| abstract |
A device (10) and method for loading a self expanding stent (11) into a deployment tool (12) is disclosed. The device (10) includes an outer tube (13) and a constricting sheath (15) having a stent delivery end (16) and a stent receiving opening (17) opposite thereto. The stent receiving opening (17) is shaped and sized to receive a self expanding stent (11) aligned along the axis and in its expanded state. A funnel (10), positioned within the constricting sheath (15), is shaped for collapsing the shelf expanding stent (11) before loading the stent into the space (14) of the outer tube (13). An inserter (20) is used to engage and urge the expanded stent (11) into the constricting sheath (15) as the inserter (20) moves towards and into the funnel (19) of the constricting sheath (15). |