A method for implanting a prosthesis centrally within a curved lumen includes loading a prosthesis into a delivery sheath, advancing the sheath in a patient towards the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end of the prosthesis within the curved lumen, and centering the proximal end of the prosthesis and/or the distal end of the sheath within the curved lumen. In a first advancing step, the outer catheter containing the inner sheath is advanced together towards the curved lumen to a location proximal of the curved lumen and, in a second advancing step, the inner sheath containing the prosthesis is advanced into the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end within the curved lumen while the outer catheter substantially remains at the location. After centering, the proximal end of the prosthesis is deployed centered within the curved lumen.

An endoluminal device can comprise a flexible tubular wall and a frame member. The frame member can be comprised of a shape-memory material having sides with protrusions which are partially or substantially flattened when formed together with the flexible tubular wall to thereby create a bias in the side wall of the endoluminal device that resists deformation from a desired device profile during crush loading and is thereby resistant to invaginations when deployed.

Medical device loading apparatuses, systems, methods and kits are described. A loading apparatus comprises a main body having a proximal end defining a proximal opening, a distal end defining a distal opening, and a passageway extending between the proximal and distal openings. The passageway defines a proximal chamber having a first inner diameter, a distal chamber having a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber disposed between the proximal and distal chambers. The transition chamber has an inner diameter that transitions from the larger second inner diameter to the smaller first inner diameter. The main body has a separable connection that divides the main body between proximal and distal portions when disrupted. An expandable intraluminal medical device can be loaded into a delivery catheter using the loading apparatus by placing the device into the passageway such that it is in a radially-expanded configuration; pulling the device along an axial path through the loading apparatus such that the device transitions from the radially-expanded configuration to a radially-compressed configuration; and pushing the radially-compressed device along the axial path into the delivery catheter.

A medical device includes a balloon expanded scaffold crimped to a balloon catheter. The scaffold has a network of rings formed by struts connected at crowns and links connecting adjacent rings. The scaffold has a polymer coating and is crimped to the balloon. The scaffold is rotated, or allowed to rotate during crimping to improve results from crimping, such as reduced damage to the coating.

Storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods for implantable medical devices are described. An example embodiment of a storage device includes a storage member, a first cap, and a second cap. The storage member has a first end, a second end, and a main body that defines a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, a separating wall, and a plurality of holes. The passageway has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from the first end of the storage member to the separating wall and the second portion extends from the second end of the storage member to the separating wall. Each hole of the plurality of holes extends through the separating wall and provides access between the first portion and the second portion. Each of the first and second caps is releasably attached to the storage member.

An expandable sheath is disclosed herein, which has a first polymeric layer and a braided layer positioned radially outward of the first polymeric layer. The braided layer includes a plurality of filaments braided together. The expandable sheaths further include a resilient elastic layer positioned radially outward of the braided layer. The elastic layer is configured to apply radial force to the braided layer and the first polymeric layer. The expandable sheath further includes a second polymeric layer positioned radially outward of the elastic layer and bonded to the first polymeric layer such that the braided layer and the elastic layer are encapsulated between the first and second polymeric layers. Methods of making and using the devices disclosed herein are also disclosed, as are crimping devices that may be used in methods of making the devices disclosed herein.

A crimping tool is provided, where the tool comprises a mandrel (1) having a first portion (3) with a first outer diameter, and a second portion (5) with a second outer diameter which is greater than the first outer diameter. A chamfered abutment face (7) is provided between the first and second portions (3,5). At least one first collar (9) is mountable on the first portion (3) of the mandrel (5) and has a chamfered first end (11) which in use abuts the abutment face (7). At least one second collar (13) is mountable on the second portion (5) of the mandrel (1) and has a chamfered second end (15) which in use abuts the first end (11) of the first collar (9). A method of using the tool to form one or more crimps in a piece of fabric is also disclosed.

Medical device loading apparatuses, systems, methods and kits are described. A loading apparatus comprises a main body having a passageway. The passageway has a first inner diameter, a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber. An expandable intraluminal medical device can be loaded into a delivery catheter using the loading apparatus by placing the device into the passageway and pushing the device along an axial path.

Medical device loading apparatuses, systems, methods and kits are described. A loading apparatus comprises a main body having a passageway. The passageway has a first inner diameter, a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber. An expandable intraluminal medical device can be loaded into a delivery catheter using the loading apparatus by placing the device into the passageway and pushing the device along an axial path.

Medical device loading apparatuses, systems, methods and kits are described. A loading apparatus comprises a main body having a proximal end defining a proximal opening, a distal end defining a distal opening, and a passageway extending between the proximal and distal openings. The passageway defines a proximal chamber having a first inner diameter, a distal chamber having a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber disposed between the proximal and distal chambers. The transition chamber has an inner diameter that transitions from the larger second inner diameter to the smaller first inner diameter. The main body has a separable connection that divides the main body between proximal and distal portions when disrupted. An expandable intraluminal medical device can be loaded into a delivery catheter using the loading apparatus by placing the device into the passageway such that it is in a radially-expanded configuration; pulling the device along an axial path through the loading apparatus such that the device transitions from the radially-expanded configuration to a radially-compressed configuration; and pushing the radially-compressed device along the axial path into the delivery catheter.