CPC A61F 2/0095 (2013.01) [A61B 50/30 (2016.02); A61F 2/2412 (2013.01); A61F 2/2436 (2013.01); A61F 2/24 (2013.01); A61F 2/46 (2013.01); A61F 2/9526 (2020.05); A61L 2300/404 (2013.01)] | 23 Claims |
1. A method of loading an implantable medical device onto a delivery system comprising:
positioning an implantable medical device within a loading member;
positioning a portion of an elongate member of a delivery system within the loading member, the delivery system including the elongate member, a sheath, and a gripping member, the elongate member partially disposed within the sheath and having a first end and a second end, the gripping member attached to the elongate member between the first end of the elongate member and the second end of the elongate member;
collapsing the implantable medical device onto the gripping member;
applying a force on the sheath while maintaining the position of the elongate member until the sheath contacts the loading member;
applying an axial force on the elongate member directed away from the loading member while maintaining the position of the sheath such that the elongate member is withdrawn from the loading member and the implantable medical device is advanced into the sheath; and
removing the delivery system from the loading member;
wherein positioning the implantable medical device within the loading member comprises positioning the implantable medical device and a loading puller within the loading member, the loading puller attached to the implantable medical device.
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