Patent ID: 6090035
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: A61F,A61N

Abstract:
A stent loading apparatus for loading a self-expanding radioactive stent into a bore portion of a deployment device configured for sliding receipt and retainment of the radioactive stent therein in a compressed condition, said loading apparatus comprising:a storage device defining an elongated first passage formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the radioactive stent in the compressed condition, said first passage terminating at a stent transfer opening of a proximal coupling end of said storage device; anda radiation shield defining an elongated second passage terminating at a distal opening of a distal coupling end thereof, the radiation shield distal coupling end and the storage device proximal coupling end cooperate to align the distal opening of the radiation shield in receiving communication with the stent transfer opening of the storage device, and said second passage being formed and dimensioned for receipt of said deployment device therein in a manner positioning a mouth portion of the deployment device bore portion substantially adjacent the stent transfer opening of the storage device such that upon urging of the radioactive stent in a direction toward the radiation shield, the radioactive stent may be slideably transferred from the first passage and into the mouth portion of the bore portion for retainment therein in the compressed condition.