Patent ID: 8585019
Filing Date: 2013-11-19
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for loading an expandable intraluminal medical device into a delivery catheter, said apparatus comprising: a main body having a lengthwise axis, a proximal end defining a proximal opening, a distal end defining a distal opening, and a main body passageway extending between the proximal and distal openings, the main body passageway defining a proximal chamber having a first inner diameter, a distal chamber having a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber disposed between the proximal and distal chambers, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter and the transition chamber having an inner diameter that transitions along the lengthwise axis from the second inner diameter to the first inner diameter, the main body having proximal and distal portions connected to each other at a separable connection; an inner sleeve comprising a tubular body and a distal flange, the tubular body disposed within the main body passageway and the distal flange extending outwardly relative to the lengthwise axis of the main body and disposed between the proximal and distal portions of the main body; a proximal cap disposed on the proximal portion of the main body, the cap defining a cap passageway in communication with the passageway of the main body; and at least one pull wire attached to the proximal cap and extending into the passageway of the main body, the at least one pull wire attached to said expandable intraluminal medical device such that the at least one pull wire pulls said expandable intraluminal medical device from the distal chamber, through the transition chamber and into the proximal chamber when the proximal cap is moved away from said main body.