Abstract: A method of forming intra-aortic balloons includes forming a balloon blank having a sleeve section at its proximal end. To reduce the diameter of the sleeve section of the balloon, the sleeve section is stretched longitudinally by gripping a first portion of the balloon blank at the distal end of the sleeve section, gripping a second portion of the balloon blank at the opposite end of the sleeve section and moving at least one of the gripped portions away from the other so as to reduce the diameter of the sleeve section. A heating element is positioned within the sleeve section to relieve the stress in the sleeve after stretching, by heating the sleeve section. The sleeve section is then cooled in order to preserve the sleeve section in its reduced diameter state thereby forming an intra-aortic balloon having a balloon blank with a reduced diameter sleeve section.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis and device and method for loading and delivering the implantable prosthesis to a trocar cannula. The implantable prosthesis includes a body portion sufficient to extend across and occlude a defect opening and a semi-rigid ring for supporting the body portion. The implantable prosthesis may be provided with a sufficient hoop strength to prevent the body portion from collapsing into the defect opening. A loading and delivery tool includes a main body with a lumen sized to collapse the implantable prosthesis. An elongated shaft is rotatable to wind the implant into a slender configuration and axially moveable to advance the rolled-up implant into the trocar cannula. A cartridge extends from the main body and holds the implant in a normal expanded configuration.