Patent ID: 6132458
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A device for loading a self expanding stent into a deployment tool having an outer tube defining a space, the device comprising:a constricting sheath with a stent delivery end and a stent receiving opening opposite thereto, the constricting sheath open therethrough with the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening aligned along an axis thereof, the stent delivery end shaped and sized for slipping over the outer tube, the stent receiving opening shaped and sized to receive a self expanding stent aligned along the axis and in its expanded state;a rest within the delivery end located for seating the constricting sheath along the axis and in position over the outer tube;a funnel positioned within the constricting sheath located between the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening, the funnel shaped for collapsing the self expanding stent before loading into the space of the outer tube;an inserter depressed for movement along the axis and within the constricting sheath towards the space of the outer tube, the inserter having a stent carrying shaft (21) to support the expanded stent thereabout and cantilever therefrom, anda shoulder on the stent carrying shaft to engage the expanded stent for urging the expanded stent into the constricting sheath as the inserter moves towards and into the funnel of the constricting sheath.