Device for compressing a stent

A device for compressing a stent, comprising:

• a compressing mechanism having a longitudinal axis, a housing, and a plurality of jaws;
• a plurality of slits disposed in a first section of the housing, the plurality of slits being arranged circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the compressing mechanism, the plurality of jaws respectively disposed within the plurality of slits;
• a plurality of rails disposed in a second section of the housing, the plurality of rails being arranged circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the compressing mechanism;
• and
• a manipulating mechanism at least partially surrounding the housing and engaging the plurality of jaws;
• wherein the manipulating mechanism is configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing and affect longitudinal movement of the plurality of jaws from the first section of the housing to the second section of the housing;
• and
• wherein the plurality of jaws are configured to respectively engage the plurality of rails during movement from the first section of the housing to the second section of the housing and move radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the compressing mechanism thereby reducing the cross sectional size of at least a portion of a stent accommodated radially within the plurality of jaws.