Stent crimping

An apparatus for crimping a polymeric stent having an outer surface, comprising:

• a) an elastic tube having an inner surface that defines a passage that is sized to fit over the outer surface of the stent;
• b) an actuator coupled to the elastic tube, wherein movement of the actuator increases a length of the elastic tube and decreases an extent of the passage, wherein the inner surface of the tube engages the outer surface of the stent and reduces an extent of the stent to thereby crimp the stent;
• and
• c) a heating element for heating the stent around the glass transition temperature of the stent before crimping the stent.

A method of preparing a polymeric stent for application in vasculature of a patient, comprising:

• a) imparting predetermined final size and shape to the stent by heating the stent to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the stent such that the predetermined size and shape is retained and then cooling the stent;
• b) inserting the stent into an elastic tube having an inner surface that defines a passage;
• c) heating the stent to a temperature at or above a glass transition temperature such that the imparted final size and shape is retained by the stent;
• d) pulling the tube to cause stretching of the tube, such that the inner surface of the tube engages an outer surface of the stent and applies simultaneous longitudinal and radial forces to the outer surface of the stent to thereby simultaneously reduce a radial extent of the stent and increase a longitudinal extent of the stent;
• e) cooling the stent to a temperature below the glass transition temperature;
• f) releasing the tube, such that at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube disengages at least a portion of the outer surface of the stent;
• and
• g) removing the stent from the tube.