Patent ID: 7381216

Claim:
A method for therapeutically treating a patient, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a medical device delivery system having an inner shaft and a tubular outer sheath, each with proximal and distal ends; a handle near the proximal ends of the inner shaft and outer sheath; a medical device for delivery by the delivery system and for performing a therapeutic procedure at a desired site for treatment; a delivery mechanism for selectively and progressively pulling the outer sheath in the proximal direction to release the medical device; and a locking member that holds the delivery mechanism in an initial configuration, the locking member tending to releasably resist inadvertent release of the medical device by the delivery mechanism; wherein the medical device is positioned within the outer sheath in an initial configuration; wherein the handle has a first and second independently movable actuator coupled to the delivery mechanism; (b) inserting the medical device delivery system along a body passage until the medical device is positioned at or near the desired site for treatment; (c) unlocking the locking member; (d) moving the first actuator a first selected amount; such movement of the first actuator causing the outer sheath to move an amount in the proximal direction at a first proportional rate in a precise manner, and causing the outer sheath to partially release the medical device; (e) moving the second actuator, causing the outer sheath to move in the proximal direction at a second greater proportional rate in a rapid manner, to fully release the medical device; and (f) withdrawing and removing the medical device delivery system from the body passage, and allowing the medical device to remain at the desired site for treatment.