The present disclosure relates to a device (100) for compressing and releasably connecting a stent (50), in particular the self-expanding stent (50) having a replacement placement heart valve (60) affixed thereto, with retaining means (70) of a delivery catheter system, in particular with retaining means (70) provided in or at a catheter tip (80, 80-1, 80-2) of a delivery catheter system. The loading system (100) comprises fixing means (10) for releasable fixing the stent (50) and centering means (30) connectable to the fixing means (10) for centering the stent (50) fixed to the fixing means (10). The fixing means (10) comprises a cup-shaped element (11) having a rim zone (12) formed inside the cup-shaped element (11) for clamping the stent (50). The centering means (30) comprises a frustoconical housing (31) having an open end (31.2) opposite to the fixing means (10). The housing (31) is configured to compress the stent (50) when the stent (50) is moved through the housing (31).
