A medical device for delivery of a self-expanding stent comprises a catheterassembly (10) having a catheter shaft (12) and a self-expanding stent (30)disposed thereabout. A retractable sheath (40) is disposed about the cathetershaft and the stent. The retractable sheath retains the stent in a reduceddiameter condition prior to delivery. A retractable membrane (60) is alsodisposed about the catheter shaft and the stent prior to delivery. Prior todelivery a first portion (64) of the membrane is positioned between the stentand the retractable sheath. A second portion (66) of the retractable membraneextends from the first portion and is positioned radially external of theretractable sheath. The retractable sheath and the retractable membrane areindependently moveable relative to one another.
