A method and apparatus for reducing the longitudinal aspect of the catheter tostent force comprises at least one grip member for use with a stent deliverysystem. The grip engages a stent in the unexpanded state prior to delivery ofthe stent by retracting a stent retaining sheath. The grip comprises a bodyregion having an outer diameter, a first end and a second end. The outerdiameter of the first end is greater than the outer diameter of the secondend. The grip is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material.
