The invention relates to a device for releasing a self-expandable medical functional element (10), in particular a stent, in a hollow organ, comprising a tubular-shaped supply device (11) and guiding means (12) which are arranged in such a manner that they can be displaced axially in the supply device (11), said guiding means having distal and proximal retaining elements (13, 14) which can be connected in a detachable manner to the distal and proximal ends (10a, 10b) of the functional elements (10). At least one retaining element (13, 14) is adapted such that at least one end (10a, 10b) of the functional element (10) can be displaced axially in relation to the guiding means (12). The invention is characterised in that the proximal and/or distal end (10a, 10b) of the functional element (10) is subjected to a spring force which, at least during release, counteracts the longitudinal contraction of the functional element (10) resulting from the radial expansion.
