Patent ID: 11857441
Assignee: 4C MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 3:
4. A method of loading and/or pre-loading a collapsible stent for the collapsing of the stent within a loading device lumen, comprising:
providing the collapsible stent;
providing the loading device comprising:
a proximal decreasing diameter section defining a lumen with an inner diameter smoothly transitioning and ranging from a maximum at a proximal end to a minimum at a distal end of the proximal decreasing diameter section; and
a constant diameter section connected to, or integrated with, the distal end of the proximal decreasing diameter section and defining a lumen with an inner diameter that is substantially equal to the minimum diameter of the proximal decreasing diameter section; and
a sheath comprising a lumen therethrough and operatively connected to, and extending within, the lumen of the constant diameter section, the sheath comprising an outer diameter that is the same as, or smaller than, the minimum inner diameter of the proximal decreasing diameter section;

translating the stent distally within the proximal decreasing diameter section to begin the collapsing of the stent; and
applying pressure on the stent to translate the stent distally through the lumen of the decreasing diameter section and partially into the lumen of the constant diameter section to partially collapse the stent therein;
wherein the sheath comprises:
a planar sheet that is adaptable to define a tubular form with an outer diameter that enables translation and/or rotation within the lumen of the constant diameter section; and
a longitudinal slot extending along an entire length of the sheath when in the tubular form.