Patent ID: 9021674
Filing Date: 2015-05-05
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An assembly for loading a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve into a delivery device, comprising: a compression member having a longitudinal axis, a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a wall decreasing in diameter from the first open end to the second open end, the wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve; a support member having a longitudinal axis, a base and a recess extending along the longitudinal axis and adapted to receive an end of the valve, the support member and the compression member being movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the support member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the support member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member, wherein movement of the support member and the compression member from the initial position to the operative position pushes the valve through the open space such that the valve is radially compressed by the tapered wall of the compression member as the valve advances through the open space; and a constricting member separable from the compression member and having a first end, a second end, an end member on the second end, and an elongated tubular portion having a lumen between the first end and the second end, the end member having a free end and another end connected to the tubular portion, the end member having a first diameter at the free end, a second diameter less than the first diameter at the another end, and a wall decreasing in diameter from the free end to the another end.