to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration. Elongate member 198 may be configured cause device receptacle 108 to define the first configuration when elongate member 198 is distally extended relative to wall body 115 and configured to cause device receptacle 180 to define the second configuration when elongate member 198 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115. In examples, handle assembly 142 (e.g., operator 143) may be configured to cause elongate member 198 to distally extend and / orAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001cause elongate member 198 to proximally withdraw such that, for example, a clinician may control the configuration of device receptacle 180.

[0148] As an example, FIG. 18A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device receptacle 254 in a first configuration defining at least one of first length LI and / or first width W 1. Receptacle volume 112 has first volume V 1 when device receptacle 254 is in the first configuration. FIG. 18B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 254 in the first configuration. Device receptacle 238 is an example of device receptacle 108. Device receptacle 254 includes a receptacle wall 256 an elongate member 181. Receptacle wall 256 is an example of receptacle wall 110 and elongate member 181 is an example of elongate member 198. FIGS. 18A-18B are depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 18A and the Z axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 18B. In FIG. 18A, the cross-section is taken through a plane including longitudinal axis L and parallel to the X-Y plane. In FIG. 18 A, an elongate member 181 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115. Elongate member 181 is an example of elongate member 198. Device receptacle 254 may be configured to establish the second configuration (e.g., the second configuration of FIG. 5B) when elongate member 181 is withdrawn proximally relative to wall body 115.

[0149] In some examples, elongate member 181 is configured to substantially support receptacle wall 256 when elongate member 181 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115. For example, elongate member 181 may be configured to exert a force FR-1 substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L on wall body 115 to support receptacle wall 256. Elongate member 181 may be configured to exert force FR-1 to substantially hold device receptacle 254 in the first configuration. For example, elongate member 181 may be configured to substantially push radially outwards on receptacle wall 256 to maintain a displacement between receptacle wall 256 and longitudinal axis L, such that device receptacle 254 substantially maintains first volume VI and / or receptacle opening 109. In some examples, elongate member 181 may exert the force FR-1 as a reaction force in response to a force exerted on elongate member 181 by wall body 115 (e.g., due to a weight of IMD 102 within receptacle volume 112, a weight of wall body 115, movement of wall body 115 with an anatomical volume, and / or other reasons). In examples, elongate member 181 is configured to cause device receptacle 254 to exhibit (e.g., to define) the holding stiffness when elongate member 181 is proximally extended relative to wall bodyAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001115.

[0150] In examples, elongate member 181 defines a distal portion 258 (“member distal portion 258”). Member distal portion 258 may define a distal end 259 (“member distal end 259”) Elongate member 181 may be configured such that member distal portion 258 (e.g., member distal end 259) moves in distal direction D toward device distal end 111 (e.g., away from device proximal end 155) when elongate member 181 moves in distal direction D relative to wall body 115. Elongate member 181 may be configured such that member distal portion 258 (e.g., member distal end 259) moves in proximal direction P toward device proximal end 155 (e.g., away from device distal end 111) when elongate member 181 extends in proximal direction P relative to wall body 115. In examples, device receptacle 254 may be configured to establish the second configuration (e.g., the second configuration of FIG. 5B) when at least some portion of member distal portion 258 and / or member distal end 259 is proximal to device proximal end 155 (e.g., when a clinician causes member distal portion 258 and / or member distal end 259 to position proximal to device proximal end 155). Device receptacle 254 may define at least one of second length L2 and / or second width W2 in the second configuration.

[0151] In some examples, receptacle wall 256 defines a passage 260 (“wall passage 260”) configured to receive elongate member 181. Wall passage 260 may be an example of device lumen 206. Elongate member 181 (e.g., at least member distal portion 258) may be configured to slidably translate within wall passage 260 when elongate member 181 moves relative to wall body 115 (e.g., when member distal portion 258 moves in distal direction D toward device distal end 111 and / or when member distal portion 258 moves in proximal direction P toward device proximal end 155. In some examples, elongate member 181 (e.g., at least member distal portion 258) may be configured to move relative to wall body 115 (e.g., within wall passage 260) in a direction substantially parallel to longitudinal axis L. In examples, wall passage 260 opens into second lumen 206 of delivery catheter 106. Elongate member 181 (e.g., at least member distal portion 258 and / or member distal end 259) may be configured to translate from second lumen 204 into wall passage 260 when elongate member 181 moves relative to wall body 115 in distal direction D. Elongate member 181 (e.g., at least member distal portion 258 and / or member distal end 259) may be configured to translate from wall passage 260 into second lumen 204 when elongate member 181 moves relative to wall body 115 in proximal direction P.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0152] In examples, elongate member 181 is resiliently biased to cause device receptacle 154 to establish the first configuration when elongate member 181 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115. Elongate member 181 may be resiliently biased to define a shape wherein elongate member 181 exerts force FR-1 as elongate member 181 (e.g., at least member distal portion 258 and / or member distal end 259) translates from second lumen 204 into wall passage 260. For example, elongate member 181 may be configured such that, when elongate member 181 extends distal relative to wall body 115 (e.g., distal to device proximal end 155), elongate member 181 is resiliently biased to define a displacement DM between elongate member 181 (e.g., at least member distal portion 258) and longitudinal axis L. Elongate member 181 may be resiliently biased to define displacement DM as elongate member 181 (e.g., elongate distal portion 258) extends from second lumen 204 into wall passage 260. For example, at least elongate distal portion 258 may be configured such that, in the absence of external forces imparted to elongate member distal portion 258, elongate member distal portion 258 substantially defines displacement DM when elongate member 181 extends distal to device proximal end 155. Elongate member distal portion 258 may be configured to impart force FR-1 when elongate member distal portion 258 defines displacement DM.

[0153] In some examples, device receptacle 254 includes a plurality of elongate members 262 (“elongate members 262”) configured to cause device receptacle 254 to define the first configuration and / or define the holding stiffness. Elongate members 262 may include elongate member 181 and one or more other elongate members such as elongate member 264, elongate member 265, and / or elongate member 266. Each of elongates members 262 may be configured to impart a force in a radial direction away from longitudinal axis L on wall body 115 to cause device receptacle 254 to define the first configuration and / or the holding stiffness. For example, elongate member 264 may be configured to impart a force FR-2, elongate member 265 may be configured to impart a force FR-3, and / or elongate member 265 may be configured to impart a force FR-4 on wall body 115. Elongate member 264 may be resiliently biased to impart the force FR-2 when elongate member 264 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115 (e.g., extended distal to device proximal end 155), elongate member 265 may be resiliently biased to impart the force FR-3 when elongate member 265 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115 (e.g., extended distal to device proximal end 155), and / orAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001elongate member 266 may be resiliently biased to impart the force FR-4 when elongate member 264 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115 (e.g., extended distal to device proximal end 155).

[0154] In examples, receptacle wall includes a plurality of wall passages 268 (“wall passages 268”) configured to receive elongate members 262. Wall passages 268 may include wall passage 260 and one or more other wall passages such as wall passage 270, wall passage 271, and / or wall passage 272. In examples, each of elongates members 262 are configured to translate within one of wall passages 268 when elongate members 262 move relative to wall body 115 (e.g., in distal direction D and / or proximal direction P).

[0155] In some examples, device receptacle 180 includes an elongate member configured to substantially surround longitudinal axis L when elongate member translates relative to wall body 115. For example, FIG. 19A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device receptacle 274 in a first configuration defining at least one of first length LI and / or first width Wl. Device receptacle 274 includes receptacle wall 276 and elongate member 183. Receptacle volume 112 has first volume VI when device receptacle 274 is in the first configuration. FIG. 19B is a schematic end view of device receptacle 274 in the first configuration. Device receptacle 274 is an example of device receptacle 108, 254, receptacle wall 276 is an example of receptacle wall 110, 256, and elongate member 183 is an example of elongate member 198, 181. FIGS. 19A-19B are depicted with reference to the X-Y-Z axes, with the X axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 19A and the Z axis proceeding out of the page in FIG. 19B. In FIG. 19 A, the cross-section is taken through a plane including longitudinal axis L and parallel to the X-Y plane. In FIG. 19A, elongate member 183 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115 and depicted with dashed lines where elongate member 183 is “behind” some portion of wall body 115. Device receptacle 274 may be configured to establish the second configuration (e.g., the second configuration of FIG. 5B) when elongate member 183 is withdrawn proximally relative to wall body 115.

[0156] Elongate member 183 is configured to substantially support receptacle wall 256 when elongate member 183 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115.Elongate member 183 may be configured to exert one or more of force FR-1, force FR-2, force FR-3, and / or force FR-4 on wall body 115 to support receptacle wall 256. In some examples, elongate member 183 is configured to each of force FR-1, force FR-2, forceAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001FR-3, force FR-4, and other forces substantially perpendicular to and radially outward from longitudinal axis L. Elongate member 183 may be configured to exert one or more of force FR-1, force FR-2, force FR-3, force FR-4, and / or the other forces on wall body 115 to substantially hold device receptacle 274 in the first configuration (e.g., when elongate member 183 substantially surrounds longitudinal axis L).

[0157] In examples, elongate member 183 defines a distal portion 278 (“member distal portion 278”). Member distal portion 278 may define a distal end 279 (“member distal end 279”). Member distal portion 278 is an example of member distal portion 258 and member distal end 279 is an example of member distal end 259. In examples, elongate member distal portion 278 is configured to define a helical shape around longitudinal axis L when elongate member 183 supports receptacle wall 276. In some examples, elongate member distal portion 278 is configured to define the helical shape when elongate member 183 moves relative to wall body 115 (e.g., in distal direction D and / or proximal direction P). For example, elongate member 183 may be configured such that member distal end 279 substantially travels over a helical path around longitudinal axis L when elongate member 183 (e.g., member distal portion 278) moves relative to wall body 115 in distal direction D and / or proximal direction P.

[0158] In some examples, receptacle wall 276 defines a passage 280 (“wall passage 280”) configured to receive elongate member 183. Wall passage 280 may be an example of device lumen 206 and / or wall passage 260. Elongate member 183 (e.g., at least member distal portion 278) may be configured to slidably translate within wall passage 280 when elongate member 183 moves relative to wall body 115 and / or when member distal portion 278 surrounds longitudinal axis L. In some examples (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 15 A), wall passage 280 may define a substantially open volume (e.g., an annular volume) surrounding longitudinal axis L. In some examples, wall passage 280 may define a lumen (e.g., a helically shaped lumen) surrounding longitudinal axis L.

[0159] In examples, elongate member 183 is resiliently biased to cause at least member distal portion 278 to surround longitudinal axis L when elongate member 183 is proximally extended relative to wall body 115. Elongate member 183 may be resiliently biased to cause member distal portion 278 to exert at least one of force FR-1, force FR-2, force FR-3, and / or force FR-4 as elongate member 183 (e.g., at least member distal portion 278 and / or member distal end 279) translates from second lumen 204 into wallAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001passage 280. For example, elongate member 183 may be resiliently biased such that at least elongate distal portion 279 defines a path around longitudinal axis L (e.g., a helical path) when elongate member 181 is extended distal relative to wall body 115 (e.g., distal to device proximal end 155). Elongate member 181 may be resiliently biased to cause member distal portion 279 to define displacement DM when elongate member 181 is extended distal to device proximal end 155 (e.g., when elongate member 183 extends from second lumen 204 into wall passage 280). For example, at least elongate distal portion 278 may be configured such that, in the absence of external forces imparted to elongate member distal portion 278, elongate member distal portion 278 substantially surrounds longitudinal axis L and / or defines displacement DM when elongate member 183 extends distal to device proximal end 155.

[0160] Referring mainly to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, tether system 120 (e.g., tether body 122) may be configured to translate (e.g., slidably translate) in the distal direction D and / or in the proximal direction P within delivery lumen 118. In examples, tether distal portion 124 and / or tether head 128 are configured to pass through lumen opening 162 as tether body 122 translates within delivery lumen 118. In some examples, tether distal portion 124 and / or tether head 128 are configured to translate through handle assembly 142 (e.g., such that tether distal portion 124 and / or tether head 128 may be withdrawn in their entirety from delivery catheter 106). In examples, delivery catheter 106 (e.g., delivery catheter proximal portion 116) supports handle assembly 142. In some examples, a body of handle assembly 142 is contiguous with and / or a substantially unitary body with a body of delivery catheter 106. In some examples, the body of handle assembly 142 and the body of delivery catheter 106 are substantially separate bodies affixed to (e.g., attached to) each other (e.g. at a delivery catheter proximal end 148). In examples, handle assembly 142 a handle passage (not shown) configured to open into delivery lumen 118. Tether system 120 (e.g., tether body 122 and / or tether head 128) may be configured to translate (e.g., slidably translate) in the distal direction D and / or in the proximal direction P within the handle passage.

[0161] Tether head 128 may be configured to engage IMD 102 in an engagement configuration and disengage from IMD 102 in a disengagement configuration. In examples, tether system 120 includes an engagement member (e.g., a cable (not shown)) configured to exert a force on tether head 128 to cause tether head 128 to transitionAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001between the engagement configuration and the disengagement configuration. In example, a tether handle 145 is configured to cause the engagement member to exert the force on tether head 128. For example, tether handle 145 may be configured to exert the force the engagement member in a first direction (e.g., proximal direction P). Elongate member 198 may be configured to transfer the force to tether head 128. Tether handle 145 may be configured to cease exerting the force on the engagement member in the first direction, such that the engagement member ceases to transfer the force to tether head 128. IN examples, tether handle 145 includes an operator 147 (e.g., an operator operable by a clinician) configured to cause the engagement member to exert the force on tether head 128 and / or cease exerting the force on tether head 128.

[0162] Tether head 128 and / or tether system 120 may comprise any suitable mating interface or abutment coupled to, or formed on or in tether system 120, The mating interface may be configured to mate with, receive and / or abut some portion of IMD 102 (e.g., a proximal portion of IMD 102). Tether head 128 and / or tether system 120 may, but need not, possess the ability to transmit torque to IMD 102 for the purpose of screwing or unscrewing it to or from target tissue; this may depend on whether IMD 102 is fixated via a helix, or tines, a combination thereof, or through some other fixation component(s). The tether head 128 and / or tether system 120 may be further implemented via one or more releasable, removable, retractable or severable string(s), filament(s), thread(s), etc., or one or more snare(s), e.g., along with a mating interface or abutment as described herein, to provide a releasable attachment of IMD 102 to tether system 120. Such string(s), filament(s), thread(s), snare(s), etc. can grip, loop through, anchor within, or otherwise interact with a proximal portion of IMD 102 to facilitate such releasable attachment.

[0163] Tether head 128 may be any device configured to mate with, receive and / or abut IMD 102. In examples, tether head 128 is configured such that, when tether head 128 is engaged with IMD 102 (e.g., in the engagement configuration) and tether head 128 receives (e.g., is subjected to) an axial force and / or a torque, tether head 128 transfers the axial force and / or the torque to IMD 102. In some examples, tether head 128 is configured such that, when tether head 128 is disengaged from IMD 102 (e.g., in the disengagement configuration) and tether head 128 receives (e.g., is subjected to) the force and / or the torque, tether head 128 limits the transfer of and / or fails to transfer the force and / or the torque to IMD 102. In some examples, tether head 128 is configured such that, whenAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001tether head 128 is engaged with IMD 102 (e.g., in the engagement configuration), an axial or rotational movement of tether head 128 causes an axial or rotational movement of IMD 102. Tether head 128 may be configured such that, when tether head 128 is disengaged from IMD 102 (e.g., in the disengagement configuration), an axial or rotational movement of tether head 128 limits and / or fails to cause an axial or rotational movement of IMD 102.

[0164] Medical system 100 (e.g., IMD 102) may be configured to use IMD processing circuitry 133 to sense an intrinsic electrical signal generated by heart 101 to, for example, assess electrical activity in proximity of IMD 102 (e.g., in proximity to attachment member 132), conduct pace mapping to determine a suitable placement of IMD 102, evaluate a suitability of pacing delivered by IMD 102 at a particular location, evaluate a position of IMD 102 during an implantation, evaluate a placement of a device electrode relative to a vessel wall, and / or tor other reasons. In examples, IMD processing circuitry 133 is mechanically supported by device housing 164. Device housing 164 may enclose IMD processing circuitry 133 and / or other circuitry of IMD 102. Device housing 164 may be configured to fluidly isolate IMD processing circuitry 133 and / or other circuitry from an environment in contact with an exterior surface of IMD housing 314. In examples, device housing 164 is configured to hermetically seal an enclosure defined by IMD 102 and holding IMD processing circuitry 133 and / or other circuitry.

[0165] Device housing 164 may be configured to define shapes that are easily accepted by the patient's body while minimizing patient discomfort. For example, device housing 164 may define a substantially cylindrical shape with cylindrical sidewalls. In other examples, device housing 164 may define substantially rectangular or other non-cylindrical shapes. Device housing 164 may define shapes in which comers and edges are designed with relatively large radii, in order to present a housing having smoothly contoured exterior surfaces.

[0166] Electrodes 103, 105, 10 / may be configured to communicate with processing circuitry (e.g., IMD processing circuitry' 133 and / or other processing circuitry). IMD processing circuitry 133 may be configured to process and / or condition a signal sensed by electrodes 103, 105, 107 and / or other electrodes within medical system 100. IMD 102 may comprise a pacemaker such as a leadless and / or wholly intracardiac pacemaker. One or more of electrodes 103, 105, 107 may be electrically connected to IMD processing circuitry 133. IMD processing circuitry 133 may be operable connected to operatingAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001circuitry configured to deliver therapy to a patient and / or sense physiological signals of the patient using electrodes 103, 105, 107.

[0167] IMD processing circuitry 133 may include fixed function circuitry and / or programmable operating circuitry. In examples, IMD processing circuitry 133 includes circuitry configured to perform one or more functions of operating circuitry, such as therapy delivery circuitry, sensing circuitry, processing circuitry, switching circuitry, communication circuitry, and / or other circuitries. IMD processing circuitry 133, as well as other processors, operating circuitry, controllers, control circuitry, and the like, described herein, may include any combination of integrated circuitry, discrete logic circuity, analog circuitry, such as one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some examples, IMD processing circuitry 133 includes multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, or one or more FPGAs, as well as other discrete or integrated logic circuitry, and / or analog circuitry.

[0168] Functions attributed to IMD processing circuitry 133 may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof. IMD processing circuitry 133 may include, for instance, a variety of capacitors, transformers, switches, and the like configured to perform the functions of IMD processing circuitry 133. In examples, IMD processing circuitry 133 may be configured to communicate with another device, such as a patient input / output device, a clinician input / output device, and / or others. IMD processing circuitry 133 may include any suitable hardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof for communicating with another device. In addition, IMD processing circuitry 133 may communicate with a networked computing device and a computer network. In examples, IMD processing circuitry 133 and / or other circuitry of medical system 100 is configured to deliver stimulation signals to and / or receive sensing signals from electrodes 103, 105, 107 and / or other electrodes and / or sensors within medical system 100 or external to medical system 100. IMD processing circuitry 133 may be configured to provide electrical signals, e.g., pacing therapy, to electrodes 103. 105, 107 and / or other electrodes within medical system 100. IMD processing circuitry 133 may be configured to receive electrical signals, e.g., sensed cardiac electrical signals, from electrodes 103, 105, 107 and / or other electrodes within medical system 100.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0169] Medical system 100 (e.g., IMD processing circuitry 133) can also include memory configured to store program instructions, such as software, which may include one or more program modules, which are executable by IMD processing circuitry 133. The program instructions may be embodied in software and / or firmware. The memory can include any volatile, non-volatile, magnetic, optical, or electrical media, such as a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically-erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), flash memory, or any other digital media. In some examples, the memory includes computer-readable instructions that, when executed by IMD processing circuitry 133 cause IMD processing circuitry 133 to perform various functions described herein and / or other functions of IMD processing circuitry 133.

[0170] As used here, when a first portion of a system (e.g., medical system 100) supports a second portion of the system, this means that when the second portion causes a first force to be exerted on the first portion, the first portion causes a second force to be exerted on the second portion in response to the first force. The first force and / or second force may be a contact force and / or an action-at-a-distance force. For example, first force and / or second force may be mechanical force, a magnetic force, a gravitational force, or some other type of force. The first portion of the system may be a portion of the system or a portion of a component of the system. The second portion of the system may be another portion of the system or another portion of the same component or a different component. In some examples, when the first portion of the system supports the second portion of the system, this may mean the second portion is mechanically supported by and / or mechanically connected to the first portion.

[0171] As used here, when a first portion of a system (e.g., medical system 100) is substantially parallel to a second portion of or an axis defined by the system, this may mean the first portion is parallel or nearly parallel to the second portion or the axis to the extent permitted by manufacturing tolerances. In some examples, when the first portion is substantially parallel to the second portion or the axis, this may mean a first vector defined by the first component of the system defines an angle of less than 10 degrees, in some examples less than 5 degrees, and in some examples less than 1 degree, with a second vector defined by the second component or the axis. The first portion may be a first component of the system, a first axis and / or first vector defined by the first system, a firstAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001plane defined by the first system, a first area defined by the first system, and / or another portion of the first system. The second portion may be a second component of the system, a second axis and / or second vector defined by the second system, a second plane defined by the second system, a second area defined by the second system, and / or another portion of the second system.

[0172] As used here, when a first portion of a system (e.g., medical system 100) is substantially perpendicular to a second portion of or an axis defined by the system, this may mean the first portion is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the second portion or the axis to the extent permitted by manufacturing tolerances. In some examples, when the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the second portion or the axis, this may mean a first vector defined by the first component of the system defines an angle of at least 80 degrees, in some examples at least 5 degrees, and in some examples at least 1 degree, with a second vector defined by the second component or the axis. The first portion may be a first component of the system, a first axis and / or first vector defined by the first system, a first plane defined by the first system, a first area defined by the first system, and / or another portion of the first system. The second portion may be a second component of the system, a second axis and / or second vector defined by the second system, a second plane defined by the second system, a second area defined by the second system, and / or another portion of the second system.

[0173] A technique for conducting a signal to a receptacle volume of a device receptacle is illustrated in FIG. 20. Although the technique is described mainly with reference to medical system 100 of FIGS. 1-19B, the technique may be applied to other medical systems in other examples.

[0174] The technique includes defining, using a device receptacle 108, 178, 214, 228, 238, 254, 274, 282, 402 (“device receptacle 108-402”) defining a receptacle volume 112, a first volume VI in a first configuration of device receptacle 108-402 (2002). In examples, a delivery catheter distal portion 114 of a delivery catheter 106 supports device receptacle 108-402. In examples, a delivery lumen 118 extending from delivery catheter distal portion 114 to a delivery catheter proximal portion 116 opens into receptacle volume 112. Device receptacle 108-402 may define first volume VI between a device distal end 111 and a device proximal end 155 of device receptacle 108-402. In examples, deviceAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001receptacle 108-402 holds IMD 102 within receptacle volume 112 when device receptacle 108-402 defines the first configuration.

[0175] The technique includes transitioning device receptacle 108-402 from the first configuration to a second configuration (2004). Device receptacle 108-402 defines a second volume V2 different from first volume VI in the second configuration. In some examples, second volume V2 is less than first volume VI. In some examples, second volume V2 is greater than first volume VI. In some examples, the technique includes transitioning device receptacle 108-402 from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0176] In examples, at least in the first configuration, device distal end 111 defines a receptacle opening 109 which opens into first volume VI. In some examples, IMD 102 passes through receptacle opening 109 (e.g., in distal direction D or proximal direction P). In some examples, an elongate member 198, 181, 183, 264, 266, 266, 286 (“elongate member 198-286”) exerts a first force Fl on device receptacle 108-402 to cause device receptacle 108-402 to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. Elongate member 198-286 may exert a second force F2 different from first force Fl on device receptacle 108-402 to cause device receptacle 108-402 to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some examples, second force F2 is less than first force Fl. In some examples second force F2 has a direction opposite a direction of first force Fl.

[0177] In some examples, a receptacle wall 110, 216, 230, 240, 256 (“receptacle wall 110-256”) defines at least one of a first length LI and / or a first width W1 in the first configuration. Receptacle wall 110-256 may define at least one of a second length L2 and / or a second width W22 in the second configuration. Receptacle wall 110-256 may define first length LI and / or second length L2 from device distal end 111 to device proximal end 155. Receptacle wall 110-256 may define first width W 1 and / or second width W2 substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis L defined by device receptacle 108-402. In some examples, second length L2 is less than first length LI. Second width W1 is less than first width W1 in some examples, and greater than first width W1 in some examples.

[0178] In some examples, receptacle wall 110-256 and / or elongate member 198-286 causes device distal end 111 to move toward device proximal end 155 when deviceAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001receptacle 108-402 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. Receptacle wall 110-256 and / or elongate member 198-286 may cause device distal end 111 to move away from device proximal end 155 when device receptacle 108-402 transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some examples, receptacle wall 110-256 and / or elongate member 198-286 may cause a first wall portion 288 to displace away from a second wall portion 290 when device receptacle 108-402 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, and / or cause first wall portion 288 to move toward second wall portion 290 when device receptacle 108-402 transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some examples, device receptacle 108-402 transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration when an inflation volume 242 defined by receptacle wall 110-256 is inflated with a fluid via inflation lumen 246. Device receptacle 108-402 may transition from the first configuration to the second configuration when inflation volume 242 is deflated via inflation lumen 246.

[0179] Various examples of the disclosure have been described. Any combination of the described systems, operations, or functions is contemplated. These and other examples are within the scope of the following Examples.

[0180] Example 1. A delivery system, comprising: a catheter body defining a delivery lumen extending from a catheter proximal portion of the catheter body to a catheter distal portion of the catheter body; a device receptacle defining a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is supported by the catheter distal portion, wherein the device receptacle is configured to establish a first configuration defining a first volume from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the first configuration to a second configuration defining a second volume from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the second volume is one of less than or greater than the first volume, wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, and wherein the device receptacle is configured to hold an implantable medical device in at least the first configuration and the delivery lumen is configured to open into at least one of the first volume or the second volume.

[0181] Example 2. The delivery system of Example 1, wherein, in at least the first configuration, the distal end defines a distal opening which opens into the first volume, theAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001distal opening configured to allow the implantable medical device to pass therethrough.

[0182] Example 3. The delivery system of Example 1 or Example 2, further comprising an elongate member extending through one of a member lumen defined by the catheter body or the delivery lumen, wherein the elongate member is configured to slidably translate within the one of the member lumen or the delivery lumen, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert a first force to the device receptacle to cause the device receptacle to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, and wherein the elongate member is configured to exert a second force different from the first force to the device receptacle to cause the device receptacle to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, the second force having a magnitude greater than or equal to zero.

[0183] Example 4. The delivery system of Example 3, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert the first force in the proximal direction.

[0184] Example 5. The delivery system of Example 2 or Example 3, further comprising a handle supporting the catheter proximal portion, wherein the handle includes an operator configured to cause the elongate member to exert at least the first force.

[0185] Example 6. The delivery system of any of Example s 1-5, wherein the device receptacle includes a receptacle wall substantially surrounding a longitudinal axis defined by the device receptacle and passing through the catheter opening, and wherein the receptacle wall is configured to at least one of define, for the first volume, a first length from the distal end to the proximal end and a first width substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or define, for the second volume, a second length from the distal end to the proximal end and a second width substantially parallel to the first width, wherein the second length is less than the first length and wherein the second width is different than the first width.

[0186] Example 7. The delivery system of Example 6, wherein receptacle wall is configured to define the first length and the second length, and wherein the receptacle wall includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein: the distal portion is configured to move in the proximal direction relative to the proximal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, and wherein the distal portion is configured to move in the distal direction relative to the proximal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the firstAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001configuration.

[0187] Example 8. The delivery system of Example 7, wherein the distal portion is configured to move in the proximal direction relative to the proximal portion when the elongate member exerts the first force in the proximal direction.

[0188] Example 9. The delivery system of Example 7 of Example 8, wherein the distal portion defines the distal end.

[0189] Example 10. The delivery system of any of Example s 7-9, wherein the distal portion is a distal tubular portion and the proximal portion is a proximal tubular portion, wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the distal tubular portion and the proximal tubular portion, and wherein the distal tubular portion and the proximal tubular portion are substantially concentric.

[0190] Example 11. The delivery system of any of Examples 7-10, wherein the elongate member is coupled to the distal portion and the catheter distal portion is coupled to the proximal portion.

[0191] Example 12. The delivery system of any of Examples 7-11, wherein the receptacle wall further comprises one or more medial portions between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the one or more medial portions are configured to move relative to at least one of the proximal portion or the distal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration and when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0192] Example 13. The delivery system of any of Examples 7-12, wherein the distal portion defines a distal inner volume and the proximal portion defines a proximal inner volume, wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the distal inner volume and the proximal inner volume, and wherein one of the proximal portion is configured to displace within the distal inner volume relative to the distal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration and when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration, or the distal portion is configured to displace within the proximal inner volume relative to the proximal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration and when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0193] Example 14. The delivery system of any of Examples 7-13, wherein theAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001elongate member is configured to exert the second force in the distal direction to cause the device receptacle to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0194] Example 15. The delivery system of any of Examples 7-13, wherein the receptacle wall is resiliently biased to define the first length.

[0195] Example 16. The delivery system of any of Example 15, wherein the first force has a first magnitude and the second force has a second magnitude less than the first magnitude, and wherein the second force is a second force in the proximal direction.

[0196] Example 17. The delivery system of Example 15, wherein the elongate member is configured to act as a substantially zero force member when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0197] Example 18. The delivery system of any of Examples 7-17, wherein the receptacle wall includes at least one expansion portion configured to define a first portion length substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis when the device receptacle is in the first configuration and configured to define a second portion length substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis in the second configuration, wherein the second portion length is less than the first portion length.

[0198] Example 19. The delivery system of Example 18, wherein the at least one expansion portion is resiliently biased to define the first portion length.

[0199] Example 20. The delivery system of any of Examples 7-19, wherein the receptacle wall includes an expansion member configured to resiliently bias the receptacle wall to define the first length.

[0200] Example 21. The delivery system of Example 20, wherein the spring is coupled to the distal portion of the receptacle wall, wherein the elongate member is coupled to the spring, wherein the elongate member is configured to cause the spring to compress when the first force is exerted on the elongate member, and wherein the receptacle wall is configured to define the second length when the spring is compressed.

[0201] Example 22. The delivery system of Examples 1-21, wherein the elongate member is configured to translate in the proximal direction relative to the receptacle wall to cause the device receptacle to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, and wherein the elongate member is configured to translate in the distal direction relative to the receptacle wall to cause the device receptacle to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0202] Example 23. The delivery system of Example 22, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert the first force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to cause the receptacle wall to define the first width, and wherein the elongate member is configured to cease exerting the first force when the elongate member translates in the proximal direction relative to the receptacle wall.

[0203] Example 24. The delivery system of Example 22 or Example 23, wherein the elongate member is configured to translate in the proximal direction relative to the catheter body when the elongate member translates in the proximal direction relative to the receptacle wall, and wherein the elongate member is configured to translate in the distal direction relative to the catheter body when the elongate member translates in the distal direction relative to the receptacle wall.

[0204] Example 25. The delivery system of any of Example 23 or Example 24, wherein the elongate is resiliently biased to exert the first force in the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0205] Example 26. The delivery system of any of Examples 22-25, wherein the elongate member includes a plurality of distal elongate portions, wherein a first distal elongate portion in the plurality of distal elongate portions is configured to exert the first force in the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each other distal elongate portion in the plurality of distal elongate portions is configured to exert another force in another direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on the receptacle wall.

[0206] Example 27. The delivery system of any of Examples 22-26, wherein the receptacle wall defines one or more wall passages, and wherein at least some portion of the elongate member is configured to translate within at least one of the one or more wall passages when the elongate member translates in the proximal direction relative to the receptacle wall or when the elongate member translates in the distal direction relative to the receptacle wall.

[0207] Example 28. The delivery system of Example 27, wherein the one or more wall passages is a plurality of wall passages, wherein plurality of distal elongate portions are configured to translate within the plurality of wall passages when the elongate member translates in the proximal direction relative to the receptacle wall or when the elongate member translates in the distal direction relative to the receptacle wall.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0208] Example 29. The catheter system of any of Examples 22-28, wherein each of plurality of distal elongate portions is configured to extend in a substantially linear direction from the proximal end toward the distal end.

[0209] Example 30. The delivery system of any of Examples 22-28, wherein the elongate member is configured to surround the longitudinal axis when the device receptacle is in the first configuration.

[0210] Example 31. The delivery system of any of Examples 6-30, wherein the receptacle wall is configured to hold the implantable medical device in the first configuration.

[0211] Example 32. The catheter system of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the receptacle wall includes an first portion including a first distal portion and a second portion defining a second distal portion, wherein the first distal portion contacts the second distal portion in the first configuration, and wherein the first distal portion is displaced from the second distal portion in the second configuration.

[0212] Example 33. The delivery system of Example 32, wherein the second width is greater than the first width.

[0213] Example 34. The delivery system of Example 32 or Example 33, wherein at least one of a first proximal portion of the first portion or a second proximal portion of the second section is pivotably coupled to a base portion of the receptacle wall, wherein the base portion defines the proximal end of the device receptacle.

[0214] Example 35. The delivery system of any of Examples 32-34, wherein the receptacle wall is resiliently biased to establish the second configuration.

[0215] Example 36. The delivery system of any of Examples 32-35, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert the first force on at least one of the first portion or the second portion in a direction toward the longitudinal axis to cause the receptacle wall to establish the first configuration.

[0216] Example 37. The delivery system of any of Examples 32-36, wherein the receptacle wall is configured such that the resilient biasing causes the receptacle wall to establish the second configuration when at least one of the second force has a magnitude less than the first force or when the elongate member acts as a substantially zero force member.

[0217] Example 38. The delivery system of any of Examples 32-37, wherein the firstAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001distal portion and the second distal portion substantially surround the longitudinal axis in at least the first configuration.

[0218] Example 39. The delivery system of any of Examples 32-38, wherein the elongate member substantially surrounds the longitudinal axis in at least the second configuration.

[0219] Example 40. The delivery system of any of Examples 32-39, wherein the receptacle wall at least one additional portion in addition to the first portion and the second portion, each additional portion defining an additional distal portion, wherein the additional distal portion contacts the first distal portion and the second distal portion in the first configuration, and wherein the additional distal portion is displaced from the first distal portion and the second distal portion in the second configuration.

[0220] Example 41. The delivery system of Example 40, wherein each additional portion includes an additional proximal portion pivotably coupled to the base portion.

[0221] Example 42. The delivery system of Example 40 or Example 41, wherein the first distal portion, the second distal portion, and the additional distal portion substantially surround the longitudinal axis in at least the first configuration.

[0222] Example 43. The delivery system of any of Examples 1-42, wherein the device receptacle is configured to position within an anatomical volume of a patient.

[0223] Example 44. The catheter system of Example 1, 2, or 6, wherein the receptacle wall defines an inflation volume, wherein the receptacle wall is configured to define the at least one of the first length or the first width when the inflation volume is inflated and configured to define one of the second length or the second width when the inflation volume is deflated.

[0224] Example 45. The delivery system of Example 44, wherein receptacle wall is configured to define the first width and the second width, wherein the second width is less than the first width.

[0225] Example 47. The delivery system of Example 45 or 46, wherein the receptacle wall comprises a noncompliant balloon.

[0226] Example 48. The delivery system of any of Examples 45-47, wherein the catheter body defines an inflation lumen which opens into the inflation volume, wherein the inflation lumen is configured to receive a flow of a fluid and deliver the flow of the fluid to the inflation volume.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0227] Example 49. The delivery system of any of Examples 45-47, wherein the catheter proximal portion defines a fluid entry which opens from the inflation lumen and into the inflation volume.

[0228] Example 50. The delivery system of any of Examples 1-49, wherein the device receptacle is configured to position within an anatomical volume of a patient.

[0229] Example 51. The catheter of Example 50, wherein the anatomical volume is a chamber of a heart of the patient.

[0230] Example 52. The delivery system of Example 50 or Example 51, further comprising the implantable medical device, wherein the implanted medical device is configured to implant within tissues at least one or defining or within the anatomical volume.

[0231] Example 53. A delivery system, comprising: a catheter body defining a delivery lumen extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion, the catheter distal portion defining a catheter opening which opens into the delivery lumen; a device receptacle defining a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is supported by the catheter distal portion, wherein the device receptacle is configured to establish a first configuration defining a first volume from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the first configuration to a second configuration defining a second volume from the distal end to the proximal end, the device receptacle configured to hold an implantable medical device in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration, and the second volume being one of less than or greater than the first volume, and wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration; an elongate member extending through one of a member lumen defined by the catheter body or the delivery lumen, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert a force to the device receptacle to cause the device receptacle to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration; and a handle supporting the catheter proximal portion, wherein the handle includes an operator configured to cause the elongate member to exert the force.

[0232] Example 54. The delivery system of Example 53, wherein the device receptacle includes a receptacle wall substantially surrounding a longitudinal axis defined by the device receptacle and passing through the catheter opening, and wherein the receptacle wall is configured to at least one of: define, for the first volume, a first lengthAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001from the distal end to the proximal end and a first width substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or define, for the second volume, a second length from the distal end to the proximal end and a second width substantially parallel to the first width, wherein the second length is less than the first length and wherein the second width is different than the first width.

[0233] Example 55. The delivery system of Example 53 or Example 54, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert the force in one of a proximal direction or a direction radially inward toward the longitudinal axis.

[0234] Example 56. A method of delivering an implantable medical device, comprising: defining, using a device receptacle defining a receptacle volume, a first volume of the receptacle volume in a first configuration of the device receptacle, wherein a catheter body defines a delivery lumen extending from a catheter proximal portion of the catheter body to a catheter distal portion of the catheter body and opening into the receptacle volume, wherein the device receptacle defines a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end supported by the catheter distal portion, wherein the device receptacle defines the first volume from the distal end to the proximal end, and wherein the device receptacle is configured to hold the implantable medical device in the receptacle volume in the first configuration; and transitioning the device receptacle from the first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the receptacle volume defines a second volume from the distal end to the proximal end in the second configuration, wherein the second volume is one of less than or greater than the first volume, and wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0235] Example 57. The method of Example 56, further comprising defining, using the distal end, a distal opening which opens into the first volume, wherein the distal opening configured to allow the implantable medical device to pass therethrough.

[0236] Example 58. The method of Example 56 or Example 57, further comprising exerting, using an elongate member, a first force to the device receptacle to cause the device receptacle to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0237] Example 59. The method of Example 58, further comprising exerting, using the elongate member, a second force different from the first force to the device receptacle to cause the device receptacle to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, wherein the second force has a magnitude greater than or equal to zero.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0238] Example 60. The method of any of Examples 56-59, further comprising at least one of defining, using a receptacle wall of the device receptacle, a first length from the distal end to the proximal end and a first width substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the device receptacle when the device receptacle is in the first configuration; or defining, using the receptacle wall, a second length from the distal end to the proximal end and a second width substantially parallel to the first width when the receptacle volume is in the second configuration, wherein the second length is less than the first length and wherein the second width is different than the first width.

[0239] Example 61. The method of Example 60, further comprising at least one of: moving a distal portion of the receptacle wall in a proximal direction relative to the proximal portion to transition the device receptacle from the first configuration to the second configuration; or moving the distal portion in a distal direction relative to the proximal portion to transition the device receptacle from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0240] Example 62. The method of Example 60 or Example 61, further comprising at least one of displacing the proximal portion within a distal inner volume defined by the distal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration; or displacing the distal portion within a proximal inner volume defined by the proximal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0241] Example 63. The method of any of Examples 60-62, further comprising defining the first length using a resilient biasing of the receptacle wall.

[0242] Example 64. The method of any of Examples 58-63, further comprising at least one of transitioning, using the elongate member, the device receptacle from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the elongate member relative to the receptacle wall; or transitioning, using the elongate member, the device receptacle from the second configuration to the first configuration by moving the elongate member relative to the receptacle wall.

[0243] Example 65. The method of Example 64, further comprising withdrawing the elongate member in a substantially linear direction from the distal end toward the proximal end to transition the device receptacle from the first configuration to the second configuration.Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001

[0244] Example 66. The method of Example 64 or Example 65, further comprising extending the elongate member in a substantially linear direction from the proximal end toward the distal end to transition the device receptacle from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0245] Example 67. The method of any of Examples 58-66, further comprising at least one of exerting the first force, using the elongate member, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; or exerting the second force, using the elongate member, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0246] Example 68. The method of any of Examples 58-67, further comprising surrounding the longitudinal axis with the elongate member.

[0247] Example 69. The method of any of Example 56-68, further comprising at least one of: contacting a first portion of the receptacle wall and a second portion of the receptacle wall to cause the device receptacle to establish the first configuration; or displacing the first portion from the second portion to cause the device receptacle to establish the second configuration.

[0248] Example 70. The method of Example 69, further comprising at least one of: defining the first width less than the second width when the first portion contacts the second portion; or establishing the second width greater than first width when the first portion displaces from the second portion.

[0249] Example 71. The method of any of Examples 56-70, further comprising at least one of: inflating, using an inflation lumen of the delivery catheter, an inflation volume of the receptacle wall to cause the device receptacle to establish the first configuration; or deflating, using the inflation lumen, the inflation volume to cause the device receptacle to establish the second configuration.

[0250] Example 72. The method of any of Examples 56-71, further comprising positioning, using the delivery catheter, the device receptacle within an anatomical volume of a patient.

Claims

1. Atty Ref. No. A0012657W001WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A delivery system, comprising:a catheter body defining a delivery lumen extending from a catheter proximal portion of the catheter body to a catheter distal portion of the catheter body;a device receptacle defining a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is supported by the catheter distal portion,wherein the device receptacle is configured to establish a first configuration defining a first volume from the distal end to the proximal end,wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the first configuration to a second configuration defining a second volume from the distal end to the proximal end,wherein the second volume is one of less than or greater than the first volume, wherein the device receptacle is configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, andwherein the device receptacle is configured to hold an implantable medical device in at least the first configuration and the delivery lumen is configured to open into at least one of the first volume or the second volume.

2. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein, in at least the first configuration, the distal end defines a distal opening which opens into the first volume, the distal opening configured to allow the implantable medical device to pass therethrough.

3. The delivery system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an elongate member extending through one of a member lumen defined by the catheter body or the delivery lumen,wherein the elongate member is configured to slidably translate within the one of the member lumen or the delivery lumen,wherein the elongate member is configured to exert a first force to the device receptacle to cause the device receptacle to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, andAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001wherein the elongate member is configured to exert a second force different from the first force to the device receptacle to cause the device receptacle to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, the second force having a magnitude greater than or equal to zero.

4. The delivery system of claim 3, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert the second force in the distal direction to cause the device receptacle to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration.

5. The delivery system of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the elongate member is configured to act as a substantially zero force member when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

6. The delivery system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the device receptacle includes a receptacle wall substantially surrounding a longitudinal axis defined by the device receptacle and passing through the catheter opening, and wherein the receptacle wall is configured to at least one ofdefine, for the first volume, a first length from the distal end to the proximal end and a first width substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or define, for the second volume, a second length from the distal end to the proximal end and a second width substantially parallel to the first width,wherein the second length is less than the first length and wherein the second width is different than the first width.

7. The delivery system of claim 6,wherein receptacle wall is configured to define the first length and the second length,wherein the receptacle wall includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion is configured to move in the proximal direction relative to the proximal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, andAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001wherein the distal portion is configured to move in the distal direction relative to the proximal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

8. The delivery system of claim 7, wherein the receptacle wall further comprises one or more medial portions between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the one or more medial portions are configured to move relative to at least one of the proximal portion or the distal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration and when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

9. The delivery system of claim 7 or claim 8,wherein the distal portion defines a distal inner volume and the proximal portion defines a proximal inner volume, wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the distal inner volume and the proximal inner volume, and wherein one ofthe proximal portion is configured to displace within the distal inner volume relative to the distal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration and when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration, orthe distal portion is configured to displace within the proximal inner volume relative to the proximal portion when the device receptacle transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration and when the device receptacle transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration.

10. The delivery system of any of claims 6-9, wherein the receptacle wall is resiliently biased to define the first length.

11. The delivery system of any of claims 6-10, wherein the receptacle wall includes at least one expansion portion configured to define a first portion length substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis when the device receptacle is in the first configuration and configured to define a second portion length substantially parallel to theAtty Ref. No. A0012657W001longitudinal axis in the second configuration, wherein the second portion length is less than the first portion length.

12. The delivery system of any of claims 6-11, wherein the elongate member is configured to exert the first force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to cause the receptacle wall to define the first width, and wherein the elongate member is configured to cease exerting the first force when the elongate member translates in the proximal direction relative to the receptacle wall.

13. The delivery system of any of claims 6-12, wherein the elongate member includes a plurality of distal elongate portions, wherein a first distal elongate portion in the plurality of distal elongate portions is configured to exert the first force in the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each other distal elongate portion in the plurality of distal elongate portions is configured to exert another force in another direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on the receptacle wall.

14. The delivery system of any of claims 1-13, wherein the device receptacle is configured to position within an anatomical volume of a patient.

15. The catheter system of any of claims 1-14, wherein the receptacle wall defines an inflation volume, wherein the receptacle wall is configured to define the at least one of the first length or the first width when the inflation volume is inflated and configured to define one of the second length or the second width when the inflation volume is deflated.

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