Abstract: A respiratory device for delivering gas to a patient comprises a gases passageway having proximal and distal ends, and a supplementary gas inlet in a side wall of the gases passageway. The supplementary gas inlet is adapted to direct gas along an interior surface of the gases passageway, such that the gas follows a generally helical path towards the distal end of the gases passageway.

Abstract: A catheter guide structure is disclosed. Provided are a first guide module provided with an oxygen supply opening, a second guide module connected to the first guide module, and having an internal space that is opened only when the advancement of the catheter into the first guide module is necessary, and a third guide module connected to the second guide module to guide the advancement of the catheter into the first guide module. Accordingly, efficiency is ensured for the process of inserting a catheter in a respiratory system of a patient to suction foreign substances such as sputum present in the respiratory system of the patient assisted by the respirator and the process of removing the catheter such that nursing treatment for the patient can be provided with speed and efficiency. Further, according to the present disclosure, cleaning and sterilization inside and outside the catheter can be performed with ease.

Abstract: A method and system for instilling a medium into portions of a luminal network is provided. The method includes generating a model of a luminal network based on images of the luminal network, determining a location of a treatment target in the luminal network, navigating a bronchoscope through the bronchial tree to a target, guiding a catheter through the bronchoscope, dispensing medium to the target from a distal end of the catheter, and removing a quantity of medium from the luminal network.

Abstract: A patient circuit of a ventilation system, such as a non-invasive open ventilation system, wherein the patient circuit comprises a nasal pillows style patient interface that incorporates at least one “Venturi effect” jet pump proximal to the patient. The patient circuit further comprises a pair of uniquely configured 3-way connectors which, in cooperation with several uniquely configured tri-lumen tubing segments, facilitate the cooperative engagement of the patient interface to a ventilator of the ventilation system.

Abstract: An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism.

Abstract: The invention primarily is directed to a medical tubing adapted for insertion into a body tissue or cavity and method of manufacturing different variations of the tubing along a length of the tubing. The tubing comprises a plurality of individual, discrete, generally ring-shaped elements arranged in series and fused or bonded together forming a continuous tubular structure. The ring-shaped elements may include a combination of flexible and rigid ring-shaped elements assembled along different portions or sections of the tubular structure. In another aspect of the invention, the medical tubing may further comprise a secondary lumen and a pull wire to control the tubular structure. In another aspect of the invention, the ring-shaped elements may vary in diameter and/or composition in different portions or sections of the tubular structure.

Abstract: An introducing stylet is configured for insertion into an endotracheal tube (ETT) and includes an elongated rod having a distal end and a proximal end, and a positioning feature formed on the rod and configured to engage the ETT to prevent both longitudinal and lateral movement of the introducing stylet relative to the ETT. A portion of the distal end of the rod that extends longitudinally outwardly of the ETT and defines a leading end.

Abstract: A secretion trap for use between a patient connection and a patient circuit, the secretion trap including a first connection portion connectable to the patient connection for fluid communication with the patient connection, a second connection portion connectable to the patient circuit for fluid communication with the patient circuit, and a central portion located therebetween. The central portion having a first end portion in fluid communication with the first connection portion, a second end portion in fluid communication with the second connection portion, and a secretion collection well located between the first and second end portions sized to capture and retain secretions therein entering the central portion. The trap may include a drain in fluid communication with the secretion collection well for removal of secretions captured and retained by the secretion collection well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laryngoscope insertion section having a curved superior surface and a curved inferior surface, and a channel extending from the proximal end the channel having an inferior internal surface with a greater curvature than the curvature of the inferior surface. The insertion section is compatible with laryngoscope hardware optimised for indirect viewing, yet enables direct viewing. Additionally, the distance between the inferior and superior surfaces is at a maximum within the intermediate portion, and enables the dimensions of the proximal and distal portions to be minimized. Thus, the intermediate portion, which is located in the patient's oral cavity in use, is provided with greatest depth and therefore strength where the greatest forces are received, whereas the distal and proximal portions are of reduced dimensions to as to minimize trauma to the patient's airway and mouth areas, respectively, in use.

Abstract: A device and method for verifying the proper position of catheters in the body by means of acoustic reflectometry, the device including a sound source, one or more sound receivers, a tube with compliant walls and open distal end to be introduced through an entrance to a body cavity, the sound source and receiver(s) coupled to the proximal end of the tube, a processor for causing the sound source to generate an acoustic excitation signal, the processor processing the acoustic signals sensed by the sound receiver(s) and generating an approximation of the acoustic impulse response of the tube, and the processor analyzing the acoustic impulse response to determine the position of the tube in the body cavity.

Abstract: A resuscitator mouth shield assembly for protecting a caregiver from bodily fluids during CPR includes a resuscitation bag that has a hose extending toward a face cup. A coupler releasably engages the resuscitation bag and a panel is rotatably coupled to the coupler. The panel is spaced from the resuscitation bag when the coupler is positioned on the resuscitation bag. Moreover, the panel is positioned between a patient's face and a caregiver when the resuscitation bag is positioned on the user's face. In this way the panel inhibits bodily fluids that are expelled from the patient from contacting the caregiver.

Abstract: The present invention is a multipurpose airway device adapted for insertion into the mouth of a patient. The airway device has an elongate, tubular airway body of substantially elliptical or substantially circular cross-section with a substantially straight section, the proximal end of which is adapted to function as an integral bite block; a curved distal section with a distal tip; and a central channel for accepting an intubation device. The airway device further includes a substantially oval-shaped detachable intraoral seal and a connector for facilitating attachment of breathing or anaesthesia equipment thereto. The invention also relates to an ETT locking device for attachment to the multipurpose airway device and a multipurpose airway pack including the multipurpose airway device and the ETT locking device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.

Abstract: An apparatus for acoustically detecting the location of a distal end of a tube relative to a body conduit into which the tube is being inserted is provided. The apparatus including a speaker positioned to generate a sound pulse in the tube and a sensor for detecting a sound pulse in the tube at a distal position relative to the speaker, and for generating a signal corresponding to the detected sound pulse.

Abstract: An example medical device for treating a body lumen is disclosed. The medical device includes an expandable scaffold positionable within a body lumen wherein the body lumen has an inner surface. The medical device also includes a support member extending circumferentially around and attached to an outer surface of the expandable scaffold. The support member is configured to be positioned between the outer surface of the expandable scaffold and the inner surface of the body lumen and at least a portion of the support member is configured to shift relative to the inner surface of the body lumen. Further, shifting the support member shifts the scaffold longitudinally from a first position within the body lumen to a second position within the body lumen with the scaffold in an expanded state to accommodate peristalsis.

Abstract: An airway device for human or animal use includes an airway tube having a first end and a second end, the first end of which is surrounded by a laryngeal cuff configured to fit over the laryngeal inlet of a patient when in situ. The first end of the airway tube is provided with an intubating ramp configured to direct a tube inserted through the airway tube into the laryngeal inlet of the patient when in situ.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inserting an endoscope through an anatomical cavity to a target site. A speaker is positioned externally proximate to a patient and the endoscope is inserted into the anatomical cavity. A signal is received from at least one sensor positioned near the distal end of the endoscope. The signal is indicative of vibrations induced in internal cavity tissue by the externally positioned speaker. A first anatomical structure in contact with the distal end of the endoscope is identified based on the signal indicative of vibrations induced in the internal cavity tissue by the externally positioned speaker. As the distal end of the endoscope moves from the first anatomical structure into contact with other anatomical structures along a path to the target site, the received signal indicative of induced vibrations changes correspondingly and is used to guide the endoscope to the target site.

Abstract: A balloon endoscope including an endoscope body having a selectably pressurizable interior volume, which generally fills the interior of the endoscope body and a selectably inflatable balloon located on an outer surface of the endoscope body and defining a balloon volume which communicates with the interior volume for selectable inflation of the balloon by selectable pressurization of the interior volume.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly comprises an outer tracheostomy tube (1) and an inner cannula (20) fitted in the tube. The machine end of the inner cannula has a collapsible region (22) formed by a plurality of curved or bent struts (26) extending parallel with one another between a machine end collar (28) and a patient end collar (27). The struts (26) carry outwardly-projecting catches (23) arranged to engage a rib (24) extending around the inside of a hub (16) at the machine end of the tube and thereby resist removal of the cannula from the tube. The inner cannula (20) is removed by twisting the machine end collar (28) so that the struts (26) collapse inwardly and thereby disengage the catches (23) from the rib (24).

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an indwelling catheter is provided which comprises a catheter shaft. The catheter either comprises a light source or is adapted to receive light from a light source, and is configured such that light is transmitted from the light source into the catheter shaft. Moreover, the catheter shaft is formed of a polymeric material that transmits a quantity of light from the light source that is effective to inactivate microorganisms on a surface of the catheter shaft upon activation of the light source. For example, the light may inactivate the microorganisms directly or in conjunction with a photosensitizer. According to another aspect of the invention, a sterilization method is provided, which comprises activating the light source while the catheter is inserted in a subject.

Abstract: Headgear for a respiratory interface includes multiple separate sections of material joined to form the headgear and different levels of resilient extensibility or stretchability in at least four different parts or straps of the headgear.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved dual lumen endobronchial tube devices. The dual lumen endobronchial tube devices feature a universal design for left or right mainstem bronchus insertion. The dual lumen endobronchial tube devices also feature enhanced balloon cuff designs to minimize dislodgement while maintaining proper airway sealing. The present invention also includes water activated lubricious coating inside the shaft to reduce friction during insertion of a bronchoscope into the airway. The present invention also provides improved double clamps that prevent the accidental clamping of both tubes of a Y-adapter.

Abstract: An introducer for tracheal tube intubation has a proximal section connected to a distal section having an angled bougie tip. The introducer is configurable (i) for use as a bougie in which a tracheal tube is railroaded over the introducer's back end and into a trachea and (ii) for use as a stylet in which a tracheal tube is pre-loaded onto the introducer for insertion into a trachea. In certain embodiments, the introducer has one or more flexible or malleable sections that enable the introducer to bend into different configurations. The flexible/malleable sections have directional bending such that the sections bend in roughly the same plane as the angled bougie tip. This enables an operator always to know the orientation of the bougie tip even after it has been inserted into the trachea. The flexible/malleable sections enable the introducer to be configured with a handle or other type of grip.

Abstract: A tracheoscope includes a handle having a control mechanism; one end of the handle is connected with a plug-in type screen, and the other end of the handle is combined with a catheter; the far end of the catheter is provided with a hose part including a main elastic spring ring inside, and the farthest end of the catheter is combined with a probe provided with a shooting module and luminophors inside; two pull wires are arranged in the catheter; and the near ends of the two pull wires are extended and are combined on the control mechanism, and the far ends of the two pull wires are respectively arranged in two small elastic spring rings in a penetration manner and are fixed. The probe can be stably combined with the shooting module and the luminophors, so the shooting stability is improved.

Abstract: A medical device assembly is provided for removable insertion into a catheter with a lumen. The medical device assembly comprises an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source for providing non-ultraviolet, therapeutic EMR having an intensity sufficient to inactivate one or more infectious agents and/or to stimulate healthy cell growth causing a healing effect, and a removable EMR conduction system at least partially insertable into and removable from the lumen of the catheter. The EMR conduction system has at least one optical element providing axial propagation of the therapeutic EMR through an insertable elongate body. The elongate body may have an exterior surface between a coupling end and a distal end tip that has at least one modified portion permitting the radial emission of therapeutic EMR from the elongate body proximate the modified portion. Such modified portion may be gradient along the exterior surface.

Abstract: A laryngoscope insertion section for a laryngoscope, which is typically a video laryngoscope, includes a lateral tube guide configured to retain an endotracheal tube in a plane. A viewing port for a camera or other image collector is laterally displaced from the plane of the endotracheal tube. The said plane of the endotracheal tube is aligned substantially in the same plane as a patient's median plane and the tube can be advanced into the larynx using a natural curving motion similar to the motion used to introduce an endotracheal tube using a convention laryngoscope. In a preferred embodiment, the distal tip of the insertion section and a retained endotracheal tube will be located in the patient's median plane during intubation. As the tube guide retains endotracheal tubes substantially in a plane, lateral curvature is avoided, reducing resistance to advancement of the tube.

Abstract: A retention system for use with a bridle installed in a nose of a patient includes a member coupled to a medical device that is suspended from a nose of a patient and a connector for coupling to a bridle that is installed in a nose of a patient. The medical device extends into the mouth of a patient or is suspended adjacent the face of a patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus.

Abstract: A hemodialysis vascular access device includes a proximal end sized and shaped to sealably couple to a hemodialysis catheter, a movable structure coupled to the proximal end, a fixation structure coupled to the movable region and sized and shaped for fixation on a patient, an elongated sleeve coupled to the fixation structure and sized and shaped for insertion into a patient's vasculature, and a valve at a distal end of the internal lumen. When a hemodialysis catheter is inserted into the device and coupled to the proximal end, distal movement of the proximal end relative to the fixation structure biases a distal end of the hemodialysis catheter from a position inside the elongated sleeve through a valve out of the device and into the patient's blood.

Abstract: A patient interface structure for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a front plate configured to conform to the shape of the patient's face; a mouth cushion defining a breathing chamber and provided to the front plate and configured to seal around the patient's mouth; and a nasal cushion configured to seal the patient's nasal airways. The nasal cushion is supported by the mouth cushion, does not contact a bridge of the patient's nose in use, and extends at least partially into the breathing chamber. A patient interface system includes a patient interface structure and a patient interface structure positioning system configured to position, stabilize and secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's face.

Abstract: A patient interface structure for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a front plate configured to conform to the shape of the patient's face; a mouth cushion defining a breathing chamber and provided to the front plate and configured to seal around the patient's mouth; and a nasal cushion configured to seal the patient's nasal airways. The nasal cushion is supported by the mouth cushion, does not contact a bridge of the patient's nose in use, and extends at least partially into the breathing chamber. A patient interface system includes a patient interface structure and a patient interface structure positioning system configured to position, stabilize and secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's face.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic laryngoscope includes a camera, a hollow connecting rod, a handle, and a control display. The front end of the connecting rod is connected to the camera, the rear end of the connecting rod is connected to the handle, and the rear end of the handle is connected to the control display. The laryngoscope further includes a hollow tube whose inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the connecting rod. The camera and the connecting rod are located on the inner side of the hollow tube. A sputum suction opening is formed between the front end of the hollow tube and the front end of the camera, and a sputum passage in communication with the opening is formed between the hollow tube and the connecting rod. The laryngoscope further includes a connector between the hollow tube and the camera and/or the connecting rod.

Abstract: A system for delivering oxygen to a patient through an airway includes an airway connector and a nasal cannula holder. The airway connector includes a first connector portion configured to be inserted into the airway, a second connector portion having an open end opposite the first connector portion, and a sample port disposed in a side of the second connector portion. The nasal cannula holder includes a first holder portion configured to connect to the second portion of the airway connector, a second holder portion connected to the first holder portion, and a nasal cannula port disposed in a side portion of the second holder portion configured to receive the nasal prongs of a nasal cannula to deliver oxygen to the patient.

Abstract: A laryngoscope with a handle, at the distal end of which a blade is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein a channel for receiving an image carrier of a video endoscope is formed in the handle and in the blade such that the channel, in a transition area from the handle to the blade, merges in a radius from the handle into the blade. In order to provide a laryngoscope which, while being easy to handle, ensures insertion of the image carrier into the channel in a way that protects material, in the transition area from the handle into the blade, at least one run-on bevel is formed in the interior of the channel.

Abstract: A tracheal tube includes an inner cannula and an outer cannula that are connected with a threaded connection able to swivel, and wherein the inner cannula is also connected to an elbow adaptor through a Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) connection. Both the threaded and the BNC connects provide more secure connections of the corresponding components and are able to withstand greater amounts of force exerted on them without becoming detached from each other. The elbow adapter may further be coupled to a pressure release valve that will alleviate pressure buildup within the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask (1) comprising an air-way tube (2) and a mask portion (6) with an inflatable cuff (8) which is arranged around the airway tube (2) at the distal end thereof. A gastric tube (12) which extends at least partially along the outer surface of the airway tube (2), penetrates through the wall of said inflatable cuff (8) at a first location, extends through said inflatable cuff (8), and ends in a connection to an opening (12) in the wall of the cuff at a second location at the tip part of the laryngeal mask, so as to provide a passage through said circumferential cuff. With respect to a central mirror symmetry plane said gastric tube extends along the outer surface of the airway tube (2) in an asymmetrical manner, through said inflatable cuff (8) at the first location arranged asymmetrically with respect to said central plane, through said inflatable cuff (8), and ends in the connection to the wall of the cuff (8) at the second location at the tip part.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an air leak in a lung compartment of a patient may include: advancing a diagnostic catheter into an airway leading to the lung compartment; inflating an occluding member on the catheter to form a seal with a wall of the airway and thus isolate the lung compartment; measuring air pressure within the lung compartment during multiple breaths, using the diagnostic catheter; displaying the measured air pressure as an air pressure value on a console coupled with the diagnostic catheter; and determining whether an air leak is present in the lung compartment based on the displayed air pressure value during the multiple breaths.

Abstract: To solve the problem of providing a tracheostoma plaster that has a good sealing effect in the area of skin directly bordering a tracheostoma, a tracheostoma plaster (10) is proposed, having a proximal and a distal side (12, 14), having an adhesive strip (16) arranged on the distal side, having a receptacle (36) for a tracheostoma aid and having an annular bead (20), which is arranged on the proximal side of the plaster on a portion of the same, wherein the receptacle is surrounded by the annular bead.

Abstract: A guidewire for medical procedures can be maintained in a coiled configuration with a clamp. Multiple clamped and coiled guidewires may be stored in a fluid-filled, storage bowl concurrently. Different clamps may have different colors to differentiate the clamps and clamped guidewires. The clamps may be markable to provide additional differentiation. The clamps can further comprise a guidewire introduction funnel and/or a guidewire torquer.

Abstract: A single-use, sterile, disposable catheter placement assist device to aid in the sterile placement of transurethral urinary catheters in female patients, and a method for catheter placement using the device. The catheter placement assist device includes a labia separator with flared wings having a curved profile. The wings meet at a valley. The catheter placement assist device also includes a posterior shield that covers the perineal tissues including the anus to prevent contamination of the sterile catheter with bacteria and may further include a spout that may be shallowly inserted into the vagina to position the catheter device to optimize labial separation, retraction of the posterior vaginal wall, perineal shielding, and visualization of the urethral meatus. The additional features of a light, a handle, a catheter tip holder, a swab storage location, and a stackable configuration may further be included with the catheter placement assist device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices, methods, and kits. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved endotracheal tubes or patient ventilation tubes which prevent the leakage of proximal secretions to the distal airways.

Abstract: Provided is a treatment method and medical apparatus for preventing an object that becomes a causative agent causing pathogenesis of aspiration pneumonitis from invading a lung The treatment method includes a disposing step of disposing a first instrument, which allows the object that becomes a causative agent of aspiration pneumonitis to move from an esophagus to a stomach and suppresses movement of the object from the stomach to a larynx, in the esophagus and disposing a second instrument, which suppresses the object from invading the lung, in at least the larynx.

Abstract: An airway assist device (AAD) is provided. The device includes an upper AAD component and a lower AAD component. The upper AAD component includes and upper tooth guide connected to an upper plate having a pair of depending legs. The upper AAD component further includes an upper force receiving plate. The AAD also includes a lower AAD component. The lower AAD component includes a lower tooth guide connected to a lower plate. The lower AAD component further includes a lower force receiving plate. The upper and lower AAD components are connected in a way that allows relative longitudinal movement between the two components between a neutral position and a plurality of extended positions. A ratchet mechanism inhibits movement of the lower plate from any extended position toward the neutral position. The ratchet mechanism may be manually disengaged to allow the lower AAD component to return to the neutral position. An oxygen delivery housing may be connected to the upper plate to distribute oxygen.

Abstract: The outer tube includes two insertion holes which are formed in a cross-sectional D-shape via a partition wall provided in the central part in a cross-section vertical to respective axial directions of the insertion holes. A slit of a valve body located in the insertion hole is disposed along reference line passing through centers of respective arcs of the insertion holes as seen from the axial directions of the insertion holes. Therefore, two leaflets of the slit abut on an arc edge of the insertion hole and a D-shaped cut part of the partition wall respectively when the insertion part of the treatment tool is internally fitted, and they are deformed into the same shape. Since there is no difference in stress applied to two leaflets, it is possible to secure the airtightness by the slit over a long period of time.

Abstract: A catheter connector includes an inner wall that defines an interior of the catheter connector and is transmissive to ultraviolet (UV) light. An outer wall defines an exterior of the catheter connector. One or a plurality of UV light sources is disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall or on the outer wall positioned to emit UV light into the interior of the catheter connector. A flow sensor is provided for sensing a flow of fluid in the interior of the catheter connector, and circuitry electrically connects the UV light sources, the flow sensor and a power source, such that electrical power is supplied to the UV light sources when a fluid flows through the interior of the catheter connector.

Abstract: A valve loading system is provided that uses a valve loader to transfer a valve or other medical device from a storage cartridge into a deployment catheter. The valve or other medical device can be implanted or positioned within a patient using the catheter after the valve or other medical device has been compressed and loaded into the catheter using the valve loader. The process then can be repeated by using the valve loading system to load or introduce another valve or other medical device into the catheter.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheostomy tube having neck flanges with filleted ends are provided. In certain embodiments, the neck flange may include a fillet extending from a bottom surface of the neck flange to a tip of the neck flange. In addition, the filleted end may also be tapered from a top surface of the neck flange to the tip of the neck flange. The neck flange may also include several curved edges, such as curved edges from the tip of the neck flange to side surfaces of the neck flange, and a curved bottom surface from side surface to side surface of the neck flange.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning device includes a tool head defining a trough that delivers the vacuum flow from an inlet to the inner surface disposed above a working edge for efficient removal of debris. The trough has a defined rear wall giving it a defined width. This allows the vacuum flow to be directed to where it is needed to remove debris. One configuration of the device has a head that defines a liquid distribution channel with an outlet disposed in front of the working edge with a supply of liquid being removably in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel. The liquid supply being a bulk supply or a hand held bottle with a supply tube extending down the handle of the device. Another configuration of the device includes vacuum control openings controlled by the user's finger.

Abstract: A loading tool for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve into a delivery catheter, and for pushing the stent-mounted valve from the delivery catheter into a native heart valve orifice. The loading tool comprises at least one connector adapted for being removably connected to the stent of the stent-mounted valve. A crimping tool having a generally converging shape is adapted for use with the loading tool. Following connection of the loading tool to the stent-mounted valve, the loading tool operates to allow the stent-mounted valve to be drawn through the crimping tool, and loaded, in, a crimped state, into a delivery catheter. Also disclosed is a kit of the of the various components for effecting the delivery of the stent-mounted valve and a method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure.