Storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods

A method of loading an implantable medical device onto a delivery system comprising:

• positioning the implantable medical device and a loading puller within a loading member, the loading puller attached to the implantable medical device;
• applying an axial force on an elongate member of a delivery system directed toward the loading member such that the delivery system is partially disposed within the loading member, the delivery system including the elongate member, a sheath, and a gripping member, the elongate member partially disposed within the sheath, having a first end and a second end, and defining a notch, the gripping member attached to the elongate member between the notch and the second end of the elongate member;
• positioning the loading puller within the notch defined by the elongate member;
• applying an axial force on the elongate member directed away from the loading member such that the implantable medical device collapses onto the gripping member;
• removing the loading puller from the delivery system, the loading member, and the implantable medical device;
• applying an axial force on the sheath directed toward the loading member while maintaining the position of the elongate member until the sheath contacts the loading member;
• applying an axial force on the elongate member directed away from the loading member while maintaining the position of the sheath such that the elongate member is withdrawn from the loading member and the implantable medical device is advanced into the sheath;
• and
• removing the delivery system from the loading member.

A method of loading an implantable medical device onto a delivery system comprising:

• positioning the implantable medical device and a loading puller within a loading member, the implantable medical device including an expandable frame and a natural material attached to the frame, the frame defining one or more openings, the loading puller partially disposed within the one or more openings;
• applying an axial force on an elongate member of a delivery system directed toward the loading member such that the delivery system is partially disposed within the loading member, the delivery system including the elongate member, a sheath, and a gripping member, the elongate member partially disposed within the sheath, having a first end and a second end, and defining a notch, the gripping member attached to the elongate member between the notch and the second end of the elongate member;
• positioning the loading puller within the notch defined by the elongate member;
• applying an axial force on the elongate member directed away from the loading member such that the implantable medical device collapses onto the gripping member;
• removing the loading puller from the delivery system, the loading member, and the implantable medical device;
• applying an axial force on the sheath directed toward the loading member while maintaining the position of the elongate member until the sheath contacts the loading member;
• applying an axial force on the elongate member directed away from the loading member while maintaining the position of the sheath such that the elongate member is withdrawn from the loading member and the implantable medical device is advanced into the sheath;
• and
• removing the delivery system from the loading member.