Method system for loading a self-expanding stent
View Patent ↗A system for loading self-expanding stents into a stent delivery system that comprises a lubricious coating on one or more components to substantially reduce the frictional forces associated with loading stents. The stents may be bare or coated stents. The lubricious coating comprises a solution of Dow Corning® MDX4-4159 Fluid 50% Medical Grade Dispersion.
1. A method for loading self-expanding stents into stent delivery systems comprising:
applying a solution of a silicon based lubricious material to a crimping film;
curing the silicon based lubricious material at a given temperature and relative humidity for a predetermined period of time;
reducing the diameter of the self-expanding stent to a diameter less than or equal to the inside diameter of an outer sheath of a catheter of a stent delivery system utilizing the crimping film coated with the lubricious material; and
transferring the reduced diameter self-expanding stent from the crimping film into the stent delivery system utilizing a transfer tube.
2. The method for loading self-expanding stents into stent delivery systems according to claim 1 , wherein the step of applying a solution of a silicone based lubricious material comprises wiping a diluted dispersion containing fifty percent active silicone ingredients in mixed aliphatic and isopropanol solvents across a surface of the crimping film.
3. The method for loading self-expanding stents into stent delivery systems according to claim 2 , wherein the step of curing the silicone based lubricious material comprises maintaining the material at a temperature in the range from about seventy-seven degrees F. to about one hundred fifty eight degrees F.
4. The method for loading self-expanding stents into stent delivery systems according to claim 3 , wherein the step of curing the silicone based lubricious material comprises maintaining a relative humidity in the range from about fifty-five percent to about sixty percent.
5. A system for loading self-expanding stents into self-expanding stent delivery systems comprising:
a crimping film for reducing the diameter of the self-expanding stent to a diameter less than or equal to the inside diameter of an outer sheath of a catheter of a stent delivery system;
a transfer tube adapted to receive the reduced diameter stent from the compressive force member and load it into the catheter of the self-expanding stent delivery system; and
a curable, silicone based lubricious material affixed to a surface of the crimping film.
6. The system for loading self-expanding stents into self-expanding stent delivery systems according to claim 5 , wherein the crimping film comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene film.
7. The system for loading self-expanding stents into self-expanding stent delivery systems according to claim 5 , wherein the transfer tube comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene cylinder.
8. The system for loading self-expanding stents into self-expanding stent delivery systems according to claim 5 , wherein the stents comprise a polymeric coating.
9. The system for loading self-expanding stents into self-expanding stent delivery systems according to claim 5 , wherein the stents comprise a therapeutic agent coating.
10. The system for loading self-expanding stents into self-expanding stent delivery systems according to claim 9 , wherein the therapeutic agent coating comprises rapamycin.
11. The system for loading self-expanding stents into self-expanding stent delivery systems according to claim 5 , wherein the curable silicone based lubricious material comprises a dispersion containing fifty percent active silicone ingredients in mixed aliphatic and isopropanol solvents.