Stent crimping tool and method of use

Claim 2

A tool for crimping a stent onto a catheter, the tool comprising: a base having a first support and a second support defining a space therebetween; a crank rotatably disposed on the second support and extending toward the first support; a coiled filament located within the space, the coiled filament having a plurality of turns defining an axial space and having a diameter, the coiled filament terminating in a first end attached to the first support and a second end attached to the crank, wherein the axial space is unobstructed along its central axis from the first end to the second end, such that when a stent and catheter are inserted into the axial space and the crank is rotated, the diameter of the axial space becomes reduced whereby the stent becomes crimped onto the catheter.

Claim 3

The crimping tool according to claim 1, wherein the crimping tool further comprises a cam affixed to the crank having an obstruction at a circumference; and a pawl disposed on the base and biased into engagement with the cam obstruction to prevent free rotation of the crank.

Claim 4

The crimping tool according to claim 2, wherein the obstruction includes a detent formed in the cam.

Claim 5

The crimping tool according to claim 2, wherein the obstruction includes a tooth.

Claim 6

The crimping tool according to claim 2, wherein the obstruction includes a frictional surface at the circumference of the cam.

Claim 7

The crimping tool according to claim 1, wherein the coiled filament includes a coiled spring.

Claim 8

The crimping tool according to claim 6, wherein the coiled spring has either a flat or a round cross-section.

Claim 9

The crimping tool according to claim 1, wherein the first support includes an opening through which the stent and catheter pass when being inserted into the axial space of the coiled filament.

Claim 10

The crimping tool according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a polymer material.

Claim 11

The crimping tool according to claim 1, wherein the coiled filament includes a flat cross-sectional shape.

Claim 12

The crimping tool according to claim 1, wherein the coiled filament includes a circular cross-sectional shape.

Claim 13

The crimping tool according to claim 1, wherein the stent is covered by a sheath so that the crimping forces of the coiled filament are evenly distributed along the stent.

Claim 14

A tool for crimping a stent on to a catheter, comprising: a base having a first and a second opposed vertical supports separated by a predetermined distance; a crank rotatably mounted on the second vertical support, wherein the crank includes a shaft extending toward the first vertical support and a torque transmitting member; a cam affixed to the crank in between the first and second vertical supports, wherein the cam includes an obstruction at a circumference thereof; a pawl disposed on the base and biased into engagement with the cam obstruction to prevent free rotation of the crank; and a coiled filament having an axial space, wherein the coiled filament is attached to the first vertical support and the shaft of the crank and extends between the first and second vertical supports; whereby inserting the stent mounted on the catheter into the axial space within the coiled filament and rotating the crank causes the coiled filament to crimp the stent on to the catheter.

Claim 15

A tool for crimping a stent on to a catheter, comprising: a base having a first and a second opposed vertical supports separated by a predetermined distance; a crank rotatably mounted on the second vertical support, wherein the crank includes a shaft extending toward the first vertical support and a torque transmitting member; a cam affixed to the crank in between the first and second vertical supports, wherein the cam includes an obstruction at a circumference thereof; a pawl disposed on the base and biased into engagement with the cam obstruction to prevent free rotation of the crank; and a coiled filament having an axial space, wherein the coiled filament is attached to the first vertical support and the shaft of the crank and extends between the first and second vertical supports; whereby inserting the stent mounted on the catheter into the axial space within the coiled filament and rotating the crank causes the coiled filament to crimp the stent on to the catheter.

Claim 16

The crimping tool according to claim 13, wherein the torque transmitting member includes a handle.

Claim 17

The crimping tool according to claim 13, wherein the torque transmitting member includes a wheel.

Claim 18

The crimping tool according to claim 13, wherein the first and second vertical supports include respective first and second openings, and wherein the shaft of the crank passes through the second opening.

Claim 19

The crimping tool according to claim 16, wherein the second opening includes a bearing.

Claim 22

The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of stretching the coiled filament includes a step of providing a coiled spring.

Claim 23

The method according to claim 18, wherein the method further comprises the steps disengaging the pawl from the cam obstruction and repeatedly rotating and releasing the crank.

Claim 24

The method according to claim 18, wherein the method further comprises the steps of rotating the crank, disengaging the pawl from the cam obstruction, engaging the pawl against the cam obstruction, and rotating the crank.

Claim 25

The method according to claim 18, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying increasing torque when rotating the crank.

Claim 26

The method according to claim 18, wherein the method further includes covering the stent with a sheath prior to the step of inserting the stent and catheter into the axial space of the coiled filament so that as the coiled filament reduces the axial space, the forces imparted will be evenly and uniformly distributed onto the stent to crimp it onto the catheter.