A method of deploying a stent includes receiving a delivery system loaded withastent and securing the stent in a compressed arrangement by a stent holdingassemblyincluding first and second holders having a first protective cover disposed atone end forenclosing a first fastening assembly and a second protective cover disposed atone end of thesecond holder for enclosing a second fastening assembly, respectively, thestent coupled tothe first and second holders members by the first and second fasteningassemblies,respectively. The method further includes delivering the stent in an axiallyexpanded and aradially compressed arrangement to an implantation site, retracting the firstand secondprotective covers to expose the first and second fastening assemblies, andactuating the firstand second fastening assemblies such that the stent radially expands to engagean inner wallof a lumen.
