Storage and loading systems for expandable intraluminal medical devices are described. The systems include a container that defines an opening that tapers from a relatively large first diameter to a relatively small second diameter. A neck region includes structure adapted to engage an outer sheath of a delivery system such that an intraluminal medical device within the chamber of the container can be advanced through the tapered opening to effect compression of the intraluminal medical device and, ultimately, loading of the device into the delivery system. Methods of preparing and intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described.
