Method and apparatus for compressing/loading stent-valves

A method of preparing a stent-valve and a delivery catheter for use, the delivery catheter having a stent-valve containment region and a handle, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a closed packaging containing the delivery catheter, the packaging including a base supporting the delivery catheter in a storage position, the base having a liquid-tight trough configured for receiving the entire delivery catheter, wherein the trough extends from a first portion configured to hold the stent-valve containment region to a second portion having an inner surface defining a clearance configured to allow a user to manually grip the handle while the delivery catheter is disposed within the trough, wherein the delivery catheter is disposed within the liquid-tight trough when in the storage position;
• (b) opening the closed packaging;
• (c) introducing liquid into the trough of the base;
• and
• (d) loading the stent-valve into the stent-valve containment region of the delivery catheter while at least the containment region is immersed in the liquid in the trough;
• wherein all of steps (a) through (d) occur while the delivery catheter is disposed within the liquid-tight trough.