A protection sleeve (10) has a proximal end joined to a first shaft (12) and a distal end joined to a second shaft (14). The first shaft (12) slides over the second shaft (14). A catheter (16) passes through a lumen of the second shaft (14), and a distal portion (20) of the catheter (16) includes a medical device. Relative sliding movement of the first and second shafts (12, 14) with respect to each other either causes contraction or expansion of the protection sleeve (10).
