Scaffold Loading and Delivery Systems

Abstract

This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used for loading scaffolds into delivery devices and delivery of scaffolds into the body of a patient, including delivery of scaffolds to the sinuses for the treatment of chronic sinusitis, among other purposes.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of loading a scaffold, comprising,
 a) providing:   1) a first assembly comprising (i) a loading member that comprises a tapered loading lumen having a proximal loading lumen end and a distal loading lumen end, wherein the proximal loading lumen end has a first diameter and the distal loading lumen end has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter and (ii) a delivery sheath having a delivery sheath lumen that is connected to the loading lumen, and   2) a second assembly comprising (i) a self-expanding scaffold, said scaffold comprising a scaffold wall and having a scaffold lumen, a proximal scaffold end, a distal scaffold end, an inner luminal surface, and an outer abluminal surface, (ii) an elongate advancement member having a proximal end and a distal end, (iii) at least one filament linking an end of the elongate advancement member to the scaffold, and (iv) an elongate inner member having a proximal end and a distal end; and   b) inserting the second assembly into the proximal loading lumen end of the loading member of said first assembly so as to create a loaded second assembly.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising:
 c) advancing said loaded second assembly at least partially through said first assembly, such that the scaffold is moved through the loading lumen in a proximal-to-distal direction.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the loading member is in the form of a funnel. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the second assembly is advanced at least partially through the first assembly by applying force to either end of the elongate advancement member. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein at least one filament is looped from the elongate advancement member, through at least one aperture in the scaffold wall, and back to the elongate advancement member. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein both ends of the at least one filament are attached to the elongate advancement member. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the elongate advancement member comprises a groove and wherein one end of the at least one filament is positioned in the groove. 
     
     
         34 . A method of loading a scaffold, comprising,
 a) providing:   1) a first assembly comprising (i) a loading member that comprises a tapered loading lumen having a proximal loading lumen end and a distal loading lumen end, wherein the proximal loading lumen end has a first diameter and the distal loading lumen end has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter and (ii) a delivery sheath having a delivery sheath lumen that is connected to the loading lumen, and   2) a second assembly comprising (i) a self-expanding scaffold, said scaffold comprising a scaffold wall and having a scaffold lumen, a proximal scaffold end, a distal scaffold end, an inner luminal surface, and an outer abluminal surface, (ii) an elongate advancement member having a proximal end and a distal end, (iii) at least one filament linking an end of the elongate advancement member to the scaffold, and (iv) an elongate inner member having a proximal end and a distal end;   b) inserting the second assembly into the proximal loading lumen end of the loading member of said first assembly so as to create a loaded second assembly; and   c) advancing said loaded second assembly at least partially through the first assembly, such that the scaffold is moved through the loading lumen in a proximal-to-distal direction.   
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the loading member is in the form of a funnel. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the second assembly is advanced at least partially through the first assembly by applying force to either end of the elongate advancement member. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein at least one filament is looped from the elongate advancement member, through at least one aperture in the scaffold wall, and back to the elongate advancement member. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein both ends of the at least one filament are attached to the elongate advancement member. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the elongate advancement member comprises a groove and wherein one end of the at least one filament is positioned in the groove.