A stent delivery system (200) includes a handle (212) having a housing (214) and a spool (222). A pushrod (204) has a proximal end (204P) connected to the housing (214) of the handle (212). A stent (202) is located near a distal end (204D) of the pushrod (204), wherein the handle (212) has a linear length (Y) less than a linear length (X) of the stent (202). A sheath (206) constrains the stent (202) at a distal end (206D) of the sheath (206). A retraction wire (224) is connected to a proximal end (206P) of the sheath (206) and to the spool (222). Retraction of the sheath (206) is accomplished by winding (coiling) the retraction wire (224) around the spool (222). Accordingly, the handle (212) can be much shorter than the stent (202.
