Methods and systems for delivery device insertion during medical device crimp processes

A system for assisting in loading an implantable medical device onto a delivery system, the system comprising:

• a base comprising a first base end, a second base end, and a base conduit extending from the first end to the second end;
• and
• a body comprising a first body end, a second body end, and a body conduit extending from the first end to the second end, wherein:
• the second body end is coupled to the first base end to define a guide conduit comprising the base conduit and the body conduit,
• the guide conduit has a diameter that allows a distal portion of the delivery system to slidably move through the guide conduit, and
• the body has an outer diameter that allows the body to be inserted into a central lumen of the implantable medical device.

A method for loading a prosthetic heart valve onto a delivery system, the method comprising:

• inserting a guide system into a central lumen of the prosthetic heart valve, the guide system comprising a body that defines a conduit within an interior of the body;
• inserting a distal portion of the delivery system into the conduit of the guide system;
• aligning one or more retention members of the distal portion of the delivery system with the prosthetic heart valve;
• removing the guide system from the central lumen of the prosthetic heart valve;
• and
• compressing the prosthetic heart valve onto the distal portion of the delivery device.