A device and a method for providing a stent for implantation into a body lumen are provided, wherein the stent (3) has a proximal end (31) and a distal end (32), between which a stent lumen having a compressible diameter d extends. The device comprises a crimping apparatus (4), having elements (40) which are disposed about an axis and can be moved at least partially relative to each other radially to the axis, and an activator (42) for actuating the crimping apparatus (4). The elements (40) of the crimping apparatus comprise the stent (3) and can be moved radially by means of the activator (42) from a widened position, in which the stent (3) is not crimped, into a closed position, in which the diameter d of the stent (3) is compressed. According to the invention, a storage compartment comprising an inert medium or an inert filling is provided, which forms a jacket in which the stent (3) is stored in an inert manner at least the majority of the time, while the elements (40) enclose the stent (3) and are moved from the widened position into the closed position. The inert jacket can be interrupted during compression of the stent.
