An apparatus (10) for deployment and retrieval of a self-expanding intravascular stent (12) includes an intravascular delivery wire (14) and one or more rings (16) of compliant material fixedly mounted over at least a portion of the intravascular delivery wire. The distal portion of the intravascular delivery wire can be stepped, having a smaller diameter than the proximal portion, and forming a hard stop. Distal and proximal bands can also be provided on the intravascular delivery wire to form hard stops. A self-expanding intravascular stent can releasably retained on the compliant material.
