A method of loading a self-expanding stent into a delivery sheath configured to retain the stent in a radially compressed pre-deployment configuration, including the steps of radially compressing the stent from a relaxed outside diameter d0 to a compressed outside diameter d1, providing a loading sheath with an inner diameter d2, where d0>d2>d1, translating the stent relative to the sheath, whereby the stent is accommodated within the lumen of the loading sheath, providing a delivery sheath with an inner diameter d3, where d0>d3>d2, advancing the loading sheath, containing the stent, into the lumen of the delivery sheath, and deploying the stent into the lumen of the delivery sheath.

A method of loading a self-expanding stent into a delivery sheath configured to retain the stent in a radially compressed pre-deployment configuration, including the steps of radially compressing the stent from a relaxed outside diameter d0 to a compressed outside diameter d1, providing a loading sheath with an inner diameter d2, where d0>d2>d1, translating the stent relative to the sheath, whereby the stent is accommodated within the lumen of the loading sheath, providing a delivery sheath with an inner diameter d3, where d0>d3>d2, advancing the loading sheath, containing the stent, into the lumen of the delivery sheath, and deploying the stent into the lumen of the delivery sheath.

The present disclosure is directed to a branched endoprosthesis comprising a graft component and at least one support component. In various embodiments, the branched endoprosthesis comprises a body portion and a plurality of leg portions, wherein the legs are in an aligned configuration for ease of cannulation. In various embodiments, at least one leg is in an open configuration for ease of cannulation. Cannulation methods are also described.

The present disclosure is directed to a branched endoprosthesis comprising a graft component and at least one support component. In various embodiments, the branched endoprosthesis comprises a body portion and a plurality of leg portions, wherein the legs are in an aligned configuration for ease of cannulation. In various embodiments, at least one leg is in an open configuration for ease of cannulation. Cannulation methods are also described.

A bifunctional expandable stent delivery assembly having a bifunctional expandable stent, a breakable cover, and a balloon. The bifunctional expandable stent has a balloon-expandable body portion and a self-expandable trumpet portion. The breakable cover fits over only the self-expandable trumpet portion and prevents self-expansion. The balloon is used to expand the balloon-expandable portion, which breaks the breakable cover and allows the self-expandable trumpet portion to self-expand. A method of stenting a patient using the bifunctional expandable stent delivery assembly is also provided.

A bifunctional expandable stent delivery assembly having a bifunctional expandable stent, a breakable cover, and a balloon. The bifunctional expandable stent has a balloon-expandable body portion and a self-expandable trumpet portion. The breakable cover fits over only the self-expandable trumpet portion and prevents self-expansion. The balloon is used to expand the balloon-expandable portion, which breaks the breakable cover and allows the self-expandable trumpet portion to self-expand. A method of stenting a patient using the bifunctional expandable stent delivery assembly is also provided.

A delivery cylinder for a prosthetic implant can include a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion has a plurality of strut members coupled to the first tubular portion that define a volume for containing the prosthetic implant in a radially compressed state. The strut members can include respective flex regions configured such that application of force to the strut members causes deformation of the flex regions and corresponding radially inward or outward movement of the strut members relative to a longitudinal axis of the delivery cylinder between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

A delivery cylinder for a prosthetic implant can include a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion has a plurality of strut members coupled to the first tubular portion that define a volume for containing the prosthetic implant in a radially compressed state. The strut members can include respective flex regions configured such that application of force to the strut members causes deformation of the flex regions and corresponding radially inward or outward movement of the strut members relative to a longitudinal axis of the delivery cylinder between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

A stent deployment system, handle, and method of loading of a medical device are provided. The system includes an outer catheter having an inner liner extending past the end of the outer catheter and an inner catheter disposed within the outer catheter. The inner liner is inverted and attached to the inner catheter. Relative movement between the outer and the inner catheters can urge the inner liner to peel away from the medical device. A handle is disposed at the proximal end of the outer catheter, and may include a splitter configured to slice the wall of the tubular member. The handle may also include a rotatable mechanism that can be attached to the tubular member. Rotation of the rotatable mechanism retracts a portion of the tubular member into the handle and winds the sliced portion about the rotatable mechanism.

A stent deployment system, handle, and method of loading of a medical device are provided. The system includes an outer catheter having an inner liner extending past the end of the outer catheter and an inner catheter disposed within the outer catheter. The inner liner is inverted and attached to the inner catheter. Relative movement between the outer and the inner catheters can urge the inner liner to peel away from the medical device. A handle is disposed at the proximal end of the outer catheter, and may include a splitter configured to slice the wall of the tubular member. The handle may also include a rotatable mechanism that can be attached to the tubular member. Rotation of the rotatable mechanism retracts a portion of the tubular member into the handle and winds the sliced portion about the rotatable mechanism.