Importance

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Abstract

A device for loading a self expanding stent into a deployment tool has an outer tube defining a space. The device has a constricting sheath with a stent delivery end and a stent receiving opening opposite thereto. The constricting sheath is open therethrough with the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening aligned along an axis thereof. The stent delivery end is shaped and sized for slipping over the outer tube. The stent receiving opening is shaped and sized to receive a self expanding stent aligned along the axis and in its expanded state. A rest within the delivery end is located for seating the constricting sheath along the axis and in position over the outer tube. A funnel is positioned within the constricting sheath located between the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening. The funnel is shaped for collapsing the self expanding stent before loading into the space of the outer tube. An inserter is depressed for movement along the axis and within the constricting sheath towards the space. The inserter has a stent carrying shaft to support the expanded stent thereabout and cantilever therefrom. A shoulder on the stent carrying shaft may 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. A method for using the device might include the steps of slipping over the outer tube, seating the constricting sheath along the axis and in position over the outer tube and against the rest, collapsing the self expanding stent before loading into the space of the outer tube in the funnel, carrying the stent on the stent carrying shaft cantilever therefrom, depressing the inserter for movement along the axis and within the constricting sheath towards the space of the outer tube, and engaging the stent with the shoulder for urging the expanded stent into the constricting sheath as the inserter moves towards and into the funnel.

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First Claim