Method for loading a stent using a collapsing machine

Abstract

A machine for collapsing a stent and loading the same into a delivery catheter is disclosed. The stent collapsing machine includes an elongate base plate, a belt having a first end and a second end, and a first and second sliding plate slidably mounted to the elongate base plate. A first belt mount may be affixed to the first sliding plate and a second belt mount affixed to the elongate base plate, each belt mount having a bottom piece and a top piece for tightly securing the belt first end and second end. A jaw block set is mounted to the second sliding plate, the jaw block set having a first jaw block and a jaw block sliding plate with a second jaw block mounted thereon. The jaw block sliding plate allows the second jaw block to be slidably translated in relation to the first jaw block. The belt is allowed to rest over the first and second jaw block thereby forming a belt loop therebetween for receiving a stent. At least one actuating mechanism may be mounted on the elongate base plate and attached to the first end of the belt for providing a force upon the belt thereby collapsing the belt loop having the stent therein.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.