A device and a method for providing a stentfor implantation into a body lumen are provided, whereinthe stent (3) has a proximal end (31) and a distal end (32),between which a stent lumen having a compressible diameterd extends. The device comprises a crimping apparatus(4), having elements (40) which are disposed about an axisand can be moved at least partially relative to each other radiallyto the axis, and an activator (42) for actuating thecrimping apparatus (4). The elements (40) of the crimpingapparatus comprise the stent (3) and can be moved radiallyby means of the activator (42) from a widened position, inwhich the stent (3) is not crimped, into a closed position, inwhich the diameter d of the stent (3) is compressed. Accordingto the invention, a storage compartment comprising aninert medium or an inert filling is provided, which forms ajacket in which the stent (3) is stored in an inert manner atleast the majority of the time, while the elements (40) enclosethe stent (3) and are moved from the widened positioninto the closed position. The inert jacket can be interruptedduring compression of the stent.
