A hand actuatable apparatus and method for crimping a stent or processing other
articles by segmental radial compression. The apparatus includes a stationary base
housing; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the base housing;
a crimping head communicatively coupled to the base housing and to the drive hub;
and an actuator handle connected to the base housing and to the drive hub. The
crimping head includes a plurality of segments oriented about a center aperture
which receives a stent or article to be compressed. The segments each have a proximal
end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in
an edge of a predetermined length and defining the center aperture. Actuation of
the handle rotates the drive hub, which causes the segments to move and pivot,
resulting in closure of the center aperture and compression of the stent or other article.
