Patent ID: 7526849

Claim:
A method of loading a self-expanding stent comprising: a) providing a crimping device having a crimping chamber constructed and arranged to reduce the diameter of a stent; b) providing a support device to support a delivery device having an internal diameter, the support device constructed and arranged to move the delivery device with respect to the crimping device, the delivery device oriented to receive a stent from said crimping device; c) providing a fluid source arranged to direct a fluid flow through the crimping chamber of the crimping device, the fluid being at a temperature lower than an ambient temperature; d) providing a self-expanding stent; e) orienting the stent within the crimping chamber of the crimping device; f) directing said fluid flow through the crimping chamber of the crimping device; g) reducing the size of the crimping chamber to reduce an outer diameter of the stent to less than the internal diameter of the delivery device; h) increasing the size of the crimping chamber, wherein said fluid flow advances the stent such that at least a portion of the stent exits the crimping chamber and enters the delivery device; i) moving the delivery device away from the crimping device, thereby moving another portion of the stent out of the crimping chamber; j) reducing the size of the crimping chamber to reduce of a portion of the stent oriented within the crimping chamber to an outer diameter less than the internal diameter of the delivery device; and k) moving the delivery device toward the crimping device, thereby further advancing the stent into the delivery device.