Embodiments provide systems and methods for loading a stent or stent graft onto an introducer for intraluminal deployment. In one example, a system includes an endoluminal prosthesis introducer (200) comprising a stent retaining member (260) engageable with a stent end (502). The system may also include a loading tool (400) for engaging the stent end (502) on the stent retaining member (260). The loading tool (400) may include a loading body (402) having a passage (404) extending from a first end (406) to a second end (408) and a slot (410) that extends through the tubular loading body (402) from the passage (404) to an outer surface (412) of the tubular loading body (402), and the slot (410) may further extend from the second end (408) toward the first end (406). The stent retaining member (260) may be disposed at least partially within the passage (404) of the loading body (402), and the slot (410) of the loading body (402) may be rotatable around the stent retaining member (260).
