Importance

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Abstract

A stent crimping apparatus for crimping a deformable radioactive stent onto a deployment device which includes a first jaw member defining a shielded first compression surface, and an opposed, second jaw member defining a shielded second compression surface oriented opposite the first compression surface. The first and second compression surfaces are adapted to collectively form an elongated guide bore formed for axial receipt of the deformable stent and the deployment device therein. To protect against exposure to the radioactive stent, a shield assembly is provided defining an opening into a bore therein which is formed and dimensioned for longitudinal receipt of the deformable stent in an uncrimped condition. A shield assembly defines an opening into the bore, and cooperates with the first and second jaw members to substantially prevent radioactive particles emitted by the radioactive stent from passing out of the crimping apparatus. An operating mechanism is operatively coupled to the first and second jaw members for selective movement between a loading condition and a crimping condition. In the loading condition, the uncrimped stent and the deployment device may be inserted through the opening and into the bore. In the crimping condition, the deformable stent is radially compressed onto the deployment device between the first and second compression surfaces.

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First Claim