Abstract: A method for loading a prosthesis onto a delivery system includes passing a distal end of a delivery system through a first open end and a second open end of a reducing member. The method includes seating the prosthesis in a piston member of a cap by contacting a first end of the prosthesis with a first surface of the piston member and by contacting a portion of a side of the prosthesis with at least one side wall extending from the periphery of the first surface. Additionally, the method includes inserting the distal end of the delivery system into a center of the prosthesis and an opening defined by the piston member. And the method includes advancing the cap towards a reducing member such that a portion of the prosthesis seated in the piston member advances along an inner surface of the conical wall of the reducing member.

Abstract: A method for loading a prosthesis onto a delivery system includes passing a distal end of a delivery system through a first open end and a second open end of a reducing member. The method includes seating the prosthesis in a piston member of a cap by contacting a first end of the prosthesis with a first surface of the piston member and by contacting a portion of a side of the prosthesis with at least one side wall extending from the periphery of the first surface. Additionally, the method includes inserting the distal end of the delivery system into a center of the prosthesis and an opening defined by the piston member. And the method includes advancing the cap towards a reducing member such that a portion of the prosthesis seated in the piston member advances along an inner surface of the conical wall of the reducing member.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for loading a prosthesis onto a delivery system comprises a cap and a reducing member. The cap has a piston member that seats a prosthesis. The piston member has at least one side wall configured to contact a portion of the side of the prosthesis seated therein. The reducing member has a conical wall, a first open end, and a second open end. The first open end is configured to receive the piston member. The reducing member reduces an external dimension of at least a portion of the prosthesis seated in the piston member as the prosthesis is moved along an inner surface of the conical wall.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for loading a prosthesis onto a delivery system comprises a cap and a reducing member. The cap has a piston member that seats a prosthesis. The piston member has at least one side wall configured to contact a portion of the side of the prosthesis seated therein. The reducing member has a conical wall, a first open end, and a second open end. The first open end is configured to receive the piston member. The reducing member reduces an external dimension of at least a portion of the prosthesis seated in the piston member as the prosthesis is moved along an inner surface of the conical wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter having an elongated tubular member having a proximal and a distal end. A balloon is positioned at the distal end of the tubular member. A guidewire tubular member extends from a position proximal the balloon through the balloon to a position distal the balloon, the guidewire tubular member has a proximal segment having a first flexibility and a distal segment having a second flexibility. The distal segment is more flexible than the proximal segment. A bond joins the balloon distal end to the proximal segment and the distal segment.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter having an elongated tubular member having a proximal and a distal end. A balloon is positioned at the distal end of the tubular member. A guidewire tubular member extends from a position proximal the balloon through the balloon to a position distal the balloon, the guidewire tubular member has a proximal segment having a first flexibility and a distal segment having a second flexibility. The distal segment is more flexible than the proximal segment. A bond joins the balloon distal end to the proximal segment and the distal segment.