Method and apparatus for storage and/or introduction of implant for hollow anatomical structure

An apparatus for introducing an implant into a hollow anatomical structure, the apparatus comprising:

• a storage unit comprising an exit opening, an implant storage portion, and a pushrod storage portion spaced from the implant storage portion and converging with the implant storage portion at the exit opening;
• an elongate vascular implant stored inside the implant storage portion and having a distal end;
• and
• a pushrod at least partially stored inside the pushrod storage portion and having a distal end coupled to the distal end of the implant wherein the pushrod forms a force application region near the distal end of the pushrod;
• wherein the implant and the pushrod continually converge proximally of the exit opening as the pushrod is advanced toward and through the exit opening.

A method for introducing an implant into a hollow anatomical structure, the method comprising:

• inserting an introducer sheath into the hollow anatomical structure;
• coupling a delivery apparatus to a proximal end of the introducer sheath, the delivery apparatus storing a pushrod and an implant along divergent directions;
• converging the pushrod and the implant along a common axis defining a travel direction within the delivery apparatus;
• and
• distally advancing the converged pushrod and implant along the travel direction through an exit opening of the delivery apparatus and into the introducer sheath.