Abstract: A method of crimping a stent onto a balloon of a stent delivery catheter is disclosed. The method includes pressurizing the balloon while the stent is being radially compressed onto the balloon with a crimping apparatus. Once the stent has reached its radially compressed configuration, the pressure within the balloon is released, while an inward crimping force exerted on the stent by the crimping apparatus is maintained. After a dwell time, the inward crimping force is discontinued, and the balloon and crimped stent are removed from the crimping apparatus. Resultant of the crimping process, balloon material extends radially outward through interstices of the stent to facilitate stent retention on the balloon while advancing the stent delivery catheter through a vessel lumen.

Abstract: A crimping system for crimping a stent onto a catheter balloon includes at least one crimping head of moveable contracting members, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has a length and a longitudinal axis. The chamber has a reduced diameter configuration and a pre-reduction diameter configuration. Each member has a length corresponding to the length of the chamber. In both the reduced diameter configuration and the pre-reduction diameter configuration each member is a given distance from the longitudinal axis, wherein a first region of the length of each member is a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than a second region of the length of each member.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent onto a balloon of a stent delivery catheter is disclosed. The method includes pressurizing the balloon while the stent is being radially compressed onto the balloon with a crimping apparatus. Once the stent has reached its radially compressed configuration, the pressure within the balloon is released, while an inward crimping force exerted on the stent by the crimping apparatus is maintained. After a dwell time, the inward crimping force is discontinued, and the balloon and crimped stent are removed from the crimping apparatus. Resultant of the crimping process, balloon material extends radially outward through interstices of the stent to facilitate stent retention on the balloon while advancing the stent delivery catheter through a vessel lumen.

Abstract: A crimping system for crimping a stent onto a catheter balloon includes at least one crimping head of moveable contracting members, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has a length and a longitudinal axis. The chamber has a reduced diameter configuration and a pre-reduction diameter configuration. Each member has a length corresponding to the length of the chamber. In both the reduced diameter configuration and the pre-reduction diameter configuration each member is a given distance from the longitudinal axis, wherein a first region of the length of each member is a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than a second region of the length of each member.