An assembly for loading a self-expanding prosthetic device 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 in a distal direction from the first open end towards the second open end, the wall defining an open space adapted to receive the prosthetic device; a support member having a longitudinal axis, a base and a through bore extending along the longitudinal axis of the support member, the through bore being sized to receive a portion of the delivery device therethrough, the support member having a longitudinal slit in communication with the through bore to allow for removal of the support member from the delivery device, the support member having a recess extending around the through bore adapted to receive an end of the prosthetic device, 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 prosthetic device at least partially through the open space such that at least a portion of the prosthetic device is radially compressed by the tapered wall of the compression member as the prosthetic device advances through the open space; and a constricting member having a lumen defined therethrough, the lumen having proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the lumen being sized to receive the second open end of the compression member. 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 in a distal direction from the first open end towards the second open end, the wall defining an open space adapted to receive the prosthetic device; a support member having a longitudinal axis, a base and a through bore extending along the longitudinal axis of the support member, the through bore being sized to receive a portion of the delivery device therethrough, the support member having a longitudinal slit in communication with the through bore to allow for removal of the support member from the delivery device, the support member having a recess extending around the through bore adapted to receive an end of the prosthetic device, 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 prosthetic device at least partially through the open space such that at least a portion of the prosthetic device is radially compressed by the tapered wall of the compression member as the prosthetic device advances through the open space; and a constricting member having a lumen defined therethrough, the lumen having proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the lumen being sized to receive the second open end of the compression member.