CPC A61F 2/2436 (2013.01) [A61F 2/2418 (2013.01); A61F 2/9522 (2020.05); A61F 2/97 (2013.01); A61F 2220/0008 (2013.01); A61F 2230/0054 (2013.01); A61F 2250/0018 (2013.01); A61F 2250/0091 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A loading tube apparatus for use in compressing and/or loading a stent-valve for a delivery catheter, the loading tube apparatus comprising:
a plurality of separate, discrete segments that when assembled around a portion of the delivery catheter, the segments alone define a tubular shape, wherein all of the plurality of separate, discrete segments have a same longitudinal length; and
at least one retainer surrounding the plurality of segments for retaining the plurality of segments in the tubular shape.
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