Stent loading tool and method for use thereof
First Claim
1. A method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure, the method comprising:
- attaching a loading tool to a substantially open state stent-mounted valve inside a storage container using a connector of the loading tool in an open state, wherein the connector is configured to be removably connected to the stent-mounted valve, and wherein the loading tool is configured to be coupled to an inner shaft of a delivery catheter;
withdrawing the stent-mounted valve from the storage container using the loading tool;
advancing the stent-mounted valve and the connector of the loading tool through a generally converging-shape crimping tool using the loading tool such that the stent-mounted valve becomes crimped and the connector of the loading tool radially contracts from the open state to a closed state;
coupling the loading tool to the inner shaft of the delivery catheter; and
retracting the stent-mounted valve and the loading tool into the delivery catheter.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A loading tool for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve into a delivery catheter, and for pushing the stent-mounted valve from the delivery catheter into a native heart valve orifice. The loading tool comprises at least one connector adapted for being removably connected to the stent of the stent-mounted valve. A crimping tool having a generally converging shape is adapted for use with the loading tool. Following connection of the loading tool to the stent-mounted valve, the loading tool operates to allow the stent-mounted valve to be drawn through the crimping tool, and loaded, in a crimped state, into a delivery catheter. Also disclosed is a kit of the various components for effecting the delivery of the stent-mounted valve and a method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure, the method comprising:
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attaching a loading tool to a substantially open state stent-mounted valve inside a storage container using a connector of the loading tool in an open state, wherein the connector is configured to be removably connected to the stent-mounted valve, and wherein the loading tool is configured to be coupled to an inner shaft of a delivery catheter; withdrawing the stent-mounted valve from the storage container using the loading tool; advancing the stent-mounted valve and the connector of the loading tool through a generally converging-shape crimping tool using the loading tool such that the stent-mounted valve becomes crimped and the connector of the loading tool radially contracts from the open state to a closed state; coupling the loading tool to the inner shaft of the delivery catheter; and retracting the stent-mounted valve and the loading tool into the delivery catheter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure, the method comprising:
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removably attaching a loading tool to a portion of a stent-mounted valve inside a storage container using a connector of the loading tool, wherein the stent-mounted valve including the portion to which the connector is removably attached is in a radially expanded configuration, withdrawing the stent-mounted valve from the storage container using the loading tool; advancing the stent-mounted valve through a generally converging-shape crimping tool using the loading tool such that the stent-mounted valve including the portion to which the connector is removably attached compresses into a radially collapsed configuration; coupling the loading tool to an inner shaft of the delivery catheter; and retracting the stent-mounted valve and the loading tool into the delivery catheter. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification