Device for loading an embolic protection filter into a catheter

Abstract

A device for loading an embolic protection filter into a catheter including a loading member for collapsing an embolic protection filter, wherein an outlet of the loading member is configured to be aligned with an inlet of a catheter extending along at least part of an exterior surface of the catheter for loading of the collapsed embolic protection filter into the catheter. The loading member may have a passageway extending therethrough, through which an embolic protection filter may be passed to collapse the embolic protection filter. The outlet of the loading member may include an outlet of the passageway that is at least partially funnel-shaped. The loading member may include a tubular part extendable along part of an exterior surface of a catheter, the outlet of the loading member being provided at an end of the tubular part.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A method of loading an embolic protection filter into a catheter, the method comprising the steps of:
 engaging the embolic protection filter; and   loading the embolic protection filter into the catheter, the loading force exerted on the embolic protection filter being automatically controlled during loading.   
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein loading of the embolic protection filter into the catheter causes a first part of a controller to move relative to a second part of the controller. 
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the embolic protection filter is loaded into the catheter by pushing the embolic protection filter into the catheter. 
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the embolic protection filter is loaded into the catheter by pulling the embolic protection filter into the catheter. 
     
     
         12 . A method of loading an embolic protection filter into a catheter, the method comprising the steps of:
 arranging a loading member relative to the catheter with an outlet of the loading member aligned with an inlet of the catheter and with the outlet of the loading member extending along at least part of an exterior surface of the catheter;   collapsing the embolic protection filter; and   loading the collapsed embolic protection filter into the catheter.   
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the embolic protection filter is collapsed by passing the embolic protection filter through the loading member. 
     
     
         14 . A method as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the method comprises the step of disassociating the catheter from the loading member after loading of the collapsed embolic protection filter into the catheter. 
     
     
         15 . A method as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the catheter is disassociated from the loading member by withdrawing the catheter from within the outlet of the loading member. 
     
     
         16 . A method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the catheter is withdrawn by gripping the catheter and moving the catheter while the loading member remains stationary. 
     
     
         17 . A device for loading an embolic protection filter into a catheter, the device comprising:
 an engagement member for engaging an embolic protection filter to move the embolic protection filter relative to a catheter to load the embolic protection filter into the catheter;   the loading device being configured to automatically flush the embolic protection filter and/or the catheter upon movement of the engagement member relative to the catheter.   
     
     
         18 . A device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the device comprises a bath for immersing an embolic protection filter in a flushing liquid before loading into a catheter. 
     
     
         19 . A device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the bath is sealable. 
     
     
         20 . A device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the engagement member is movable relative to the bath to move an embolic protection filter relative to a catheter. 
     
     
         21 . A device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the engagement member is configured to move relative to the bath while maintaining a seal with a wall of the bath. 
     
     
         22 . A device as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the engagement member comprises a plunger. 
     
     
         23 . A device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the device comprises a lock to lock the position of the engagement member. 
     
     
         24 . A device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the device comprises a stop to resist movement of the catheter during loading of the embolic protection filter. 
     
     
         25 . A device as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the stop is configured to facilitate movement of the catheter after loading. 
     
     
         26 . A device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the engagement member comprises a pusher for engaging an embolic protection filter to push the embolic protection filter into a catheter. 
     
     
         27 . A device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the engagement member comprises a puller for engaging an embolic protection filter to pull the embolic protection filter into a catheter. 
     
     
         28 . A device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the device comprises a controller to control the loading force exerted on the embolic protection device during loading into a catheter. 
     
     
         29 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the controller comprises a coiled spring. 
     
     
         30 . A method of loading an embolic protection filter into a catheter, the method comprising the steps of:
 engaging the embolic protection filter;   moving the embolic protection filter relative to the catheter to load the embolic protection filter into the catheter;   the step of moving the embolic protection filter relative to the catheter causing an automatic flushing of the embolic protection filter and/or the catheter.   
     
     
         31 . A method as claimed in  claim 30 , wherein the embolic protection filter is immersed in a flushing liquid before loading. 
     
     
         32 . A method as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the method comprises the step of sealing the embolic protection filter immersed in the flushing liquid. 
     
     
         33 . A method as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the step of moving the embolic protection filter relative to the catheter causes at least some of the flushing liquid to move relative to the embolic protection filter and/or relative to the catheter. 
     
     
         34 . A method as claimed in  claim 30 , wherein the embolic protection filter is pushed into the catheter. 
     
     
         35 . A method as claimed in  claim 30 , wherein the embolic protection filter is pulled into the catheter.