The present invention is a self-expanding stent delivered to the affected site within the human body with a guide wire and hand-manipulable control apparatus. The stent is capable of full expansion only along a pre-determined length of its body with the remainder of the overall length tapering (in substantially conical form) to a fixed connection point with the guide wire. The stent is delivered to the affected area in a covering sheath that has a tip that is capable of penetrating a blockage or obstruction in a vessel such that the stent can be exposed to begin its expansion. Once the obstruction has been opened, the stent can be recaptured or retrieved by pulling it back into the sheath, collapsing the expanded stent, and withdrawing the stent and wire completely from the vessel. The present invention may be coated with a variety of therapeutic agents to aid in the treatment of the damaged tissue.
